Xtampak

About

Xtampak literally translates to "old / ancient walls", and true to its name, the city dates back to around 400 BC. Built on a hilltop, and surrounded by a series of agricultural terraces, at its peak, the city was the capital of the Chene Maya and home to an estimated 10,000 people. Because of its location, Xtampak was a melting pot of Chene and Puuc cultures, which is evident in its hybrid architecture. The excavated city center is a network of interconnected plazas, surrounded by temples and other magnificent monuments. The most impressive structure is undoubtedly the three-story palace, with its 44 rooms and two internal stairways, which is considered one of the finest Mayan buildings of its kind.