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Exploring Kohunlich Mayan Ruins and Temple of the Masks

If you’re crusing the Western Caribbean itinerary, chances are it will include the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. Several excursions will include various ruins to explore.  We were here a few years ago and decided to visit one we haven’t seen about two hours away called Kohunlich (pronounced KOE•HOON•LEECH) Mayan ruins. Read all about this fascinating and unique temple.

Kohunlich Mexico plaza

History of Kohunlich Mayan Ruins

Kohunlich was first discovered in the early 1900s by an American archaeologist and re-discovered by a group of villagers in 1968. Archaeologists started excavations in 1969. But, two-thirds of the area is still buried. 

The early 6th-century inhabitants built this ancient city and abandoned it in the 12th century. Since they didn’t know the original name, they called it Kohunlich, derived from the English word “Cohoon Ridge” because of the numerous Cohoon palms resembling mini coconuts in the area.

Kohunlich Temple of the King
Kohunlich Temple of the King

Its distance from major tourism areas gave the place a serene and mystical atmosphere. Surrounded by a lush rainforest, the remaining structures on-site served religious, administrative, and residential purposes.

Many of the stuccoed buildings were primarily painted red embellished with stuccoed figures and geometric designs. It was a good exercise to imagine it in its days of grandeur and visualize the residents in their daily routines.

Kohunlich stelae plaza
Kohunlich Stelae plaza

The largest construction building originally shaped like a “C” was the Acropolis. This was a vast residential complex which had 26 feet (8 m) high vaulted interiors.

Kohunlich Acropolis
Kohunlich Acropolis

The center stairs led us to multiple chambers and patios that looked out into the plazas.

Kohunlich acropolis
Kohunlich Acropolis

Next to the Acropolis was the palacio. The palace didn’t quite meet royal dwelling standards. But, they considered it an elegant residence for the more prominent people of Kohunlich. Not much of the structure remains with trees and plants invading its crevices.

Kohunlich Palace
Kohunlich Palacio

The Western Residential Complex housed the high ranking artisans who specialized in shell artifacts. People believed that the ancient city served as a regional trading center. Worker and peasant quarters were located elsewhere, far from these residences.

Kohunlich residential complex
Kohunlich residential complex

One of the great things about Kohunlich was the freedom to explore and climb the structures compared to other Maya ruins in the area. The wide open spaces were perfect for kids to run around in and discover hidden corners.

Kohunlich acropolis

While there were plenty of structures to see, Kohunlich’s main attraction and most important architectural site was the Pyramid or Temple of the Masks built around 500 AD.

Kohunlich temple

The impressive masks made up the lower side panels of the pyramid with the center stairs leading to chambers on top.  These  sculpted stucco masks were about 6-8 feet ( 1.8 -2.4 m) high each still showing remnants of their original color.

Kohunlich Mexico Temple of the Mask

They positioned the buildings to face the sunset, representing Kohunlich rulers in the form of the Maya Sun God “Kinich Ahau” – one of the more important Maya deities.

Kohunlich Temple of the masks

The magnificent three-dimensional faces and their surroundings contained many symbolic messages open to various interpretations and debates.

Kohunlich Temple of the Masks

These remarkably well preserved masks were protected through the years by a construction of a later temple over them.  It is now covered and protected by two large thatch roofs though obscuring some of its views.

Kohunlich Temple of the Mask

To see these masks up close, we had to climb the adjacent steep stairs and patiently waited for our turn to see the intricate details carved on them.   Although, it was definitely worth the climb to the top of the stairs for stunning views of the forest canopy.

Kohunlich forest view

Was it worth the long, four-hour round trip bus ride?  Absolutely! The masks were incredible Maya treasures and were truly unique. 

The park-like setting, sprawling plazas, captivating history and remaining structures were amazing.  It was a memorable visit and ignited our desire to explore more archaeological ruins in the future.

Kohunlich Maya ruins

Visiting Kohunlich Mayan Ruins with Kids

These Mayan ruins can only hold kids’ interests for a limited time. We knew it would be a challenge to keep them occupied but one of the great things about Kohunlich was the expansive grassy areas to run around in and structures to climb and explore. 

