| Reviews and photos of Ruinas Kohunlích attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ruinas Kohunlích sightseeing. Ruinas Kohunlích Map |
 | Ruinas Kohunlích Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 32 |  |
The highlight to any visit to Kohunlich is the Temple of the Masks. This pyramid, set on a hilltop at the very back of the complex and is usually the last thing a visitor sees. It is partially covered with a thatch roof to protect the large masks on either side of the central stairs.
Visitors are free to climb to the top, but should take care because the footway is steep and uneven. Along the way you will be able to get a close-up view of the masks which give the pyramid its name. I will share more photos of the masks on the next tip. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Ruinas Kohunlích?
Read reviews about Ruinas Kohunlích Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
On the east side of Merwin's Court is Kohunlich's Ball Court. It is fairly well-preserved and is exceptional because of its short length - 42 meters. Most Mayan sites of importance have such a court; many are larger.
The game played here had great symbolic content, which appears to have been related to a belief in the hereafter and to sacrificial rites.
According to our Mayan guide, young men who were the WINNERS in the game were put to death by decapitation, so that they could become rulers in the next world. They were assured of clear passage to Mayan Heaven without taking the intervening thirteen steps that the losing players have to do.
I suppose they must have been brainwashed from a very early age to believe such a notion. This reminds me of the same kind of blind faith that is instilled into young men of the Muslim religion who volunteer themselves to become suicide bombers, on the promise that they will be given a harem of virgins in paradise.
Some believe that in the Mayan games it was not the winners but the losers of the game who were sacrificed by being put to death. Perhaps it was either one or the other - depending upon the particular game being played. Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
 Building of the Eleven Doors by Stephen-KarenConnLeave a Comment
|
On either side of the Temple of the Masks main stairs are a series of five stone masks. Originally there were six, but one was stolen. The faces are all representations of the sun god Kinich Ahau, although slight differences between them have suggested that each is also a portrait of a deified ruler.
The masks have conspicuously large lips and noses and the original colored stucco is still in evidence. They are are adorned with ornaments and headdresses. These masks are unique to Mexico. Two less impressive examples are at the Mayan site of Edzna. Archeologists believe that there was once some connection between these sites. Leave a Comment
|
To the south of the Plaza of the Stelae, shaded by tall, Cohune palm trees, lies the Merwin Plaza, named after the man who discovered the city of Kohunlich. Surrounding this plaza are very low, ruined buildings.
This small square was built after the Plaza of the Stelae, perhaps to be used as a center for minor ceremonies. It is built in Rio Bec style. The buildings are lined with stuccoed figures, all painted in red. Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Ruinas Kohunlích?
Read reviews about Ruinas Kohunlích Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
To the extreme east of the Plaza of the Stelae lies the Temple of the Stelae, also sometimes called the Palace of the Stelae, built around 600 A.D. At the base of this impressive structure stand three plain stelas which were probably stuccoed and painted in pre-Hispanic times.
A stelae is an ancient stone monument. Leave a Comment
|
The Plaza of the Stelae constitutes the central space of the Kohunlich archeological site. It is one of the largest in the south of the state of Quintana Roo. This would have been the scene of various public events and ceremonies among the Mayan people who built and inhabited this ancient city.
With a little imagination one can see the parade of human activity that took place here between 800 and 1400 years ago, although it is very peaceful and quite today. Leave a Comment
|
To one side of Merwin Plaza is the Temple of the Twin Columns, so-called because of a double line of short columns lining its entrance.
According to our guide, this feature of twin columns is unique to Konulich among the Mayan archeological sites. Leave a Comment
|
The Acropolis, the largest structure in Konhulich, was originally a "c" shaped building. It's most notable feature is the false steps on the North and East sides. Also, it has a vaulted interior eight meters high. The Acropolis is built in the Rio Bec style from Campeche.
This building was later covered entirely by a huge platform which may have held a residential complex with restricted access. Another residential wing seems to have been added toward the southwest at a later period. Ancient graffiti can still be seen on some of the interior stuccoed walls. Leave a Comment
|
 Karen in the Western
Residential Complex by Stephen-KarenConn, 2 more photos
By observing the distribution of the rooms one can see that they were the result of various construction periods - perhaps over centuries of time. Rooms have been sub-divided, remodeled and, in some cases, demolished. This probably occurred due to the need of expanded living quarters as the population grew. Leave a Comment
|
More Ruinas Kohunlích Tips |
| Best Ruinas Kohunlích Travel Deals |
Hotels Cheap
Save up to 50% on Hotels and Now Get Our Best Price Guarantee. More Secure than RunAs
Enable limited user to run all apps Elevate privileges Via Group Policy Hotels Deals
Great Hotel Deals & Packages at Marriott's Official Site. Book Now. Hotels Mexico
Book Cheap Mexico Hotel Deals Book It Now, Pay For It Later! Hotwire: Cheap Hotels
4-Star Hotels at 2-Star Prices With Low Hotwire Hot-Rates! Sponsored Links
More Ruinas Kohunlích Travel Deals T Bar M Resort
New Braunfels, Texas - Hot Rates! Hotel rooms, cottages, and condos. Hotels - Up to 75% Off
Find the Cheapest Hotel Rooms Now Compare Rates up to 75% Off! JetBlue Airways
Award-winning service, TV at every seat, lots of legroom & more. Sponsored Links
|
