Cancuén

The archaeological complex spans across 3 square miles, featuring a massive palace with 200 rooms, 12 patios, and 20-foot-high arched ceilings.

Discovered in 1905 by Teoberto Maler, the site remained unexplored until 1967 when Harvard University students uncovered the extensive Mayan palace structures.

The site served as a major trade center during the Classic Period, specializing in the exchange of valuable materials like jade, pyrite, and obsidian.

The palace walls measure 1.8 meters in thickness and the central structure covers 23,000 square meters of architectural space.

Unlike other Mayan cities, Cancuén lacks large temple pyramids due to its proximity to the Candelaria caves, which served religious ceremonial purposes.

Location: Sayaxché

GPS coordinates: 16.01233,-90.04326

Latest update: March 3, 2025 06:01