By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

A sizable portion of the Maya civilization was located in the Yucatan Peninsula, modern-day Guatemala, Belize, parts of the Mexican states of Tabasco and Chiapas, the western part of Honduras, and El Salvador. Today, a large number of pyramid temples and other structures, including stelae, aqueducts, and enormous paved roads, are scattered throughout the lush tropical jungle, concealed by a particular mystique.

Nowadays, Mesoamerica can be found in a variety of architectural styles. The Mayas never established a single empire and lived in autonomous city-states. As a result, different regions have different temple traits and construction techniques. But among the various Mayan towns spread throughout Mesoamerica, one can clearly see a major architectural impact from the various pre-Hispanic civilizations. The Maya erected the majority of their pyramids as temples to their gods. Some of them have sanctuaries on their summits where people perform important rituals and ceremonies.

The Maya culture, which dates back 5,000 years, is still visible in the ruins they left behind. The still-standing buildings serve as a tangible reminder of their affluent way of life. The intriguing history of the Mayan temples, stelae, and pottery artifacts draws tourists from all over the world. In addition to being excellent architects, the Maya were also exceptional astrologers, agronomists, and mathematicians. They also invented a remarkable writing system (Mayan hieroglyphs) as well as an astonishingly precise calendrical cycle.

Main Maya Pyramids in Yucatan Peninsula

1. Tikal Pyramid Temples

One of the key Mayan sites, occupied from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D., is located in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation. The ceremonial center is home to magnificent temples, palaces, and ramp-accessible public areas. The surrounding area is littered with the remains of homes.

Numerous buildings, carved monuments, and other artifacts bearing witness to highly developed technical, intellectual, and artistic achievements have been found. These developments date from the first settlers' arrival (800 B.C.) to the last phases of historic occupation, which occurred around the year 900. Tikal has improved our knowledge of both a remarkable past civilization and more general cultural evolution. The Great Plaza, the Lost World Complex, and the Twin Pyramid Complexes, as well as ball courts and irrigation structures, are just a few notable locations that showcase the diversity and beauty of architectural and sculptural ensembles performing ceremonial, administrative, and residential roles.

After decades of archeological excavation, only a small portion of the thousands of ancient structures at Tikal have been excavated. The six enormous pyramids designated Temples I through VI, each of which supports a temple complex on its summit, are the most notable remaining structures. Some of these pyramids reach heights of more than 60 meters (200 feet). During the initial site survey, they were numbered in order. Each of these significant temples may have been constructed in as little as two years, according to estimates.

There are several significant pyramid temples at Tikal. Here's some information about a few of the most prominent ones:

• Temple I: Also known as the Temple of the Great Jaguar, Temple I is a funerary pyramid dedicated to Jasaw Chan K'awiil, who was entombed in the structure in AD 734, the pyramid's construction having been completed for this event. This temple is approximately 47 meters high.

• Temple II: Known as the Temple of the Mask, it was built around AD 700 and stands 38 meters high. Temple II is located on the west side of the Great Plaza, opposite Temple I, and it's believed that it's dedicated to the wife of Jasaw Chan K'awiil.

• Temple III: The Temple of the Jaguar Priest, Temple III, stands 55 meters tall and was likely finished around AD 810. An elaborate roof comb once adorned this temple, though much of it has since collapsed.

• Temple IV: The tallest pyramid in Tikal and the second tallest Maya structure in existence, Temple IV, or the Temple of the Double-Headed Serpent, stands at a whopping 70 meters tall. It was built around AD 741 by the ruler Yik'in Chan K'awiil.

• Temple V: Temple V stands 57 meters high and was likely completed between AD 550 and 650. The identity of the person for whom it was built is currently unknown.

• Temple VI: Also known as the Temple of the Inscriptions, it contains a lengthy hieroglyphic text important to the study of Maya history and is about 12 meters high.

Each of these temples has its own unique architectural and historical features, and all of them contribute to our understanding of the ancient Maya civilization.

2. El Mirador/La Danta

El Mirador is another significant ancient Maya archaeological site located in the northern Petén region of Guatemala, like Tikal. It's particularly well-known for its large structures, including the massive La Danta complex.

La Danta is one of the world's largest pyramids by volume, although it doesn't reach the heights of the Egyptian pyramids. La Danta measures approximately 72 meters (236 feet) high. However, because it's built on a platform that's already elevated, its top is some 230 meters (754 feet) above the level of the plaza.

