Lost Mayan Treasures: 12-Year Mystery of Hidden Relics in Acanceh

Thirteen years ago, a significant archaeological discovery was made in the heart of Cibceh mountains, a small town within the Acanceh municipality. The uncovered Mayan relics, found in 2012, sparked interest in the ancient civilization. However, due to a lack of resources, the excavation was halted and these relics remain hidden under dense vegetation.

The discovery was made during the construction of a road leading to the community. During this process, remnants of what appeared to be a Mayan settlement were unexpectedly unearthed.

Since then, the site has been left untouched, allowing the undergrowth to reclaim what was once a glimpse into the Mayan past. Archaeologist Beatriz Quintal led the initial excavation efforts in the area. Despite the promising finds in 2012, a lack of funding halted further exploration and prevented the area from being recognized as a site of tourist interest.

Preliminary analysis suggested that the relics were from the Late Classical and Pre-classical periods, underscoring the historical significance of the find. However, more than a decade later, these relics remain an unexplored mystery, buried in the jungle and untapped for their potential to enrich our understanding of Mayan culture.

The Cibceh community has expressed regret over the neglect of this discovery, which could have served as a tourist attraction for both local and international visitors. "If the excavation had continued, we could have a new archaeological site that would put Cibceh on the Yucatan tourist map," said a local resident.