Hormiguero, Maya archaeological site in Calakmul, Mexico
Hormiguero is an archaeological site in Calakmul with 84 identified structures arranged along a southwest-to-northeast axis in three main architectural groups. The buildings display typical Maya construction with stone walls and temples that reflect different periods of development.
Occupation began around 300 BCE, with masonry structures appearing in the 5th century and the site reaching its peak between 600-800 CE. This long span shows how Maya building techniques and settlement patterns evolved over more than a thousand years.
The central section of Structure II features a stone doorway with Itzamnaaj serpent designs that reveal how the Maya understood their spiritual world. These carvings remain visible to visitors as direct expressions of religious belief carved into stone.
The site lies about 7 kilometers west of Pueblo Ramal along Highway 269 and is accessible daily. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the jungle surrounds the structures and provides little shade during your visit.
Structure V connects a three-tiered pyramid to a decorated temple featuring rain god masks in an unusual paired design. Few Maya sites show this kind of dual construction joined as a single architectural unit.
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