Zapalúta

The Maya center of Chinkultic stood among the hills and lakes of southeastern Chiapas, near the routes to the Guatemalan highlands. Its buildings were arranged around plazas and the deep pool known as Cenote Azul. A steep acropolis overlooked the water, while a long stairway led to ritual structures beside the cenote. Chinkultic flourished in the Late Classic period, and archaeological remains indicate activity continued until at least around the year 1000.