The base of the La Danta complex covers over 2.1 hectares (5.2 acres). When considering the total volume of the complex, including the underlying and adjacent platforms, it's one of the most massive ancient structures in the world. Some estimates put its total volume at over 2.8 million cubic meters.

The structure of La Danta is made of cut stone, covered in stucco, and its platforms are supported by retaining walls of rock fill. The pyramid is part of a sprawling complex with multiple plazas, terraces, and smaller buildings. It's a typical example of the triadic style, popular in the Preclassic Maya period, which features a central structure flanked by two smaller inward-facing buildings, all mounted upon a single basal platform.

El Mirador flourished during the Late Preclassic period (around 300 BC to AD 100) and was one of the largest cities of ancient Maya civilization during this time. Although it had largely fallen into obscurity by the time of the Classic period (AD 250–900), when Tikal rose to prominence, it was a significant hub of culture, commerce, and local politics.

The site was rediscovered in 1926 and named El Mirador (The Lookout) because of its high altitude relative to the surrounding terrain. It's been the focus of extensive archaeological investigation, and efforts have been made to make the site more accessible for tourism. However, its remote jungle location makes access challenging, and it remains less well-known and less visited than some other Maya sites.

3. calakmul

Calakmul is another significant Maya archaeological site, located in the Mexican state of Campeche, deep in the jungles of the greater Petén Basin region. It is situated within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, close to the Guatemalan border. Calakmul was one of the largest and most powerful ancient cities in Maya history.

Discovered under a late-period temple are some of the most stunning murals ever seen in the Maya world. There are at least eight Sacbe (white stone roads) that have been identified in the archeological zone.

The city was first established around 500 BC and reached its peak during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization, from AD 250 to 900. At its height, Calakmul is believed to have had a population of over 50,000 people, and its influence would have extended to many smaller nearby communities.

Calakmul was established atop a small natural plateau surrounded by a savannah, deep within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, and about 22 miles (35 kilometers) from the Guatemalan border. A system of canals and aguades supplied water. With a population of about 50,000 and over a million people under its political influence, it was one of the biggest and most powerful city-states in the Maya world.

Unlike many other Maya cities, Calakmul was never completely abandoned. While its political power waned at the end of the Classic period, it remained a place of activity and habitation up until the time of the Spanish conquest.

Here are a few key points about Calakmul:

Architecture and Layout

Calakmul is known for its great plaza and over 6,750 ancient structures, the largest of which is the great pyramid at the site, Structure 2. This pyramid is over 45 meters (148 feet) high, making it one of the tallest of the Maya pyramids. There are two tombs inside the pyramid with murals that are of great significance to Maya archaeologists.

The city is divided into roughly two halves by a series of reservoirs. The northern half appears to be the older part of the city, while the southern half, built later, is more grid-like in its layout.

Stelae and Monuments

Calakmul was a significant center of power, as evidenced by the large number of stelae found at the site. Stelae are large stone slabs, often carved with images and text. Calakmul has over 120 of these stelae, many of which portray the city's rulers and record their accomplishments.

The city of Calakmul is made up of a number of plaza groups centered on the Central/Grand Plaza and aligned with the four cardinal directions. These buildings are part of the Central Plaza Group: II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The enormous pyramid or temple known as Structure II at Calakmul is unquestionably the site's most magnificent building. It is located on the plaza's south side. It took many centuries and multiple expansions for this tower to reach its final height of about 150 feet (50 meters), making it the tallest and largest building in the Maya civilization. The diameter of its base is more than 400 feet (130 meters).

Structure VI, Structure VII, and Structure IV are all situated on the plaza's west, north, and east sides, respectively. The "E Group" is made up of structures IV and VI, which are assumed to have served as astronomical markers for the equinoxes and solstices.

Structure Is a solitary structure that is situated south of the Central/Great Plaza. At a height of 130 feet, it is the second-highest pyramid in the area (40 meters). The pyramid is supported on a platform that extends 328 feet (100 meters) on each side.

The ball court lies to the north of Structure XIII. It is a 26-foot-tall, four-story, pyramid-shaped platform (8 meters). The platform foundation is 141 feet (43 meters). A two-story building is located atop the pyramid's peak and is reached by a central stairway. The edifice was built in the eighth century, according to a number of stelae that are present here.

The site of Calakmul was rediscovered in 1931, and archaeological work has been ongoing since the 1980s. In 2002, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both for its cultural significance and because of its location within the protected Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

Visiting Calakmul today involves a fairly lengthy trip into the jungle, but visitors are rewarded with impressive ruins and the rich biodiversity of the surrounding reserve.

