Natural
Ancienne cité maya et forêts tropicales protégées de Calakmul, Campeche
Photo : Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium (CC BY 2.0)
Located in the state of Campeche in southeastern Mexico, this site encompasses the archaeological remains of an ancient Maya city situated within a protected tropical forest reserve. The archaeological complex of Calakmul represents a significant center of Maya civilization, featuring pyramids, residential structures, and other architectural remains that document the region's pre-Columbian history. The site is distinguished by its integration within a large expanse of tropical forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Mesoamerica, which contains numerous plant and animal species. The combination of archaeological and natural values justifies its recognition as a natural heritage site, reflecting the interconnection between the Maya cultural landscape and its forest environment. The terrain is characterized by dense vegetation typical of tropical lowland forests, with the archaeological structures emerging from the canopy. The preservation of both the cultural remains and the surrounding forest ecosystem makes this location noteworthy for understanding both pre-Hispanic settlement patterns and tropical biodiversity conservation.
