The mysterious past and unique architecture of Cahal Pech
Sitting atop a natural hill high above the banks above the confluence of the Macal and Mopan rivers lay the ruins of one of Belize’s most ancient and unique archaeological sites.
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Beyond Templo Mayor, the archaeological riches of Mexico City
Mexico City is famous for its world-class museums, excellent cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. However, as anyone who has even skimmed the history of this megalopolis knows, its roots trace back further than any other city on its scale in North America. Well before there was Mexico City, also known as CDMX, there was the mighty…
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Video: Exploring the urban ruins of Dzoyilá in Mérida
INAH Yucatán Archaeologist Eunice Uc González knows about the scientific and social importance of the archaeological site known as Dzoyilá Granjas. Despite being on private property, the site is of historical and cultural importance, and efforts to protect it have involved both researchers and the local community. Eunice recounts that the first stage of work…
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The stunning pre-classical ancient city of Altun Há
The ancient city of Altun Há was once one of the most important Mayan cities in Northern Belize. Today it’s among the most visited attractions in this tiny Central American country, especially by cruisegoers arriving at Belize city’s nearby port.
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The many styles and influences of Maya architecture
The Maya are renowned for many achievements, but arguably their most enduring legacy is the remains of their architectural feats. Most folks associate Maya architecture with temples and pyramids, but ballcourts, astronomical observatories and elite residential palaces are often just as impressive. When we throw around the term Maya architecture, we should be talking about…
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New trails and better views of Xlapak’s amazing architecture
Xlapak has long been considered the “lesser” of all the Maya Puuc sites open to the public. Much of this has to do with the fact that for a long time, only a single restored structure was accessible to visitors. But thanks to recent improvements to the site’s infrastructure, new trails have been carved through…
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Monte Alban, lofty stronghold of the mighty Zapotec
Monte Alban was easily among the largest and most influential city-states during early Mesoamerican history. Established by the Zapotec civilization in the 5th century BCE, Monte Alban flourished for 1,500 years. Its eventual collapse coincides roughly with the fall of the great classic Maya city-states of the Petén, such as Tikal, over 800 miles away….
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The most beautiful Maya architectural masks to stand the test of time
From the pyramids at Calakmul to the palace complexes in Uxmal or the ballcourt at Chichén Itzá — the grandeur of Maya archaeological sites — is lost on no one. But despite the awe these formidable examples of ancient architecture inspire, sometimes it’s essential to get close, zoom in, and appreciate the details. Some of the most…
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Tahcabó: An ancient land where time stands still, parrots roam and honey flows
If you asked most people in Yucatán if they have ever heard of Tahcabó, you would unlikely get many nods. But for locals, Tahcabó is far from some random backwater but rather “an ancient gem, uncorrupted by time,” as described by 72-year-old Don Emilio, who has lived in the community of just under 400 people…
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Massive Stone Hieroglyph Panel Sheds New Light on the History of Cobá
The discovery of an extensive stone panel including 123 Maya hieroglyphs sheds light on previously unknown details about the ancient city of Cobá in Quintana Roo. The ancient stones tell of a previously unknown ruler of Cobá who went by the name of K’awiil Ch’ak Chéen. Thus, the K’awiil dynasty, now known to have comprised…
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Yaxhá, the Abandoned Maya Capital on the Green Lake
Atop a ridge overlooking a bountiful lake, Yaxhá grew rapidly to become one of the greatest ancient cities of the Petén during the early Classic period. Belonging to the Maya civilization, Yaxhá is in the municipality of Flores near the Belize border. Yaxhá translates to “green water,” likely making reference to Lake Yaxhá, which the…
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The Ancient Maya ‘Rainbow City’ of Ch’el Still Guards its Secrets
Ch’el is a Maya archaeological site that sits inside a 19th-century hacienda property of the same name. Though it is best known by its contemporary name, Sihunchen, the site’s original name is thought to have been Ch’el — sometimes spelled Che’el or Chéel — which means “rainbow.” The Carnegie Institution conducted an archaeological survey of…
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El Caracol is not easy or cheap, but here’s why we’d go anyway
Caracol is a large ancient Mayan city located in Belize’s Cayo District and just a few kilometers from the Guatemalan border.
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The Temple of Masks: Unveiling Kohunlich’s Mysteries
If you hear howls coming from the nearby jungle, don’t be alarmed. The howler monkeys that inhabit the jungle are very peaceful.
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Xcoch is the Puuc Maya’s diamond in the rough
Exploring the rarely visited Mayan city of Xoch in the Puuc Valley.
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Ek Balam: The City of the Black Jaguar
Explore Ek Balam for its famous Acropolis’ elaborate stucco reliefs, which are some of the most striking and well-preserved examples of artwork in all of Mesoamerica.
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Why is Ancient San Miguelito Cancún’s Obscure Maya Wonder?
Tucked between five-star resorts along Cancún’s hotel zone sits the remains of the prehispanic settlement of San Miguelito.
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The Top 8 Archaeological Sites Near Oaxaca City
The mountains and plains surrounding Oaxaca de Juárez are jam-packed with archaeological sites. Here are eight of our favorites.
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Why Uxmal is Yucatán’s Underrated Gem
Think of Uxmal as the Athens to Chichén Itzá’s Sparta, though this is a useful yet great oversimplification.
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Durango’s Enigmatic La Ferrería is Mesoamerica’s Northernmost Archaeological Site
Part of what makes Mesoamerican archaeology so spectacular is its vast scope. Whether we are talking about architecture, climate, or geology — this amazing region runs the gamut. These extremes are especially evident the further one gets from the regions one often thinks of as the cultural cores of Mesoamerica — for example, the Maya…
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A Very Different Palm Sunday Among The Ruins of Ancient Aké
On Easter Sunday, among the ancient ruins of Aké, The Virgin of Aké was carefully taken from her altar to join the procession in her honor.
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Chichén Itzá’s New Museum Chronicles Thousands of Years of History
The Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá is now open and features artifacts dating from the earliest occupation of the city to its heights under the rule of the Itzá.
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Xtampak, the enigmatic capital of the Chenes region
Santa Rosa Xtampak was first settled by Mayan peoples sometime in the early 4th century BCE. These early settlers likely came from city-states already established at the far southern end of what today is Campeche and Northern Guatemala
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Just Behind Mérida’s Baseball Stadium: The Forgotten Maya City of Dzoyilá
Dzoyilá was known to Spanish conquistadors as far back as the 16th century, who then turned to dismantle its large temples to build their constructions.
That’s all for now
That’s all for now