Kohunlich, Mayan Archeology Site

Kohunlich Quintana Roo Mexico Mayan Masks Photography by Bill Bell Kohunlich comes the name “Cohune Ridge”. Cohune is a species of fruiting palm common to the area. Kohunlich Quitana Roo Mexico Mayn Masks Photography by Bill Bell The site is best known for its Temple of the Masks, an Early Classic pyramid whose central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks. Built around 500 A.D., this is one of the oldest constructions at the site. After 700 A.D., this temple was covered over with a Terminal Classic construction, this protected the masks and allowed for the masks to remain in excellent shape with some of the original colors.

English named after “Cohune Palms: and an old logging camp in the 1920’s.

HOURS

Open Daily from 8 am to 5 pm. There is a watchman at the gate who will charge you the standard fee & extra for video cameras.

Admission 2013 57 pesos. Free on Sundays for nationals and Mexican residents.

Allow at least 2 to 3 hours, especially if you like to climb.

RECOMMENDATIONS

You can stroll safely undisturbed throughout the site –very few people visit this site. Take good shoes as there is plenty of climbing- and a fair amount memory and batteries for your photographs. We recommend you stay on the designated paths as you can easily get lost in the dense bush jungle.

As this is site is in a somewhat remote jungle area, take water and insect repellant. There are no restaurants or food vendors.

Dress according to the season you are visiting.

GETTING THERE

GPS – N 18.25.09 W088.47.24

Tours

Tours and tour buses go infrequently to Kohunlich and other ruins close by and generally make a combination package of sites along Highway 186. Tour guides can be arranged in Chetumal.

Drive from Cancun:

Take Highway 307 south past Tulum, Felipe Carrile Puerto and Baclar. Drive to the Chetumal turnoff but instead go Wet to Highway 186. Drive to KM 213 and look on your right for the road – well signed to the Kohunlich ruins. Drive approximately 9 more kms to the site. Total 409 KMs – Approximately 5 to 5 ½ hours.

Drive from Chetumal:

Take Highway 186 and drive west to KM 213 and look on your right for the road – well signed to the Kohunlich ruins. Drive approximately 9 more kms to the site. Total 68 KMs – approximately 1 hour +