Las Mercedes, Archaeological site in Limón Province, Costa Rica
Las Mercedes is an archaeological site in Limon Province featuring three distinct complexes arranged across elevated terrain. The layout includes raised platforms, open plazas, stone walls, burial grounds, and paved roads connecting these different sections.
The site was discovered in 1871 during railroad construction and shows occupation spanning over 3000 years. Major building projects began around 1000 AD and continued until the settlement was abandoned in the 1500s.
The artwork and figurines scattered across the site reveal how ancient people expressed themselves and their beliefs. These objects show what mattered to the communities who built this place long ago.
The site sits in a densely forested area between two rivers and is best explored on foot. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and wet conditions, as the region receives regular rainfall.
The site was accidentally discovered during railroad construction, suggesting many archaeological treasures remain hidden across the region. This chance find became one of the most important sources for understanding the ancient populations along the Atlantic coast.
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