Becan

The name Becan was bestowed on the site by archaeologists who rediscovered the site, meaning “ravine or canyon formed by water” in Yukatek Maya, after the site’s most prominent and unusual feature, its surrounding ditch.

The site was first documented in the archaeological literature in 1934 by archaeologists Karl Ruppert and John Denison on an expedition to the region sponsored by the Carnegie Institution of Washington, who named it “Becan” after the conspicuous ditch surrounding the center of the city.

The ancient name of the site is not known.

Archaeological evidence shows that Becan was occupied in the middle Preclassic Maya period, about 550 BCE, and grew to a major population and ceremonial center a few hundred years later in the late Preclassic.

The population and scale of construction declined in the early classic (c 250 CE), although it was still a significant site, and trade goods from Teotihuacan have been found. A ditch and ramparts were constructed around the site at this time.

There is a ditch that runs the circumference of the city which covers approximately 25 hectares (61.7 acres).

Around 500 the population again increased dramatically and many large new buildings were constructed, mostly in the Rio Bec style of Maya architecture. Construction of major buildings and elite monuments stopped about 830, although ceramic evidence shows that the site continued to be occupied for some time thereafter, although the population went into decline and Becan was probably abandoned by about 1200.

From 1969 to 1971 archaeological excavations were made at Becan sponsored by Tulane University and the National Geographic Society.

In 1984, while conducting research at the site, one of Mexico’s “most important archeologists”, Román Piña Chán, fell from the pyramid at Becán, becoming paralyzed. On 13 July 2001, at a homage paid to Piña by the National Museum of Anthropology, it was announced that Lucía Campaña, had discovered a pre-Hispanic tomb in the ninth building at the site, the previous day.

From Escarcega

Buses from Escarcega to Xpuhil $8-$25 (2:05 hours) run 4 times a day.
From Xpuhil to Becan in taxi $1-$2 (0:07 min).

From Escarcega to Becan in taxi $25-$30 (2:05 hours).

From Chetumal

Buses from Chetumal to Xpuhil $7-$24 (1:45 hours) run 4 times a day.
From Xpuhil to Becan in taxi $1-$2 (0:07 min).

From Escarcega to Becan in taxi $22-$27 (1:55 hours).

Guided tour

The easiest way to visit Hormiguero and surroundings is reserve a one day guided tour from Chetumal or Escarcega.
There is a lot of local tour agency in Chetumal.

Entrance

Monday through Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entry price: 60 pesos for a person.

Recommendations

Wear light clothing. Hormiguero is in the jungle, so can be hot and muggy.
In the months of June, July and August, it is a good idea to use insect repellent and bring rain gear.

Please plan to arrive at the site one hour before closing in order to have enough time for your visit.

It is possible to combine Becan with a visit to Xpuhil, Rio Bec, Homiguero and Balamku as all 5 sites can be easily visited in one day.

Services

Parking, sale of publications, service unit, toilets.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700