4. Dzibanche - Kinichná

North of the Kohunlich ruins is a significant archaeological area called Dzibanche. The name, which in Yucatec Maya means "writing on wood," was given to a wooden support lintel covered in glyphs that was discovered in one of the temples. The site spans 7.7 square miles (20 square kilometers) in size, although the central region is significantly smaller and more accessible. 40 000 people are thought to have lived there at its peak population.

The site was occupied from around 200 BC to AD 900, flourishing during the Late Classic period (600–900 AD).

The site features several plazas and a number of large temple pyramids. The most impressive among these is the Temple of the Captives, which gets its name from the various carved figures found in the temple that appear to be bound captives. Another significant structure is the Temple of the Lintels, which is named for its above-mentioned inscribed wooden lintels, an unusual feature in Maya architecture.

The site is home to four major groups that are dispersed over a vast area. Dzibanche, Kinichna, Tutil, and Lamay are the names of the groups. The Lamay Group can be viewed on the left side of the road on the approach to Dzibanche, although only Dzibanche and Kinichna are accessible to the general public. Causeways made of elevated white stone known as sacbeob connect these groups. The most significant municipal and ceremonial buildings at the site are found in Dzibanche.

The main building, known as the Temple of the Cormorants, is situated on the east side. Its Teotihuacan talud-tablero architecture makes it the tallest pyramid at the location. This edifice has several friezes attached to it. The base of this multi-tiered pyramid contains a masonry-built superstructure. The plaza level is reached by an outstanding central staircase that ascends to the summit temple. The multi-chambered temple's three entrances are divided between two pillars.

The Xibalba Plaza may be seen from the back of the Temple of the Cormorants, which is situated next to it. It can be reached by stairs on the building's northwest side. The focal point of this plaza complex is the Temple of the Owl, Structure I. It is a massive pyramid with Peten-style construction. A wide, central staircase ascends to a temple with numerous chambers. Via interior stairs, a tomb of a powerful woman from the late 5th century was discovered here.

Kinichna is located close to Dzibanche and is often visited in conjunction with it. Its most notable structure is a massive pyramid, believed to have been a royal residential complex. This pyramid, which visitors can climb, offers views over the surrounding jungle.

The name "Kinichna" means "House of the Sun" in Mayan. This site dates to the same period as Dzibanche, and there may have been close connections between the two cities.

The Kinichna Group is situated along a side road and behind the visitor center. The main building is a massive platform base with a three-level acropolis within it. It is a striking early classical building surrounded by trees in a tiny plaza with low platforms in front of it. There were two royal graves inside the building. A stucco Kin/Sun sign on the back of this building serves as the group's moniker. It was worth the quick drive.

The general public cannot access the Lamay group. Its main body is supported by a tall platform foundation. To the south of Dzibanche is where you'll find the Tutil Group. The Temple of the Paired Pilasters, the principal building, exemplifies peculiar Rio Bec-style architecture.

Archaeological excavation and restoration work at Dzibanche and Kinichna started in the late 20th century, and both sites have been opened to tourism. However, due to their remote locations in the dense jungle of Quintana Roo, they are less frequently visited than some of the more famous sites in Yucatan, such as Tulum or Chichen Itza. This can make a visit to Dzibanche and Kinichna a unique experience, offering a sense of the grandeur and mystery of the ancient Maya civilization without the crowds found at more accessible sites.

5. KOCHUNLICH

Kohunlich is a large archaeological site of the ancient Maya civilization, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatán Peninsula. The city was first settled around 200 BC, but most of the buildings now visible were built in the Early Classic Period, from about AD 250 to 600.

The site was originally named by archaeologists after the nearby modern town of X-làabch'e'en, which means "old water" in the Maya language. The current name, Kohunlich, is a corruption of the English name "Cohoon Ridge," referring to the cohoon palm, a local tree species.

Kohunlich covers about 21 acres and surrounds a central plaza. The city's buildings were constructed from limestone, and many of them are quite well preserved. One of the most famous structures at the site is the Temple of the Masks, which gets its name from the large stucco masks that decorate its facade. These masks, each over 1.5 meters high, are remarkably well preserved, offering a unique insight into ancient Maya art and symbolism.

Other significant structures at Kohunlich include the Palace of the Stelae, the Plaza of the Acropolis, and the Plaza of the Stepped Pyramids. The city also has a number of residential buildings, showing that it was once a thriving urban center.

