Kohunlich, Maya ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Kohunlich is an archaeological site with Maya ruins in Quintana Roo that includes temples, plazas, and residential areas spread across the landscape. The Temple of the Masks stands at the center, featuring five large stucco faces depicting the sun god on either side of the main staircase.
The settlement began around 200 BCE and thrived between 250 and 600 CE, when most of the structures were built. This flourishing period saw the construction of the distinctive architecture that made it an important center in the region.
The site displays residential areas and ceremonial platforms that show how the Maya lived and worshipped here together. These spaces reveal how daily life and religious activities were organized in this ancient community.
The site is located inland west of Chetumal and is open during daylight hours for visitors. It helps to arrive early to avoid the afternoon heat and have enough time to explore the various structures at a comfortable pace.
The name comes from an English term referencing the palm trees that grow naturally in the surrounding forest. This unusual naming history reflects how early explorers described the landscape when they discovered these ruins.
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