Chinkultic Archaeological Site

Ancient Maya site with stelae and ballcourt

A Maya site in Chiapas, Chinkultic features dozens of carved stelae, a ballcourt and terraced plazas. Visitors hike jungle trails to inspect hieroglyphs, climb small pyramids and watch swifts over open ceremonial spaces.

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Chinkultic at a Glance#

Address: Chinkultic Archaeological Zone, Ocosingo Municipality, Chiapas, Mexico

Website: https://www.inah.gob.mx/

Hours: Daily 8am-5pm (typical for INAH archaeological sites)

Admission: Entrance fee charged by INAH sites (varies); local guide fees additional

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How to Get to Chinkultic#

Chinkultic is reached by road from Ocosingo in Chiapas. The route includes rural roads and jungle tracks-many visitors join guided tours from Palenque or San Cristóbal de las Casas that handle transport and site entry.

Tips for Visiting Chinkultic#

  • Visit early to avoid heat-late morning sees fewer tour groups.
  • Observe the carved stelae and hieroglyphic panels closely; a guide will point out calendar dates and glyphic names.
  • Wear light, protective clothing-the site is in a sub‑tropical forest environment and insects can be active.

Best Time to Visit Chinkultic#

Best visited in the dry season for trail access and clearer conditions; mornings cooler and better for exploring sculptures and stelae.

Dry season
Nov-Apr · 20-30°C
Easier access and more comfortable walking conditions.
Wet season
May-Oct · 22-32°C
Lush forest surrounds but trails can be slippery; check access after heavy rains.

Weather & Climate near Chinkultic#

Climate

Chinkultic's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 11°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2072 mm/year), wettest in June with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 49 Good
Best Time to Visit
MarchFebruaryApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 11° - 24° 18° 51 mm partly cloudy 75% 2.4 m/s 1.4 high 11.1h
February Excellent 11° - 25° 18° 38 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.5 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
March Excellent 13° - 27° 20° 33 mm some cloud 61% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 14° - 29° 21° 54 mm some cloud 59% 2.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
May Very Good 15° - 29° 22° 138 mm partly cloudy 69% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.8h
June Good 16° - 27° 21° 374 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.0h
July Good 16° - 26° 21° 321 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.9h
August Good 16° - 26° 21° 312 mm partly cloudy 82% 1.9 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.6h
September Good 16° - 26° 21° 356 mm partly cloudy 86% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Good 15° - 25° 20° 234 mm partly cloudy 86% 1.7 m/s 1.8 very high 11.7h
November Very Good 13° - 24° 19° 98 mm partly cloudy 84% 2.0 m/s 1.5 high 11.2h
December Very Good 12° - 24° 18° 63 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h