Zona Arqueológica Chinkultic

Chinkultic (Maya for 'stepped cenote') is an ancient Maya archaeological site in Chiapas, Mexico, covering over 2,000 acres within the Lagunas de Montebello National Park. The city flourished during the Classic Era from the 3rd through 9th centuries, with hieroglyphic inscriptions dating from 591 to 897 AD. The site contains some 200 structures including step-pyramids, a Mesoamerican ballcourt dedicated on 21 May 591, and carved stelae depicting rulers. A natural cenote called Agua Azul was used for ritual purposes, and archaeological dredging beginning in 1970 recovered numerous artifacts from its depths. Post-Classic occupation continued until the 13th century.