Machaquila

Machaquilá is a middle Classic to late Classic city, that flourished in the IX century AD, located 45 Km. northeast of Cancuén and 30 Km east to Ceibal, in a relatively isolated region, (The average distance between Late Classic main cities is 15 Km.) and is notable due to its fine sculptured Stelas (23), altars (6), and hieroglyph panels as well as staircases, it has 9 plazas with ceremonial buildings and temples, and a residential complex to the south. Surrounding Machaquilá there are several small cities, and the San Miguel caves, with evidence of occupation since the pre Classic to the early post Classic, notably Esquipulas, El Pueblito and Achiotal that have E groups and Ball courts, although the Mayanist does not believed those where part of an State, there is evidence of relationships between El Pueblito and Machaquilá during the late Classic, and with , Ceibal and Cancuén, using the Machaquilá river (One of the main tributaries of La Pasión River). To visit Machaquilá as well as the other sites and San Miguel and Ceramic Caves you will have to go to Poptún, and pay a visit to the new Acheological Regional Museum and then to Las Delicias.