AirDiane: Costa Maya

Saturday, March 30th
M/S Marina
Americas Connection
Day 13
Costa Maya, Mexico
Arriving: 8:00 AM
Departing: 6:00 PM
Partly Cloudy - 84 Degrees

Costa Maya is the cruise gateway to ancient Mayan Mexico.

"The ruins at Chacchoben date back to 200 BC. It was a place of pilgrimage known as “The Place of Red Corn.” The site had been engulfed by dense jungle for centuries, and wasn’t rediscovered until the 1940s. More than 50 years passed before excavation was begun."

This is an active and important archeological site. The jungle has been beaten back, but you can still imagine that Land Before Time look.

"Temple 24, also known as the Temple of the Offering, is the primary, excavated, and most recognizable pyramid at the Chacchoben Mayan ruins in Mexico. Located in Plaza B, this Early Classic (200-600 CE) structure stands approximately 36 feet tall, featuring five tiers, a restored base, and an unexcavated top, with stairways on all four sides."

"Temple I (The Sun Temple) is the tallest and most prominent structure at the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, rising approximately 42 feet above the jungle canopy. It is situated atop the Gran Basamento, a massive artificial platform that served as the regional ceremonial and ritual heart of the city."

"The Temple of the Vessels dates to approximately 700 CE. Situated on the sacred Gran Basamento (Great Base) plateau, this temple functioned as a repository for ceremonial goods, vessels, and offerings utilized in rituals at the nearby Temple 1."