Machaquilá is a middle Classic to late Classic city, that flourished in the IX century AD, located 45 Km. northeast of Cancuén and 30 Km east to Ceibal, in a relatively isolated region in the Southwestern part of Petén, (The average distance between Late Classic cities is 15 Km.) and is notable due to its fine sculptured Stelas (23), altars (6), and hieroglyph panels as well as staircases, it has 9 plazas with ceremonial buildings and temples, and a residential complex to the south. (SEE MAP)

Surrounding Machaquilá there are several small cities, and the San Miguel caves, with evidence of occupation since the pre Classic to the early post Classic, notably Esquipulas, El Pueblito and Achiotal that have "E groups" and Ball courts, although the Mayanist does not believed those where part of an State, there is evidence of relationships between El Pueblito and Machaquilá during the late Classic, and with , Ceibal and Cancuén, using the Machaquilá river (One of the main tributaries of La Pasión River).

 
Dinastic Line

To visit Machaquilá as well as the other sites and San Miguel and Ceramic Caves you will have to go to Poptún, and pay a visit to the new Regional Archeological  Museum  and then to Las Delicias.

Central Area map

Archeological and Geographic map

Site Map