Chacchoben, Maya archaeological complex in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Chacchoben is a Maya archaeological site in Quintana Roo, Mexico, with several temples and platforms scattered across a forested area. The main structures cluster around a large base, with pathways leading to additional groups of buildings that are partly covered by vegetation and partly cleared for visitors.
The first inhabitants settled around 200 BCE in small hamlets near permanent water sources and gradually built ceremonial platforms. The peak of construction activity occurred during the Early Classic period, when the temples took their current form and the population grew.
The stone platform served as a stage for ceremonies where the community gathered to witness rituals in front of the temples. Pillars still mark the spots where sunlight passed through openings on specific calendar days, signaling the seasons.
The site sits roughly 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) off the junction with Federal Highway 307 Chetumal-Cancún and opens daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Shaded areas and paths are available, but visitors should bring comfortable shoes and water as the terrain is uneven and humidity can be high.
Two stone pillars on the main platform contain openings that direct sunlight to specific spots during the winter solstice. This arrangement shows how precisely the builders observed the movement of the sun and incorporated it into their architecture.
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