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The remote site of Rio Azul , almost on the border where Guatemala, Belize and Mexico meet, was discovered in 1962. The city and its suburbs had a population of around five thousand and probably reached a peak in the Preclassic era. Although totally unrestored, the core of the site is similar to a small-scale Tikal, with the tallest temple (AIII) standing some 47m above the forest floor, surfacing above the treetops and giving magnificent views across the jungle. Several incredible tombs have been unearthed here. Tomb 19 is thought to have contained the remains of one of the sons of Stormy Sky, Tikal's great expansionist ruler. Nearby tombs contained the bodies of warriors, dressed in clothing typical of Teotihuacan in central Mexico - further supporting evidence of links between Tikal and that mighty city. Extensive looting occurred after the site's discovery, with a gang of up to eighty men plundering the tombs and removing some of the finest murals in the Maya world once the archeological teams had retreated to Flores in the rainy season. Mercifully, despite its chamber being looted in 1981, Tomb 1's walls remain almost intact, and today there are two resident guards. It's 95km north by road from Uaxactun to Rio Azul, though it's only passable in the dry season, when it can be covered by 4WDs in as little as four hours, depending on conditions. Walking or on horseback it's four days each way - three at a push. Trips can be arranged through El Chiclero in Uaxactun or through ProPeten and CINCAP or a number of agents in Flores. Once you arrive at Rio Azul you'll be welcome to stay at the guard's camp (bring some supplies).
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