La Blanca, Maya archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala
La Blanca is an archaeological site in Petén with multiple stone structures from the Maya Classic period. The complex features an Akropolis with preserved ground surfaces, pyramid temples, and a throne building decorated with red paint and hieroglyphic carvings.
The site was inhabited between approximately 600 and 900 AD and shows significant architectural changes across this period. In the early 8th century, residents deliberately concealed an important building beneath a large underground chamber, revealing how construction practices and space use evolved.
A five-meter-long stone mosaic displays deities and serpent heads with celestial symbols, showing how artists here mixed different regional styles. This kind of carving tells us something about what the people valued and how they connected to distant communities.
The site is reached via an unpaved road branching from the main route toward Tikal, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Plan your visit during the dry months from December through April, when paths are easiest to navigate and weather is most stable.
A throne room with red-painted walls and hieroglyphic murals depicting human figures remains largely intact, offering a rare look at how rulers displayed power. This decorated space shows visitors exactly where ceremonies and political decisions took place within the complex.
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