We stayed at the Ramada Inn across the road, the night before and then toured the easily accessible sites near Chicanná, Becán and Xpujil on our way to Chetumal along Highway 186.
The site is about 25 miles from Chetumal along Highway 186. It was active from about 100 AD to 900 AD. Recent excavations have unearthed five decapitated heads on the site. The setting is that of a park with lots of grass and rainforest. There is a large ceremonial area with four small pyramids. The site is best known for its masks.
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One of the structures in central ceremonial area. |
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Pyramid of the Masks contains large plaster masks along both sides of the staircase. The masks are intricately carved, including detail in the eyes, and still show some of the original paint. Current research indicates that they are possibly depictions of the Morning and Evening Stars, and the Sun and the Moon. |
