Archeological Sites

By Paola Mora R. 1A

Many of Mexico’s most impressive archaeological sites are

located in the southern state of Chiapas and on the Yucatán Peninsula, but visitors to Mexico who plan to travel in and around Mexico City also have the opportunity to marvel at some of the country’s ancient man-made wonders. There are many lesser-known archaeological sites located in the central highlands, some just an easy day trip from the capital. The architecture of these sites may be less visually stunning or well-restored, but the experience is often far more unique and memorable. There are fewer crowds, the structures are open to climbing and entrance fees are rarely more than a few dollars.

Arhceological sites

Arguably the most well-known archaeological site in central

Mexico, the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacán is a must-see attraction for visitors to Mexico City. Located about an hour northeast of the city in Mexico state, Teotihuacan was once Mexico’s largest ancient city. Teotihuacan’s main attractions are two spectacular pyramids, Piramide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and Piramide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon). The Pyramid of the Sun is the third-largest pyramid in the world, surpassed in size only by Egypt’s Cheops and Pyramid Tepanapa in Cholula. Visiting Teotihuacan from Mexico City is easy. Autobuses Mexico-San Juan Teotihuacan runs buses from Mexico’s North Bus Terminal to the ruins with departures every 15 minutes.

1-.Tehotihuacan

2-.Calixtlahuaca

Located in the Toluca Valley in the central Mexican highlands, Calixtlahuaca was the capital city of the Matlatzinca culture. Calixtlahuaca is one of the few ancient Aztec-period cities where both the impressive architecture and extensive residential districts are preserved. Calixtlahuaca was first excavated in the 1930′s and a life-sized stone sculpture of Ehecatl, the Aztec god of wind was discovered in the site’s largest circular temple. Since 2006 a team of archaeologists from Arizona State University have been working at Calixtlahuaca and their findings have led them to conclude that the site is the third-largest Aztec-period city in central Mexico. The Calixtlahuaca archaeological site is located 10km outside of Toluca, the capital of Mexico state.

Visitors to Calixtlahuaca may also want to check out the ruins at

nearby Teotenango. Located 25km south of Toluca in the Matlatzinco Valley, Teotenango was an important pre-Hispanic city originally founded by the Teotenancas and later conquered by the Matlatzincas. Only a small part of the 1400 meter site has been excavated and preserved. Visitors can tour more than 40 excavated and partially-restored monuments. The main entrance to the city is through the Plaza of the Jaguar marked by a carved image of a seated jaguar shown wearing a medallion around its neck and eating something resembling a flower or heart. The Teotenango archaeological site is situated on Tetépetl Hill just west of the town of Tenango de Arista.

3-.Teotenango

A Unesco World Heritage Site and one of central Mexico’s most

important archaeological sites, Xochicalco is believed to have been the commercial, cultural or religious center of the Toltec, Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec and Aztec cultures. The site is made up of a collection of white stone ruins covering an area of nearly 10 sq. km. Xochicalco’s most impressive structure is the Piramide de Quetzalcoatl which is covered in intricate stone carvings. The entire site is situated atop a plateau and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. While it’s possible to visit Xochicalco on a day-trip from Mexico City, the site is best visited from nearby Cuernavaca.

4-.Xochicalco

Believed to have been the capital of the ancient Toltec civilization, the

archaeological ruins at Tula are perched on a hilltop offering excellent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Tula is best-known for the 4.5m-high sculpted stone warrior figures. The archaeological site is smaller and architecturally less impressive than Teotihuacan, but still well-deserving of a visit from Mexico City. The ruins are located north of Mexico City just outside the town of Tula de Allenda in the state of Hidalgo. Frequent first-class buses travel between Mexico City’s north bus terminal and Tula. The ride takes an hour and 45 minutes each way.

5-.Tula, Hidalgo

Presentation made

by Paola Mora Roldan

1A