Xlapak, Archaeological site in Oxkutzcab, Mexico
Xlapak is an archaeological site in the Puuc Hills with three main groups of structures spread across a valley. The buildings feature limestone architecture with detailed facades that show skilled construction techniques.
The site developed during the Late and Terminal Classic periods of Maya civilization. Archaeological work in the 1960s uncovered the structures that had been hidden for centuries.
The palace displays nine rooms decorated with masks of Chaac, the rain god, in its facades. These images show what mattered most to the people who built and used this place.
The site is accessible daily and typically quiet, making it easy to walk around and explore at your own pace. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain is uneven and can be muddy after rain.
The lower walls below the medial molding keep their original plain surface, while the upper sections display intricate geometric patterns. This contrast shows how the ancient builders chose to decorate different levels of their structures.
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