Kabah

Kabah is about 19 km (12 mi.) s. on Mex. 261; park in the small dirt lot on the e. (left) side of the road. Although small—there are only two main buildings—it is well worth visiting to see the lavishly decorated Palace of the Masks, or Codz-Pop (in Maya, “rolled mat”). Its entire west exterior is emblazoned with elaborately carved stone masks of the rain god Chac. The busy architectural style reflects the ornate Chenes influence, which is not often seen in this region.

As amazing as the front is, make sure you walk around to the back (east) side. There are no Chac masks here, but jutting off the upper facade are the sculptures of two warriors who seem to be guarding the palace. Below them on one of the side panels (at ground level) are bas-reliefs depicting one warrior subjugating another in classic Mayan fashion.

The other major building on this side of the road is the well-restored Palace (El Palacio), built on two levels, which features a Puuc-style colonnaded facade. Across Mex. 261 is the Great Temple, a large conical mound rising above the thick scrub. It is only partially restored. Beyond the Great Temple is a freestanding arch marking the spot where a Mayan sacbe (limestone causeway) road once entered Kabah from Uxmal; compare it to the one at Labná.