High-resolution LiDAR surveys conducted in the dense rainforests of Chiapas, Mexico, have identified a massive Maya temple complex previously hidden beneath centuries of vegetation. Named the Temple of the Sacred Quetzal, the site consists of a 25-meter pyramid and a surrounding plaza that aligns perfectly with the spring equinox.
Preliminary ground surveys have found remnants of vibrant green and red stucco masks on the temple's upper tiers, representing the avian deity associated with fertility and the wind. The discovery suggests that this region was far more densely populated during the Late Classic period than previously thought, serving as a major religious pilgrimage site for highland Maya communities.