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Central American archaeology is famous for the study of the Aztec and Maya civilizations. Both civilizations can be found in the rain forest which can hide temples, buildings and artifacts. Archaeologists sometimes have a difficult time finding what they are looking for. In fact, at many South American sites, the dig team has to uncover a layer of jungle that overgrows the site in the time between digging seasons. John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood heard rumors about unexcavated temples and set off to find out if they were true. In 1838, they discovered Copan, and then in later years, they found Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza. While they were there, Catherwood sketched many of the complex glyphs on the stelae (stone markers usually in front of temples and monuments). Many archaeologists, amateur and professional, have followed in their steps searching for more details of the ancient Maya. Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire, is buried under, and sometimes even a part of, the current city of Mexico City. Many exciting excavations have taken place there, including an expedition by Eduardo Matlos Monteczuma (1978-1982). There, Monteczuma discovered many temples and artifacts. Read on for more information about the Maya people and famous sites, such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba, as well as my visit to Coba.