RUTA MAYA

A large Classic Mayan center located about 35 miles west of Chetumal, and about 10 miles east of Kohunlich on Highway 186 and about 10 miles north of the road, past the little town of San Fermin. Dzibanche means 'writing on wood' in Mayan, and a number of finely carved wood lintels have been recovered from the site. There is also a later Mayan hilltop Acropolis at Kinichna about 5 miles farther north on the road that leads to Dzibanche.
The city was settled before 200 A.D., but most of the larger structures date from the Classic Era between 300 and 800 A.D. There are several courtyards surrounded by large pyramidal temple platforms, and a fine pyramid and temple in the manner of Tikal near the entry to the site. Large areas to the north remain unexcavated. The architecture is grand and classical, and highly articulated with sculptural corner indents at the angles of the pyramids, and the typical tiered and stepped build-up to the temple on top.

View of Structure 1 at Entry to Site
Detail View of Angle of Structure 1
Overall view of the Central Plaza
View of Structure 1 at Entry to Site
Facade of the Acropolis at Kinichna
View back down showing side temples
Distant View of Dzibanche from Hilltop