Zona Arqueológica Chinkultic

Chinkultic (Maya for 'stepped cenote') is an ancient Maya archaeological site in Chiapas, Mexico, within the Lagunas de Montebello National Park [1]. The city flourished during the Classic Era from the 3rd through 9th centuries, with hieroglyphic inscriptions dating from 591 to 897 AD [1]. The site contains some 200 structures including step-pyramids, a Mesoamerican ballcourt dedicated on 21 May 591, and carved stelae depicting rulers [1]. A natural cenote called Agua Azul was used for ritual purposes, and archaeological dredging beginning in 1970 recovered numerous artifacts from its depths [1] [2]. Post-Classic occupation continued until the 13th century [1].