2017 - 2018:  Punta Mita Mexico to Quetzaltenango Guatemala

Chicanná, Yucatan

Chicanná (“House of the snake’s jaws”, or “La Casa de la Boca de Serpiente”).  Once more, a silent walk through the jungle, with the temples gradually appearing amongst the foliage ahead.  This is my most favorite part of a visit.  Buildings are precursors of Chenes style, with elaborate decoration and repetitive masks of the hook-nosed Chac, many still covered with red-painted stucco. Late Classic.

Balamkú ("Jaguar's Temple")

Small temple with a great frieze, the best yet, decorated with toads, crocodiles and jaguars.  Tipped the caretaker 50 pesos for unlocking the door to the frieze for me.  (Unfortunately the lighting was terrible, so my video of the frieze is awfully dark in places).