XPUHIL

Xpuhil is part of the group of ruins that comprise the Rio Bec area. The interesting thing about the Rio Bec area is that the area is very old -- occupied around 600 BC. The peak, however, was around 500 AD. The Rio Bec is known for the the extravagant carvings on the buildings, false staircase, tall towers and "monster" faces and includes Chicanna, Becan, Balamku, Rio Bec, Hormiguero and Xpuhil.

Open 8-5; admission 40 pesos. Allow at least 45 minutes to walk around the site and take pictures.

On the towers, there are remains of roof combs and monster face carvings on the false stairway in the front.

The ruins of Xpuhil were named after a nearby watering hole named Xpuhil. The word in Mayan is related to an abundant herb known as "cola de gato" (cat's tail).