"The Mayan Ruins of KOHUNLICH" Ruinas Kohunlích by TravellerMel

Kohunlich, unlike most Mayan sites is actually not a Mayan name, but is an English version of 'Cohoon Ridge.' Cohoon is Belizean name for a species of fruiting palm common to the area. The name has been "Mayanized" into Kohunlich. The ruins weren't discovered until 1967 by a local Mayan. The Cohoon palms create a park like feeling to Kohunlich that is peaceful and beautiful.

I'm Ready for my Close-up!

Kohunlich is best known for it's Pyramid of the Masks. It is one of the oldest structures at Kohunlich, built before 500 AD. The building has a giant staircase flanked by six huge heads modeled in stucco. Each mask is over 8 feet tall and is slightly different. While there is no known identification attributed to the masks, some theories say they represent Gods, other that they are faces of ruling members of Kohunlich.

Surrounded by Jungle

The ruins of Kohunlich are visited still completely surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropical jungle; still people enjoy walking around the site. However, these time worn ruins don’t receive as many tourists as other sites. Only a few tourists venture far south of the Quintana Roo state come here. Since so few people visit this place, it is frequented by all manner of tropical wildlife and exotic birds.

• Pros:Not heavily visited, ruins more complete than some
• Cons:FAR from main cities (2 hrs from Progresso)
• In a nutshell:A lovely day jaunt or shore excursion