LiDAR technology has led researchers to a massive, previously unrecorded Maya temple in the jungles of Quintana Roo. Dubbed the Temple of the Xibalba Gateway, the 1,200-year-old structure is unique for its direct architectural integration with a deep subterranean cenote. A ceremonial staircase descends from the main altar directly into the water, where divers have already identified ceramic offerings and jade beads.
The temple's facade is adorned with high-relief carvings of the Maya underworld gods, suggesting it was used for specific rituals associated with the transition between the physical and spiritual realms. This find reshapes understanding of Maya sacred architecture, proving that natural geological features were often the primary design drivers for major ceremonial centers.