Mayan Sun Alignment at Cozumel’s El Caracol Site

Cozumel, Mexico — Local families and visitors gathered at Punta Sur Ecotourism Park this weekend for a rare and awe-inspiring experience: witnessing the sunset align perfectly with the ancient Mayan structure known as El Caracol. Organized by the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC), the event highlighted the remarkable astronomical knowledge of the Maya and offered a deeper connection to the island’s rich cultural heritage.

A Testament to Mayan Ingenuity

Built during the late Postclassic period (1200–1500 AD), El Caracol—named for its conch shell-like dome—is one of the few Mayan structures with a rounded, domed roof, a rare feature in Mesoamerican architecture. Archaeologists believe it served multiple functions, including acting as a navigation aid for Maya traders voyaging along the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula.

At exactly 6 p.m., the crowd watched as the setting sun shone directly through the upper window of the structure—an alignment believed to have been intentionally designed by Mayan architects to mark specific times of the year, possibly related to agricultural or maritime cycles.

Jesús Benavides Andrade, director of Punta Sur Ecotourism Park, explained that events like this remind us of the Maya’s deep understanding of astronomy, navigation, and environmental stewardship—knowledge developed long before modern technology.

More Than Just a Sunset

In addition to the sunset viewing, attendees took part in a guided tour of the nearby X’tacún mound, a site where freshwater springs feed into the surrounding lagoon. These natural springs have historically been vital to the region’s ecology, sustaining the vibrant mangrove ecosystems that are now a focus of environmental preservation efforts.

The event reinforced the FPMC’s dual mission: protecting Cozumel’s natural resources and preserving its cultural legacy for future generations.

A Broader Vision for the Region

The initiative is part of the New Agreement for Wellbeing and Development of Quintana Roo, championed by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, which seeks to make cultural and natural heritage accessible to all citizens. Under this vision, events like these aren’t just tourist attractions—they’re community touchstones that foster pride, education, and a sense of shared identity.

Juanita Alonso Marrufo, general director of the FPMC, encouraged residents and visitors to return for future solar alignments at El Caracol, expected again in August and October, when the sun will align at both dawn and dusk.

“This is a unique chance to reconnect with our roots,” Marrufo said. “It’s an opportunity to marvel at the wisdom and ingenuity of our ancestors, right here in the beauty of our island’s natural landscape.”

With Punta Sur Park’s efforts to blend ecological education and cultural celebration, Cozumel continues to shine not just as a beach destination, but as a living museum of Mexico’s extraordinary past.