See Cozumel’s Maya Sun Phenomenon at El Caracol

COZUMEL, Mexico — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) is inviting the community and visitors to witness an archeoastronomical phenomenon at the Punta Sur Ecotourism Park. This impressive visual effect validates the extensive understanding the Maya had of the sun's cycles and how they were reflected through pre-Hispanic architecture.

The foundation's director general, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, emphasized that the FPMC promotes cultural activities to strengthen identity and pride in local origins within the context of the New Agreement for Wellbeing and Development of Quintana Roo, an initiative being promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa.

When and Where to See the El Caracol Archeoastronomical Phenomenon

To witness the archeoastronomical phenomenon at the Punta Sur Ecotourism Park, the event is scheduled for August 28 at 6:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience this major visual spectacle, which occurs once a year.

Jesús Benavides Andrade, the director of Punta Sur, detailed that this phenomenon is visible during sunsets in April and August and at sunrises in February and October. It occurs when the upper window of the support structure of the pre-Hispanic building's dome, known as El Caracol, is aligned with the sun. This construction, which dates back to the late Postclassic period (1200-1500 AD), is believed to have been used as a reference point for navigation by ancient Maya sailors.

Activities at the El Caracol Archeoastronomical Phenomenon

In addition to witnessing this cultural and natural spectacle, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in conversations about the environment and visit the observation tower near the X'tacún lagoon. This experience becomes a unique opportunity to enjoy history, nature, and science with friends and family.

The FPMC once again invites the public to witness the El Caracol archeoastronomical phenomenon, which will take place in Punta Sur on Thursday, August 28 at 18:00 hours. Admission is free of charge, though the event is dependent on weather conditions.