Pyramid of La Danta, Ancient Maya pyramid in El Mirador Archaeological Site, Petén Department, Guatemala.
The Pyramid of La Danta is a temple complex in the El Mirador archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala. It rises through several limestone terraces connected by stairways, reaching a height of about 72 meters.
The temple complex was built between the 7th and 4th centuries before Christ and formed the religious center of El Mirador. It was expanded during the late Pre-Classic period, when the city reached its greatest extent.
The structure carries a natural name and shows the link between construction and cosmos in everyday Maya belief. Visitors can read the three-level platform system, which recurs in several ancient cities of the region and creates ritual paths to the summit.
The journey begins with a helicopter from Flores or a two-day trek through jungle from Carmelita that requires a local guide. The climb is steep and demands good physical condition, especially in the humid heat.
The construction volume exceeds that of the Great Pyramid of Giza and includes about 2.8 million cubic meters of material. Much of the structure is covered by vegetation, giving it the appearance of a natural hill.
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