Fodor's Expert Review Santa Rosa Xtampak

A fabulous example of the zoomorphic architectural element of Chenes architecture, Xtampak's Casa de la Boca del Serpiente (House of the Serpent's Mouth) has a perfectly preserved and integrated zoomorphic entrance. Here the mouth of the creator-god Itzámná stretches wide to reveal a perfectly proportioned inner chamber. The importance of this city during the classic period is shown by the large number of public buildings and ceremonial plazas here. Archaeologists believe there are around 100 structures, although only 12 have been cleared. The most exciting find was the colossal Palacio in the western plaza. Inside, two inner staircases run the length of the structure, leading to different levels and ending in subterranean chambers. Such a combination was extremely rare in Maya temples.