Toniná

The Toniná Archaeological Zone is just outside of Ocosingo high in the valley of the same name. Toniná is among the least known and lesser visited of the many Maya sites in ancient Chiapas. The name can be translated as House of Stone or Place of the standing stone sculptures in the Tzeltal language which is still prevalent in the entire area. The ancient site is distinguished by the imposing acropolis atop an artificial hill that towers some 70 meters high, one of the tallest structures built in Mesoamerica.

Toniná was a powerful city-state between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. It rivaled other important cities like Palenque with which the people here were frequently at war over the course of their long history. But Toniná is especially well-regarded today for the stucco sculptures and monuments carved in-the-round. One of the biggest pyramids in Mexico, that standing here is taller than the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan at some 74 meters.

The town was notorious for its military prowess and this is still reflected in its reliefs, sculptures, and stelae depicting scenes of war, sacrifices, and captives. The site contains one of the last dated inscriptions from the Mayan world, suggesting that Toniná was one of the last cities to fall. The architectural complex consists of a series of platforms, temples, palaces, plazas, and ball courts distributed across seven levels. Visitors climb the hillside to eventually arrive at the upper temple but the rich iconography accompanies visitors all the way.

Surrounded by mountainous and jungle landscapes, Toniná is a unique experience for those interested in the archaeology and history, but the combination of monumentalism, mysticism, and serene mountain tranquility is enough for even casual visitors to be captivated. 

Most guests will stop in the municipal seat of Ocosingo, although there are direct trips from San Cristobal. Former rival Palenque is a bit more distant at about 3.5 hours directly to the north.