Am enjoying learning more about Mayan history so we went to check out the lesser known Ek-Balam one morning. The name translates to “the black jaguar” or “bright star jaguar.” Ek-Balam’s most important cultural period was between 700 – 1000 A.D but it wasn’t until the late 1980’s when the site was mapped, and research continued into the 1990’s.
One of the things that made our visit great – we were almost the only people there to see it! Also there are only a few restricted areas so unlike Chichén Itzá you can explore the buildings and climb the many steps to the top of the Pyramid!
Ek-Balam
The decoration of Ek-Balam’s building facades were not carved stone, like those found in Chichén Itzá . Instead, stucco and limestone mortar were used and modeled into distinct forms and then painted.
Quite a cool thing to see in the middle of the jungle!
Ek-Balam
Niamh on Leave 