The Mayan treasures of Quintana Roo, in the Mexican Caribbean, extend beyond the iconic archaeological remains of Tulum, with less popular jewels to the south but just as fascinating as the Chacchobén, Kohunlich, Dzibanché, Kinichná and Oxtankah ensembles, which they hosted historic settlements along with others such as Ichkabal or Muyil.
One of the enclaves that summarize these virtues is that of Chacchobén, which emerged as a village at dawn in the year 200 BC. C., and erected as one of the largest settlements in the area known as "Los Lagos Region". With a name that alludes to "red corn", its vestiges of the complex cover about 6 square kilometers, where groups such as the Gran Basamento, Las Vías and Group II stand out, which includes the tallest building, in an environment in that the various types of birds such as toucans and conora birds are observed.
Also about 70 kilometers from Chetumal, and with a similar temporal origin, the area of "Kohunlich" stands out, which has the Temple of the Masks. From its pyramidal base it preserves five of the eight large masks that surrounded it, and which represented the solar god Kinich Ahau.
One of the largest archaeological sites in the area, extending over 40 square kilometers, is that of "Dzibanché", which consists of four architectural groups —Dzibanché, Tutil, Lamay and finally, Kinichná—, with several temples. in which engraved hieroglyphic texts and some offerings were found in the burial chambers, as proof of their role in the conquest of several Mayan towns.
Connected through sacbeoob (white roads), Kinichná shares its style of architecture, with an imposing three-level Acropolis, which preserves vestiges of friezes made with stucco and solar motifs, where offerings with jade objects were found.
But also one of the great hidden jewels of Chetumal Bay, because it is the largest, is the pre-Hispanic site of Oxtankah, because its heyday during the Classic period of the Mayan culture (250-600 AD) allowed their leading groups to act as rectors of the nearby towns.
Other vestiges such as those of Ichkabal or Muyil complete the most unknown treasures of the southern Mexican Caribbean, with all the attributes to become the new pole of attraction for travelers eager to be inspired by one of the most magical and mystical civilizations such as the Maya.