A collection of small but significant structures in 74 groupings, Río Bec covers a 100-sq-km area southeast of Xpujil, and is the only place where all five elements of Río Bec style can be seen in one building: twin towers, a roofcomb, checkerboard pattern sides, false stairs and pillars carved at the base. The remoteness of this site and ongoing excavations give it a certain mystique that’s lacking in more established sites.
Grupo B has some of the best-restored buildings, particularly the magnificent Estructura I (AD 700). 'Discovered' in 1907 by French archaeologist Maurice de Périgny, this palatial structure features a pair of typical tiered towers crowned by matching temples with cross motifs on their sides.
The main structure at Grupo A is a 15m-long palace with intact towers and unusual bas-relief glyphs on the lower panels.
Getting here without a guide is impossible – the very rough dirt road is accessible only via 4WD vehicle, ATV, or (for the fit or foolhardy!) bicycle. Since it’s unsigned, with many twists and turns that can change from year to year, you'll get lost without someone who knows the way. Río Bec Dreams and Ka'an Expeditions can set up tours (reservations required).
