Travel Guide Río Azul

In a remote corner a few kilometers from the border between Mexico and Belize lies the pre-classical site of Río Azul, rediscovered in 1962. Originally known as "Sak Há Witzal", this city, now linked to Uaxactún by a small track some 100 km long, was one of the most important for Mayan culture. In addition to having played a considerable role in the expansion and domination of Tikal, it was an outpost linking the cities of the Caribbean coast, as well as central Mexico. Río Azul remained allied to Tikal against its rival Calakmul until its fall in 530. The site was finally abandoned during the Late Classic period. The reason: lack of natural resources.Several interesting tombs were discovered, including frescoes painted in bright red on white plaster. They depict funerary scenes that essentially contain elements of Teotihuacan culture - further proof of Tikal's influence. Unfortunately, Río Azul fell prey to severe looting in the 1960s and 1970s. Thus, although a small section containing royal burials remained intact, most were emptied of their contents. Today, many of the treasures found on site are in private collections, while several pieces are on display at Guatemala City's Archaeological Museum.