Acanceh
Acanceh

A most amazing archeological site.
Twenty minutes outside Mérida is the small unassuming town of Acanceh.
Just past its central park area is the main colonial style church.  
But look to the left and there is a wonderfully preserved pyramid.
been restored and are open to the public, although recent excavations
have uncovered more structures. The three-leveled step pyramid in
Acanceh is 11 meters high. One of the older layers of the pyramid has
been uncovered revealing several distinctive carved masks as part of the
pyramid's decoration. The "Palace of the Stuccos" is 50 meters wide, 6
meters high, and contains many elaborate friezes. This building's design is
very complex, with many rooms and detailed carvings. The architecture of
the structures at Acanceh show a Teotihuacano influence, leading some to
believe it was a "colony" of Teotihuacan.
Some information and photos are found at:
This is a view looking at the back of the pyramid. The metal roof protects
the giant masks of the earlier structure. There is a modern metal staircase
to take you to the top of the pyramid without walking on the ancient
structure.      
This gives a perspective of just how the close the pyramid sits to the
buildings of the modern town.