Sayil, Maya archaeological site in Oxkutzcab, Mexico
Sayil is an archaeological site with several building groups spread across the landscape. The center features large palaces that rise across multiple levels and contain numerous rooms for different purposes.
This place developed from the early Maya period into a major settlement center. Later the site was abandoned and the structures remained hidden beneath vegetation for centuries.
The structures here show the Puuc style with limestone walls and geometric patterns on the upper wall surfaces. This building approach shapes how the place looks and gives a sense of how residents once decorated their surroundings.
The site is easy to explore on foot, with plenty of space between the different building groups. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and expect uneven ground, as some paths go over old steps and raised areas.
Excavations between 1983 and 1988 uncovered thousands of ceramic pieces that show how residents lived and spent their time. These objects tell quiet stories about daily activities in the settlement.
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