El Mirador
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Opposite the arch, a squat temple sits at the peak of a high, steep pile of rocks. Atop the temple, an impressive roofcomb soars even higher. This is El Mirador, the building which explorer John Lloyd Stephens called “the most curious and extraordinary structure” he’d seen in his travels through the Maya world.
Stone struts suggest the roof comb was once adorned with a complex array of stucco figures, including a huge statue over the center door. Stephens reported only “scattered arms and legs” remained at his visit, more than a century and a half ago; today only the legs of a single figure remain.
© Gary Chandler & Liza Prado from Moon Yucatán Peninsula, 9th edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.