Calakmul, one of the largest Mayan cities in the classical period, was a major rival to Tikal (Guatemala), which it dominated during the 7C. Heavily pillaged and long inaccessible due to being buried deep in the jungle (biosphere reserve), Calakmul now proudly displays its royal tombs (see the jade mosaic masks exhibited in the museum in Campeche) and bas-reliefs steles. The magical vision from atop structure 2 extends over the forest dotted with pyramids as far as the eye can see.