Kohunlich is particularly notable for its well-preserved residential area and its advanced system of urban design and water management. The city includes a number of large platforms that were once topped by residential buildings, indicating that it was home to a substantial population. The city's inhabitants also created an intricate system of channels and cisterns to control the flow of water and conserve it during the dry season.

Present Status: Kohunlich is relatively off the beaten path compared to more famous sites like Chichen Itza or Tulum, but it's a notable destination for those interested in Maya archaeology and history. The site is situated in a lush jungle setting, which adds to its appeal, and the preservation of its structures offers a vivid glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization.

The exact peak and decline periods of Kohunlich are still not definitively known, and the site continues to be an important focus of ongoing archaeological research.

6. COBA PYRAMIDS

Coba is an ancient Mayan city located in Quintana Roo state on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It was a major urban center during the Classic Period of Mayan civilization, which spanned from about 250 to 900 AD. At its peak, Coba may have had a population of over 50,000 people.

Key structures and features in Coba:

Nohoch Mul Pyramid: This is the tallest pyramid in Coba and one of the tallest in the Yucatán Peninsula, standing at about 42 meters (137 feet) high. It is also known as the "Great Pyramid.". A steep 120-step climb to the top of Nohoch Mul provides an expansive view of the surrounding jungle. Unlike many ancient sites in Mexico, as of my knowledge, as of September 2021, visitors are still allowed to climb this pyramid. However, rules can change, so it's best to check the current situation before planning a visit.

Other Structures: The city of Coba includes several large pyramid structures and a variety of other buildings. There's the Church (La Iglesia), the second-tallest structure in Coba; the Ball Court (Juego de Pelota), where Mayans used to play a ceremonial ball game; and the Paintings Group (Grupo de las Pinturas), named for the traces of colored murals found there. There's also a series of raised stone paths known as sacbeob (plural of sacbe) that connect the central areas of the city to outlying structures and nearby cities.

Sacbeob (White Roads): One of the distinctive features of Coba is its network of sacbeob, or "white roads.". These raised causeways were built of stone and covered in white plaster, and they connected the various parts of the city and linked Coba to other Mayan sites in the region. The longest sacbe in Coba extends over 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the site of Yaxuna. These sacbeobs are a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Maya.

Stelae: Coba is known for its large stone slabs, known as stelae, which are carved with glyphs and images. These stelae were often used to commemorate significant events or the lives of important individuals.

In 1973, Cobá's archeological site was finally made accessible to the general public. Although there are thought to be 6,000 structures there, only three communities are accessible to the general public. Coba is not a single site like Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, or even Tulum; rather, it is a huge collection of monuments linked by more than 16 Mayan ceremonial "white roads" (sacbéob), all of which are related to the central pyramid.

The group that is furthest away from the entryway is the Nohoch Group. The reason it is featured here first is because this group includes Ixmoja, the highest pyramid at Coba, which is around 138 feet (42 meters) tall. The highest pyramid in northern Yucatan is reached after a dizzying 112 stairs (others claim 130).

La Iglesia, or the Church, is the most significant of the buildings that have been unearthed and consolidated in the Acropolis. La Iglesia, Structure B-1, which has a height of over 72 feet (24 meters) and was constructed and added upon over several centuries beginning in the Early Classic, is the second tallest pyramid at the location. It has nine tiers and a tiny post-classic temple on top. It is located at the rear of Courtyard A, an open courtyard that faces west and overlooks the plaza and Lake Coba. Regrettably, climbing the pyramid is no longer possible.

The Paintings Group, which is predominately Post-Classic (1100–1450 A.D.), includes East Coast-style buildings like those in Tulum, Mayapan, and Chichen Itza. It has many buildings, the greatest of which is the Temple of the Paintings, Structure 1, which is gathered around a single plaza. It is a pyramidal building on the east side of the plaza that is topped by a tiny temple that has remnants of painted paintings. It stands 26 feet (8 meters) tall. The temple has a single room with two entryways on the west side serving as its main access points. On the north and south sides, there are other single entryways that can be observed.

A sizable plaza that is a component of the D Group is located just beyond the Ball Court. Several sacbeobs enter and go from this area. The main building, called Xai'be, is located at the east end of the plaza and means "crossroads" in Yucatec Maya. This four-tiered, conical-shaped structure with two medial moldings has been tastefully repaired. On the west side of the building, there is a staircase. A covered stela is situated in front of the staircase. It is incorrect to call this building an observatory.

