Xcambó

Xcambó, meaning “Place of the Maiden” or “Place of the Waning Moon,” lies just 2 km south of San Bruno on Yucatán’s northern coast. It belongs to the Municipality of Dzemul and is surrounded by mangroves, limestone, and sea breezes from the nearby Gulf coast.

Signs direct visitors to “X’tampu,” which is the local name for Xcambó. The “x” is pronounced like “sh,” so it’s “shtam-poo” or “shcam-bow.” For years, locals used the ruins’ stones to build fences, houses, and churches. Now, the site is under restoration.

Xcambó was once a major salt and salted fish distribution hub. It supplied important cities like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, and Izamal with this essential protein. Its location close to the coast made it a strategic economic and ceremonial port.

It sits right off the coastal road between Progreso and Telchac Puerto. From the top of its main pyramid, you can see the coastline and nearby hotels like the Reef Club and Las Tunas. The area is ideal for a short bike ride or a relaxed day trip.

A Catholic church stands within the site itself – built using stones from the ruins. This unique blending of eras highlights Mexico’s cultural duality. On May 19 and 20, locals celebrate their patron saint with festivities right among the pyramids.

Experts believe Xcambó was one of the largest coastal settlements of the Early Classic period. Its structures were built on limestone outcrops and surrounded by thick mangroves, making it both defensive and accessible by water routes.

The city’s importance came from controlling salt production and trade. Salt was critical for food preservation and religious rituals. Xcambó’s coastal location allowed it to thrive as a port for both local needs and interregional commerce.

Religious significance has endured in Xcambó. Today, villagers from Dzemul still make pilgrimages to a chapel built atop one of the ruins, honoring the Virgin Mary under the titles of Our Lady of the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception.

The chapel itself, made from Maya stones, reflects Mexico’s deep religious syncretism – where pre-Hispanic spirituality and Catholic devotion coexist. This blend of traditions gives the site a unique spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

Getting to Xcambó is simple. It’s only a few miles from Hotel Reef Club Yucatán, one of the coast’s few all-inclusive resorts. Adventurous visitors can rent a bike from the hotel and easily reach the site by following the scenic coastal road.

Climb the main pyramid and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Gulf and surrounding area. This elevated spot lets you appreciate Xcambó’s strategic importance and how closely its past connects to the present-day landscape.

The site’s annual patron days fall on May 19 and 20. These dates are marked with local festivities, blending ancient Maya customs with Catholic practices, making it one of the few ruins where spiritual continuity is still actively maintained.

Xcambó is a worthwhile visit for its archaeology, natural beauty, and living cultural traditions.