Kohunlich

Welcome to the deep, emerald embrace of the southern Quintana Roo jungle. You have arrived at Kohunlich, a magnificent and remarkably serene ancient Maya city. …

Before we approach the towering pyramids, we must first appreciate the invisible foundation of Kohunlich's success, its astonishing hydraulic engineering. Building a thriving metropolis capable of supporting thousands of people…

We now step into the grand open expanse of Plaza Merwin, named in honor of Raymond Merwin, the American archaeologist who first reported the existence of this site to the outside world in nineteen twelve. This plaza serves as the…

Prepare to witness the absolute jewel of Kohunlich, the solitary and awe inspiring Temple of the Masks. Set apart on a small rise, this structure is believed to be the oldest excavated pyramid on the site, constructed around five…

Leaving the gaze of the Sun God behind, we ascend the broad, west facing stairway that leads up from the Northwest Complex to the commanding heights of the Acropolis. This was not a temple for public worship, but rather a…

Descending from the Acropolis, we walk toward the extreme east end of the plaza, where we find the silent ruins of the ceremonial Ball Court. To the ancient Maya, the ball game, known as Pok ta Pok, was far more than a simple…

For our final major architectural exploration, we venture to the area located furthest from the main entrance, a massive structure simply known as the Twenty Seven Steps. This large, imposing platform is thought to have held the…

As our exploration of Kohunlich draws to a close, we find ourselves back on the shaded, mossy paths, surrounded by the towering Cohune palms that give this magnificent site its modern name. Take a deep breath of the rich, earthy…