2015 Cruise - Mahahual Mexico, Pyramid Village

We disembarked at the Mahahual cruise terminal, hopped onto a bus and ended up in this little town that sprang up around an ancient pyramid.  Supposedly the pyramid was 800+ years old, and pretty much untouched since the day it was abandoned.

There is a fascination in knowing that this was once a busy, thriving place for the indigenous peoples of the area, leaving much to the imagination.  For example, who was allowed to climb the narrow steps depicted in the photo below?  What was the purpose of the platform to which it led?  Did all who ascend do so willingly?