Today, Coba is a popular tourist destination. Its remote location and extensive ruins make it a great spot for those interested in Mayan history and culture. The site is surrounded by two large lagoons, and the city's ruins are interspersed with dense jungle, adding to its beauty. The site also has a visitor center, which offers more information about the city and its history.

Coba remains an active site for archaeological research, with many structures still partially unexcavated or undiscovered, leaving much about the site and its history to be learned.

7. cerros ruins

Cerros is a significant archaeological site associated with the ancient Maya civilization, located in northern Belize. Situated in Corozal Bay, it's notable for its pyramids, some of the earliest identified in the Maya world, which makes it a key site for understanding the transition from the Preclassic Period (2000 BC to AD 250) to the Classic Period (AD 250 to 900) of Maya history.

Historical Significance

Cerros was inhabited from about 400 BC to AD 400. The city reached its peak during the Late Preclassic Period, from around 50 BC to AD 150, during which time its population increased significantly and many of its most notable buildings were constructed.

This was a time of major social and political change in the Maya world. It is believed that a new religious ideology related to the worship of the Maya maize god was spreading throughout the region. The leaders of Cerros appear to have embraced this new ideology and used it to legitimize their authority, which is reflected in the city's architecture.

Main Structures

Cerros features several large pyramid temples, some of which are arranged around a central plaza. The largest of these is Structure 5C-2nd, which stands about 16 meters (52 feet) high. This pyramid is notable for its elaborate masks and other carvings, many of which represent aspects of Maya cosmology and the agricultural cycle.

Another significant structure at Cerros is the so-called "Temple of the Sacrificial Burial," which contains the tomb of a high-status individual. Many valuable artifacts were found in this tomb, including jade jewelry, ceramics, and shell inlays.

Decline and Abandonment

After about AD 150, the population of Cerros began to decline. By AD 400, the city had been largely abandoned. It's unclear why this happened, but it may have been due to a combination of political, economic, and environmental factors.

Today, Cerros is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore its ancient pyramids and plazas, learn about its history, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. The site also provides important insights into the early development of Maya civilization and the spread of new religious and political ideas during the Preclassic Period.

8. lamanai ruins

Lamanai is a significant archaeological site of the ancient Maya civilization located in Belize, Central America. The site lies along the banks of the New River Lagoon and was continuously occupied for over 3,000 years, from around 1500 BC to the 17th century AD, which is unusually long for a Mesoamerican site.

The name Lamanai comes from the Maya term "Lama'an/ayin," which translates to "submerged crocodile." Given that there are several crocodiles living in the surrounding tropical rainforest, this name is appropriate.

Here are some highlights of Lamanai:

High Temple (N10-43): Also known as the Temple of the Jaguar, this is the tallest structure at Lamanai, reaching a height of approximately 33 meters (108 feet). From the top, you can get a stunning view of the surrounding jungle and the New River Lagoon.

Mask Temple (N9-56): Named for the enormous 13-foot stone masks that adorn it, this temple is among the site's most famous structures. The masks are believed to represent ancient Maya rulers deified as gods.

Jaguar Temple (N10–9): This temple is named for the boxy jaguar masks that decorate its base. These are the first known examples of Maya art to depict the jaguar, an animal that was considered sacred by the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures.

Residential and Public Structures: Besides the temples, Lamanai also includes various residential structures, plazas, a ball court for playing the Maya ball game, and a few Christian artifacts, including the remnants of two Spanish churches and a sugar mill, evidencing Spanish colonial presence in the area.

The Stele: Lamanai is home to the second-longest known text in the country, inscribed on a giant slab of stone known as a stela. These inscriptions provide valuable information about the city's history.

Lamanai's remote jungle setting, combined with the impressive ruins and the opportunity to see a wide array of wildlife, make it a popular destination for tourists.

Unlike some other Maya sites, much of Lamanai has yet to be uncovered, which makes it an important site for ongoing archaeological research. The site's long period of occupation provides an extended record of the evolution of Maya culture and society.

9. becan ruins

Becán is an ancient Maya archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Campeche on the Yucatan Peninsula. The site was occupied from around 550 BC to AD 1200, but it reached its peak during the Late Classic period (AD 600–900). The name "Becán" is from the Yucatec Maya language and means "path of the serpent".

Site Layout and Architecture

Becán covers about 25 hectares and is surrounded by a moat, making it unique among Mayan sites. The moat is believed to have been both a defense mechanism and a symbol of Becán's political independence. Within the moat, the site is divided into several architecturally impressive complexes that include plazas, platforms, temples, and palaces.

