04/21/2026
The Place of the Red Corn
Taking a step back in time at Chacchoben, which translates to "Place of the Red Corn" in Yucatec Maya. This is Temple 24, the majestic 36-foot centerpiece of the West Plaza. It’s an incredible piece of Peten-style architecture, you can really see the graceful, curved lines in the stonework. This 5-tiered pyramid dates all the way back to the Early Classic period (200–600 CE). It is wild to think this entire regional center was known to locals but officially "lost" to the wider world until an archaeologist rediscovered it in 1972. It wasn't even opened to the public until 2002! Such an unforgettable port day.