Kabah

The stunning Palace of the Masks is without a doubt the best attraction of Kabah. The building façade is completely decorated with the face of the Mayan God Chaac, hand carved in stone. This is the only building offering so much repetition of the same motif. Along the site there are many other temples and palaces, but as per today not all the site has been unearthed. Part of it is still lying under deep jungle and the government archaeological institute is in process of excavation. Kabah has a large arch, as in Labna, in the way out to the huge sac be system (Mayan roads), connecting the nearby city of Uxmal. Kabah was a major city but there is controversy related to its importance, having Uxmal as a government city close by.

Kabah is part of the Puuc Route, south of Merida. The ruins can be reached following highway 261. It is close to Uxmal and Labna. The drive from Merida is a little more than one hour. The best way to visit Kabah is following the Puuc Route with a rental car. Signs along the road are reliable and you should have no problem.

Kabah is believed to mean Strong Hand in Mayan. The city was mostly built between the 7th and 11th century, but was already inhabited by the mid 3rd century BC. The date 849 found carved on a door frame is believed to be the height of the city. Kabah was deserted before the Spaniards arrived in the Yucatan, the reason and dates remain unknown until today. The very first detailed description of the city was done in 1843 by Frederick Catherwood and John Lloyd Stephens in the book "Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan".

The site of Kabah is not as popular as other sites, however it is one of the most attractive ones to visit. There is a small parking with souvenirs stores at the entrance.