HOCHOB
WHY SHOULD I VISIT IT?
The main structure in Hochob is one of the most representatives in the mayan Chenes area; it is richly decorated with snakes’ jaws complementing a broad frontal mask pretending to be a monstruous mouth. By watching this jaws, one could think about Itzamná "the snake that swallows or absorbs"; George Hubler talks about the posible " descent of the celestial monster".
HOW TO GET THERE?
Departing from Campeche City, you can access the site driving on federal highway 261, 87 kilometers to Hopelchén village, from that point, drive about 40 kilometers to Dzibalchén and take the detour to Chencoh. Drive on the dust way 14 kilometers until you find the site.
HISTORY OF THE SITE
Hochob means in mayan language "place of the corncob". Teobert Maler first knew about the existence of this archaeologycal site, when in 1887 he visited the site and published some photographs in Globus magazine in 1895.
TOURING THE SITE
A rectangular hill of about 30 mts high and a flattened zenith serves as the base of several structures which conform the site. These structures are distributed in three plazas: Plaza I or Main Plaza is limited on the orient by the East Palace or Structure I, on the North by the Main Palace or Structure II, Structure III and an angled platform which turn to the South. On the South side there are four structures joint together on their base.
The East Palace consists of three rooms of 22 mts. Long. Its Central facade is formed by a zoo-morph mask which sorroundes the entrance, and the facades of the edifices on their sides, are smooth with simple horizontal mouldings of two or three elements.
The facade of tne Main Palace or Structure II is divided in three parts, the central one consists of a huge integral mask of Itzamná: it is cross-eyed, and the forehead and eye brows are located above the entrance, with huge ear rings on its sides, and the access are the open jauw of the Monster of the Earth. Its lower jaw has eye teeth. The corners of the edifice are decorated with masks of Chaac’s profile disposed in cascade, and on its upper part there are remains of a crest. The rooms on the sides have parcial zoo-morph masks on the top of the entrance, and this is one of the best examples of the Chenes architectural style.
On the rear of Structure II there are some voids on the ground, whic are the chultunes mouths created by the Mayas to catch, keep and distribute the rain water.
Structure III is characterized by the presence of towers crowned with false temples and simulated stairways as in Río Bec style.
Structures V and VI form a complex of pyramidal temples in both ends of six room edifice. It has a real stariway which lead to the temples, although its slope is strongly marked. The rooms of the temples have archs and their walls are smooth on their top and bottom, they are adorned only by stones over the cornice mouldings, and above them they probably existed stucco sculptures.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Schedule Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 17:00 pm
Visiting time required: 1 hours
Visiting time required departing from Campeche City: 4 hours
Transportation: Bus or car
Recomendation: When visiting Hochob you can programme a visit to the Temple of San Antonio de Padua in Hob}pelchén. It is one of the most beautiful buildings of the XVIII century, it is wood carved.
SERVICES NEARBY
SOFT DRINKS: Chencoh village
RESTAURANTS: Hopechén
LODGING: Hopelchén
GAS STATION: Hopelchén
TELEPHONE: Chencoh and Dzibalchén villages, Hopelchén
MEDICAL SERVICES: Chencoh and Dzibalchén villages
RECOMMENDATION
In Spring and Summer time, wear light clothes because the temperature is over 30 C During June, July and August, use mosquito repellent.
MORE ABOUT HOCHOB
Andrews, George F. "Estilos Regionales: Arquitecturas Río Bec y Chenes". Arqueología Mexicana. 18 (1996): 16-25
Piña Chan, Román. Cultura y Ciudades Mayas de Campeche. México: Gobierno del Estado de Campeche, 1985. 99-106.
Zapata P., Reneé Lorelei. Región Arqueológica del Norte del Estado de Campehce. Tochok, Dzibilnocac, Hochob, Xcavil de Yaxche, Xculoc, Chunhuhub y Santa Rosa Xtampak. Documento inédito preparado para guía periodística. Centro INAH Campehce, 196. 6-7.