The cache is not at the published coordinates. After a few steps of internet research and simple math, you can determine the coordinates then go to find the cache.
First you will need to find the location of the actual structure that is represented in this photo:
i
Upon finding the structure, determine the coordinates for the spot as if you were standing at the top of the stairs on its west side. (The cache is not hidden there.) The coordinates should be Geocaching’s normal format:
Degrees and Minutes with decimal:
DDD MM.MMM
[You will not need the precise last digit.] The coordinates for the Minutes will provide the numbers to substitute for
Latitude Minutes EF.GH- and
Longitude Minutes IJ.KL-
that you need to solve the final coordinates for the cache.
The next step is easier. Now you know the city where that structure was built. Some research will help you answer these questions that provide the remaining numbers to solve the puzzle:
A. The estimated population of this city at the time that structure was built.
1. 5,000
2. 15,000
3. 100,000
4. 500,000
B. What was the source of drinking water for the people who built this structure?
5. Underground springs.
6. A distant lake.
7. Stored rainwater.
8. Desalination of seawater.
C. The structure was built approximately what year?
9. Between 701 and 725 A.D.
0. Between 726 and 750 A.D.
1. Between 751 and 800 A.D.
D. What have people used this area for?
2. Burial tombs.
3. Ball games.
4. A rebel base camp.
5. All the above.
Next, substitute your answers for the letters, do a bit of math, then you will know the coordinates for the cache:
North 47° AB . [F-E][J][L-E] West 122° CD . [G+H][F+I+K][A+D]
You should verify your answers with GeoCheck to get parking coordinates (and a bonus image of the temple):
I hope you enjoyed learning about that structure and the people who built it. Now, go and find the cache! Please park uphill in the marked parking strip to avoid impact on the neighboring property owners. The cache is much easier to access from above (West). It is a 1.5 difficulty hide. Searching after 8 pm in the Winter months is discouraged because late night flashlights would cause unwanted concern to neighbors.
Please report any problems with the puzzle or the cache by email and the CO will respond promptly.
Remember to write down the Maya number symbols found in the log book, or on the lid, that is needed to determine the coordinates of the final cache of this series. After conversion, ten are labeled N and are each a four-digit number. Ten are labeled W and are each a three-digit number. The final cache of this series, A New Era, provides the final numbers and instructions how to add to the prior twenty to determine its coordinates.