5 Best Archaeological Sites in Mexico
Mexico is home to 179 different designated Archaeological Zones showcasing and preserving Mexican history and culture, especially Mesoamerican history. While a trip to any of these sites is worth taking during a vacation to Mexico, there are five that are known as some of the best in all of Mexico.
Chichén ltzá, Yucatán
Chichén ltzá is one of the most recognizable names of archaeological sites in Mexico. Located in the Yucatán, the zone offers a great example of Mayan history and culture. It was once a regional capital between 750 AD to 1200 AD and offers a great site where visitors can learn more about Mayan culture.
The site includes El Castillo, a religious temple structure; the Great Ball Court, where the Maya would play a game not too different from modern soccer; the Cenote, where the religious leaders of the city would make sacrifices; the Market; the Temple of the Warriors and many other structures.
Monte Albán, Oaxaca
The Monte Albán Archaeological Zone is the most important in Oaxaca, showcasing the Zapotec people and history as their capital for about a thousand years. Today, it along with the city of Oaxaca, is a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire complex spans about four square miles, offering a great day trip opportunity for travelers visiting Oaxaca.
The site offers plenty of structures to visit and learn about, from the Ball Court to the Great Plaza, the Palace and the mysterious square carvings called The Dancers, featuring a different art style reminiscent of the Olmec art style. The site also offers an indoor museum preserving artifacts, including those showcasing the Zapotec writing system.
Teotihuacán, State of Mexico
Teotihuacán is probably the most easily recognizable archaeological zone for Americans, since it’s long been recognized as a must-visit destination when traveling in or near Mexico City, the capital city of Mexico.
It was one of the most important religious and cultural centers of the Mesoamerican world, though was abandoned following a fire during the seventh century AD. It became a place of legend for the Aztec following its abandonment.
Today, travelers visit the city to learn about the time before the Aztecs arrived in central Mexico. The UNESCO-designated archaeological site’s towering pyramids, like the often-photographed Pyramid of the Sun, are some of the largest in Mexico.
Palenque, Chiapas
The UNESCO-designated archaeological site of Palenque in Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico, is a definite must-visit for any true archaeology and history lover. The city is thought to have been built around the AD 300s.
The Mayan site boasts a stunning 1,400 buildings, only ten percent of which have been explored, giving it a mysterious atmosphere.
Palenque is known for its incredible artwork and decoration. Notable buildings include the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Temples of the Cross, the Palace and the Aqueduct. The site also has its own museum housing more sensitive artifacts from the site.
El Tajín, Veracruz
Located along the eastern state of Veracruz is our last notable archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage site: El Tajín. Famous as an important center following the fall of Teotihuacán, its most photographed structure is the decorative Pyramid of the Niches.
The site offers a strong wealth of structures and archaeological remnants. It boasts 17 ball courts, 168 public buildings, 27 temples and 58 residences, along with 46 domestic houses.
The city has been largely undisturbed for five centuries, leaving it in a great state of preservation, making it a perfect choice for travelers heading out on a day trip in Veracruz.