Discover Kohunlich

Kohunlich. This is it. Surrounded by jungle, moss growing on the rocks, and the many sounds of the animals hiding among the vegetation, this is the image you get when you think of lost ancient ruins. But don’t dust off your fedora hat and whip just yet. Thanks to modernity, you only need a comfy pair of shoes, a water bottle, and some love and interest for Mayan history and culture.

A little history on Kohunlich

You’ll never guess where the name, Kohunlich, comes from. Mayan? No. Spanish? No. Give up?… English! Its original name is unknown, so this site’s modern name is a variation of “cohune ridge,” given to it because of the vegetation that surrounds it.

But the name is not the only curious thing about this cohune ridge. It is entirely surrounded by jungle, 5.5  miles away from the main road. At your arrival, you’ll feel like you’re discovering the site yourself.

It’s no wonder it remained hidden until 1912 (that’s the year the Titanic sank!). Though the site covers a whopping 5.4 square miles, most of that was used for crops. The main city buildings, such as the palaces and the administrative and ceremonial buildings, are all that remain.

The ruins at Kohunlich

Given how well protected Kohunlich is, the buildings, and their decorations, are in great shape, like the Temple of the Masks. You guessed it: there are masks inside this pyramid. Big, 8-foot tall, stucco masks, with their original red and black pigments still visible. They represent real people, too; and the symbolism on their clothes is closely related to the sun.

You might be confused by another pyramid-like structure, but that’s not a pyramid. Called “the 27 steps”, it’s thought to be an ancient Beverly Hills. For real: a platform for the richest citizens to build their homes above everyone else’s, with a great view, overlooking the jungle. Unfortunately, you can’t buy a place there anymore, but we promise the view is worth the climb.

What you should bring

Unlike other archeological sites, the jungle canopy provides more shade than usual… but you should still bring your hat. And bug spray. This is the jungle, after all.