Xpuhil, Maya archaeological site in Campeche, Mexico.
Xpuhil is a Maya archaeological site in Campeche featuring three prominent towers decorated with detailed stone carvings. The structures spread across multiple building groups containing staircases and chambers that form an interconnected, tightly organized complex.
The settlement flourished between 600 and 900 CE as part of a network of cities controlling trade routes through the region. The site shows features of a prosperous trading hub whose importance declined along with the wider collapse of the classic Maya world.
The buildings show the Rio Bec architectural style, with decorative patterns that reflect how the Maya understood the stars and sacred proportions. When you climb the towers, you notice how the details align with specific celestial events and seasonal changes.
Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water, as the tropical conditions are demanding and shade is scarce. You can spend a full day exploring, and arriving early in the morning helps you avoid the worst of the heat.
The main structure has three towers in an unusual arrangement, with a central tower rising between two identical lateral structures. This symmetric design is rare among Maya complexes and makes the building stand out as an architectural statement.
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