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Hiking · Campeche, Campeche

Becan Moat Circuit, Rio Bec Route

  • Difficultyeasy
  • DistanceAbout 2.5 km including the moat circuit
  • Duration1.5-2 hours
  • ElevationMoat descent and re-ascent of about 15 m; 30 m climb on Structure IV
  • Rating★ 4.6
  • TransportDirectly beside Federal Highway 186, 6 km west of Xpujil. ADO and Sur buses on the Chetumal-Escarcega corridor stop in Xpujil, and colectivo taxis from the Xpujil crossroads run to the gate for around 40 MXN (approx USD 2).

Becan's trailhead sits directly beside Federal Highway 186, 6 km west of Xpujil, with a car park at the site entrance and daily opening hours of 08:00 to 17:00; ADO and Sur buses serve Xpujil and colectivo taxis run from the crossroads to the gate for a small fare.

Becan is ringed by a two-kilometre defensive ditch, and the walk that follows its inner edge is the best short jungle circuit on the Rio Bec route. The path drops into the dry moat, crosses the ancient causeways and climbs through Structure VIII and the towered Structure IV for a canopy view. Shade is constant and the terrain is easy, which makes this a good first walk for anyone acclimatising before Calakmul. INAH charges about 85 MXN (approx USD 5) for nationals and residents and about 155 MXN (approx USD 9) for foreign visitors; opening hours are 08:00 to 17:00 daily.

Becan's trailhead sits directly beside Federal Highway 186, 6 km west of Xpujil, with a car park at the site entrance and daily opening hours of 08:00 to 17:00; ADO and Sur buses serve Xpujil and colectivo taxis run from the crossroads to the gate for a small fare. The circuit covers about 2.5 km, following the inner edge of the site's two-kilometre defensive ditch before climbing through Structure VIII and the towered Structure IV, with a moat descent and re-ascent of roughly 15 m and a further 30 m climb to the top of Structure IV. The surface is packed earth and stone through the moat, opening onto exposed plaza stone near the structures, with shade constant along most of the ditch walk and only brief sun exposure on the climbs. Landmarks along the route are the ancient causeways crossing the moat and the canopy view from Structure IV, which serves as the natural high point and turn-around for most visitors before the return leg through the plazas. There is no water source or shelter on site beyond the shaded moat sections, so water must be carried in. Becan's easy terrain and short distance make it a popular choice for visitors acclimatising to the heat and humidity of the Rio Bec region before attempting the longer walks at Calakmul.

Trail facts

Trail area
Becan Archaeological Zone, Federal Highway 186, Municipio de Calakmul
Best season
November to March

What to bring

  • Walking shoes with grip
  • 2 litres of water
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun hat for the exposed plazas
  • Cash in pesos

Location

Zona Arqueologica de Becan, km 145 Federal Highway 186, 24640 Xpujil, Campeche, Mexico

18.5133, -89.4664 View on map

Highlights

  • Two-kilometre defensive moat circuit with ancient causeway crossings
  • Canopy view from the top of towered Structure IV
  • Shaded ditch walk suitable as a warm-up before Calakmul
  • Compact site combinable with Chicanna in a single morning

Tips for visiting

  • Pair the visit with nearby Chicanna, only 10 km away, for a half-day of walking
  • Wear shoes with grip for the moat's earth-and-stone descent
  • Bring a sun hat for the exposed plazas around Structures VIII and IV
  • Carry cash in pesos, as INAH does not accept cards at the gate

When to visit

Visit November to March in the early morning for cooler temperatures and softer light over the moat.

Accessibility

The moat descent and structure climbs involve uneven stone and earth steps with no ramps, so the site is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the full circuit take?

Most visitors complete the moat circuit and structure climbs in 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is this a good first stop before Calakmul?

Yes, its short distance and easy terrain make it a common acclimatisation walk before longer hikes at Calakmul.

How do independent travellers reach the site?

ADO and Sur buses on the Chetumal-Escarcega corridor stop in Xpujil, and colectivo taxis from the crossroads run to the gate for around 40 MXN.