The core of Becán consists of three main plazas, known as Plaza A, Plaza B, and Plaza C. Plaza B, the largest of the three, is surrounded by several impressive structures, including a large pyramid known as Structure IX (also referred to as Temple 9). This structure is about 32 meters (105 feet) tall and is one of the highest in the Rio Grande region.

Significant Features and Artifacts

One of the most significant structures at Becán is a tall pyramid temple known as Structure IX. This temple, which has been partially restored, is an excellent example of the Rio Bec architectural style, characterized by tall, narrow towers and elaborate façades.

Becán is also known for its stelae, carved stone monuments that were commonly erected in Maya cities. The stelae at Becán often depict the city's rulers and record significant events in their reigns.

Historical Importance and Modern Exploration

Becán was an important regional capital in the Rio Bec region during the Late Classic period. Its strategic location and defensive fortifications suggest that it was a significant political and military center.

Becán was first excavated by archaeologists in the 1930s, and significant research was conducted at the site in the 1970s. Despite these efforts, much of the site remains unexcavated, and there is still a lot to learn about its history and the people who lived there.

Today, Becán is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. Visitors can explore the site's impressive ruins, walk the ancient city's causeways, and climb to the top of Structure IX for a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle.

10. balakmu Ruins

Balamku is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization located in the Mexican state of Campeche, on the Yucatan Peninsula. The name Balamku means "Jaguar Temple" in the Yucatec Maya language.

Balamku was occupied from around 300 BC to AD 1000, with its peak in the Late Classic Period (AD 600–900), like many other cities in the region.

Significant Structures

The site features several pyramid structures and plazas, the most famous being the "Temple of the Three Lintels.". However, Balamku's most significant feature is a well-preserved frieze discovered in 1990 in one of its buildings, named Structure I.

This frieze is one of the longest and best-preserved stucco friezes in the Maya world. It extends about 16.8 meters (55 feet) in length and stands about 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) tall. The frieze features a series of 20 complex figures depicting the Maya creation myth and the establishment of rulership, all of which are represented within the mouth of a giant monster, often interpreted as the entrance to the underworld.

Archaeological Importance

Balamku's well-preserved frieze provides important insights into Maya cosmology, mythology, and the ideology of kingship. It's considered a key piece of evidence for understanding the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Maya.

Despite the significance of the frieze, much of Balamku remains unexplored, and the site continues to be an area of interest for archaeologists studying the Maya civilization.

Today, Balamku is open to the public and offers visitors the chance to see its extraordinary frieze and other ruins firsthand. It's less visited than larger, more famous Maya sites like Chichen Itza or Tulum, offering a quieter, more secluded experience. Visitors should be aware that, due to its relative remoteness, facilities at Balamku are somewhat limited.

11. COPAN RUINS

Copán is one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization, located in western Honduras near the border with Guatemala. It was one of the most important cities of the Maya world, as well as one of the most beautiful, known for the intricacy of its art and the sophistication of its architecture and urban design.

Copán was occupied for more than two thousand years, from the Early Preclassic period (1500–900 BC) to the Postclassic period (AD 900–1500). The city reached its peak during the Classic period (AD 250–900), when it was the capital of a major Maya kingdom.

Hieroglyphic Stairway

One of the most impressive features of Copán is its hieroglyphic staircase, the longest text of ancient Maya hieroglyphic script ever discovered. The stairway is made up of thousands of individual glyphs, which together tell the dynastic history of the royal house of Copán.

Stelae

Copán is also known for its stelae—large stone slabs often covered with carvings and hieroglyphic text. The stelae at Copán are particularly noteworthy for their detailed and beautifully carved portraits of the city's rulers. Stela H, also known as the "Monument of the Moon," is one of the most famous of these, featuring a portrait of the 13th ruler of Copán, Waxaklajuun Ub'aah K'awiil.

Ball Court

The ball court at Copán is one of the largest and most impressive in the Maya world. The playing alley is flanked by sloping walls covered with intricate carvings, and the court is surrounded by a number of important buildings, including the Popol Nah (Council House).

Altar Q

This unique artifact is an important source of historical information about the site. The square-shaped altar is covered with the portraits of 16 rulers of Copán, depicted in chronological order.

Modern Exploration and Preservation

The ruins of Copán were rediscovered in the 19th century and have since been extensively studied and restored. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Honduras.

Despite extensive archaeological work, much of Copán remains unexcavated, and the site continues to be an important focus of ongoing research into the Maya civilization.