Ixkun, Maya archaeological site in Dolores, Guatemala
Ixkun is an ancient Maya settlement near the Mopan River in the karst mountainous landscape of Peten. The site consists of numerous mounds, temples, palaces, and altars scattered across the forest area.
The settlement was a significant kingdom in the upper Mopan Valley during the 8th century. It flourished during a time when multiple Maya states competed across the region.
This settlement served as an important center for the Maya people and shows their ability to build complex communities in this mountainous forest region. You can still see today in the ruins how closely buildings were arranged and what value the residents placed on monumental structures.
The site is remote and is mainly accessible by hiking through forest trails. Visitors should expect uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and humid tropical conditions.
A particularly large stone with carved images and inscriptions stands here and is among the tallest found across the entire region. This stone was erected to record important events and names from Maya history.
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