But, we also wanted our kids to walk away from here with some knowledge. We engaged them in a few activities to experience these amazing ruins that maybe you can try with your kids.

  • Close your eyes and imagine how this place looked back then using what’s left of the ruins.  We gave them summaries of what we learned from the guide and pointed out what building they were looking at used to be.  Luckily, some of the architecture held their interest long enough to ask questions.
  • Ask them to identify items they saw in the surrounding the area of the masks and what they may have meant.
  • Ask them what they thought kids their age did in this area or how they lived.

Have you been to Kohunlich Mayan ruins in Mexico?

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Kohunlich Mayan Ruins

40 thoughts on “Exploring Kohunlich Mayan Ruins and Temple of the Masks”

  1. We were supposed to stop at Costa Maya on our recent cruise, but we stopped in Progresso instead. Progresso was ugly, but we got to see Chichen Izta,so it was worth it. These pictures are great!

    1. Thanks Jessica! I would have traded in Costa Maya for a chance to see Chichen Itza. What an added bonus for your cruise so definitely worth the trade.

  2. I’ve never been to any Mayan ruins, but they fascinate me. Your pics are beautiful. I love that they let you climb on them and really discover the place.

  3. I love the look of those masks and can’t get over the size. This sounds like a great find
    and a wonderful stop on a cruise. I like the fact that the place isn’t overflowing with
    people.
    I’ve been to some Mayan ruins in Guatemala – though I can’t remember the name. Still
    they gave you a great sense of what civilization looked like back in the day.

  4. Great photos! I would love to see Mayan ruins someday. We were on one cruise that stopped in Costa Maya as a last minute change from Cozumel but weren’t able to go to any of the ruins as Emma was only 2.5 at the time and I didn’t think she was up to it. Someday we’ll go back!

    1. Thanks Lisa! I hope you get to see some of the ruins soon. They are truly amazing. This whole region is fascinating and definitely deserves a return or land-based trip.

  5. I was totally fascinated by Chichen Itza when I visited there many years ago. Would love to see Kohunlich and others. As you said, it’s definitely worth a long bus ride to see sites like this.

  6. My very first trip was to Chichen Itza, loved it. Would definitely love to see Kohunlich.
    These ruins fascinate. I can’t help wondering what future generations will think of us.

  7. It would be an interesting study considering how far apart and so different from each other these two civilizations were. Thanks for stopping by!

    1. It’s a more remote area and is about five hours from Cancun. I hadn’t heard of it either until this cruise. These pictures don’t capture the beauty and details of the masks.

  8. Lovely photos. I once worked as a volunteer on an archaeological dig on a Maya site
    in Belize – your photos brought back some great, if sweaty, memories!

    1. Thank you! I love your name! How fun and what a great experience to do an archaelogical dig. We were in Belize too but decided not to go to Altun-Ha – next time.

  9. That is incredible! I would never have taken 4 hours to do this but now hearing your experience, I would! I loved the masks too – so well preserved!

    Thanks for linking up this week!

    ~Becca

    1. Thanks Becca! I was a bit apprehensive with the long ride too and going through small Mexican towns especially with all the safety issues the media has been reporting. In the end, it was all worth it. I saw those masks on the brochure and knew we had to go.

  10. Wow, what an amazing place. It’s so interesting to think about places like this that were hidden for so long and are still partly buried. I have not been to Mexico yet but having been wanting to visit some of the ruins there.

    1. I hope you visit this part of Mexico soon. There are so many ruins to see and explore. We’ve usually done these during cruise ports and would love to do a land-based vacation here. Thanks for stopping by Jenna.

  11. I feel like this would be the year to see Mayan Ruins. So cool, and so many things I know so little about! I would love to climb around the ruins and just explore.

    1. The Mayan ruins are so fascinating to explore. Yes, 2012 is the year of doomsday tourists =) Mexico and the neigboring countries are rolling out the red carpet and have planned a host of activities. I hope you get to visit this year.

  12. The Mayans were a brilliant people and this makes their ancient ruins amazing.
    They had some things right, some were weird though!

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