Archaeologists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History announced the discovery of the city in June 2023, after finding the ruins of several pyramid structures measuring approximately 15 m (49 ft 2+1⁄2 in) in height in a relatively unexplored area of the state.

[2] The site was discovered during an expedition led by Dr. Ivan Šprajc after he received Lidar images showing significant human cultural structures hidden in the landscape.

The lush jungle vegetation creates what has been referred to as a ''black hole'' on the archaeological map of the central Maya Lowlands.

[3] Lidar research is conducted during flights over areas using surveillance equipment that penetrates the vegetation and creates images of the terrain and any structures below it.

"Truly massive", as Šprajc called it, the site consists of a "monumental nucleus" covering more than 50 hectares, pyramids, stone columns, altars, three plazas, and a Maya ball game court.