El Lagartero
El Lagartero | |
Guajil Pyramid on the island of El Limonal | |
| Location | Chiapas, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 15°49′39″N 91°53′02″W / 15.82750°N 91.88389°W |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Founded | 300 AD |
| Abandoned | 1400 |
| Periods | Classical period - Post classical period |
| Cultures | Mayan |
| Site notes | |
| Archaeologists | Thomas Lee |
| Public access | free |
El Lagartero (English: The Lizard Hunter) is an archaeological zone of the pre-Hispanic Mayan culture located on a group of jungle islands in the Lagos de Colón of the La Trinitaria in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. In accordance with archaeological investigations, the site was developed between the years 300 AD to 1400, corresponding to the late classical period and the early postclassic of Mesoamerica and constituted an important religious center of the region, its inhabitants were speakers of Jacalteco language.
The site stands out for its natural landscapes with abundant vegetation surrounded by lakes and the architecture of its buildings. The main group is located on the island of El Limonal and contains a ceremonial center made up of four stepped pyramids. The rest of the ancient sites, including altars, causeways, patios, stone structures and a ball court, are located scattered throughout the isles, which make up the place.