Archaeotourism is becoming more and more popular globally and it is no wonder that Mexico, besides being an appealing beach or ecotourism destination, attracts tourists coming from all over the world to explore its intriguing archeological sites. Mexican culture and traditions are permeated by the influence of the Pre-Columbian civilizations that once inhabited its territory before the Spanish colonization. The splendor of the Mayan, Aztec, and the other pre-Hispanic cultures that molded the country’s history is still attested by the many vestiges and archeological zones spread through all its states.
Southern Mexico conceals incredible ruins hidden amidst forests, lagoons, and almost pristine landscapes, like Toniná and Palenque in Chiapas, El Tajín in Veracruz and La Venta Tabasco. Visit Teotihuacán, located only a few kilometers from Mexico City, or head to Tula de Allende, in Hidalgo, to admire the imposing Atlanteans dominating the ancient Toltec ceremonial center and venture into El Cerrito ancestral town in Querétaro.
Immerse yourself into Mexico’s ancient history and discover the traditions, legends, and folklore of the populations that shaped the country’s roots.
Palenque, Chiapas
The Zona Arqueológica de Palenque (Palenque Archaeological Zone), situated just a few kilometers away from the homonymous Magical Town, is by far one of the most important archeological sites in Mexico, awarded as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. Surrounded by the lush Chiapas jungle, this unique Mayan site includes several partially preserved buildings that attest to the history and culture of the Maya population, among which are the Templo del Conde (Temple of the Count), El Palacio (The Palace), and the Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of Inscriptions), whose perfectly preserved panels have allowed understanding the history of Palenque and its inhabitants. Palenque can be reached by car from Tuxtla Gutierrez and is a perfect destination for a one-day excursion.
Tulum, Quintana Roo
In the tropical paradise of Quintana Roo, at a short distance from the renowned Playa del Carmen you will find the Mayan ruins of Tulum. This picturesque archeological site facing the Caribbean Sea dates to 564 A.D. and, like many other Mayan vestiges in Yucatán, blends together different architectural styles as a result of the transformations the city went through over the centuries. The most emblematic building in Tulum is the so-called Castillo (the Castle), an imposing structure built on a cliff and dominating the below seashore. Other notable buildings include Templo del Dios del Viento (Temple of the God of the Wind), which is thought to have served as an astronomical and meteorological observatory, and the Templo de los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes) where you can admire murals depicting deities and allegories. You can easily reach the Pueblo Mágico of Tulum and its archaeological zone from Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
El Cerrito, Querétaro
Renowned for its heritage cities and for offering countless opportunities to enjoy ecotourism, the state of Querétaro conceals one of the most visited archeological sites in Bajío. El Cerrito archeological zone, just a few steps away from Querétaro city, attests to the history of the many Pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited it, which include the Teotihuacán, Toltec, Chichimeca, Purépecha, and the Otomí. The imposing remains of the once sacred pyramid host another more recent construction on their top, the Fortin, built by the owner of the Ex-Hacienda El Cerrito at the end of the 19th century.
Teotihuacán, Mexico City
In the picturesque Pueblo Mágico of Teotihuacán, not far from Mexico City, you will come across one of the most famous archeological areas in the country. The site hosts the remains of the ancient Aztec city, with magnificent buildings such as the Templo de Quetzalcóatl, the Complejo de Quetzalpapálotl, the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon) and the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun). For many visitors, exploring Teotihuacán and climbing the pyramids is not only an entertaining holiday activity but also a spiritual and mystical experience.
Paquimé, Chihuahua
Paquimé archeological zone, located in the proximity of the Pueblo Mágico of Casas Grandes in the state of Chihuahua, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for hosting the extensive remains of an incredible architecturally advanced settlement, attributed to the Mogollon population. A labyrinth of houses and buildings and the vestiges of what used to be a complex hydraulic system attest to the development of the city, which played an important role in connecting its inhabitants with the other Mesoamerican civilizations.
Tula de Allende, Hidalgo
Once the most important city for the Toltec population, Tula de Allende, in the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico, is a very popular destination, mostly known for its well-preserved archeological zone. The gigantic stone Atlanteans statues (also known as Cariátides) towering the extensive ceremonial center are the most impressive hallmark of the site, but Tula archeological site hosts many other majestic buildings. While visiting travel back in time and explore the Palacio Quemado (Burned Palace), the Pirámide del Sol, the Central Altar, the Ball Court, and Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli.
Toniná, Chiapas
Another interesting archeological zone in southern Mexico, not too far from Palenque, is the Mayan site of Toniná. Settled in the middle of the Chiapas Highlands, this impressive urban complex boasts distinct districts with palaces, temples, monuments, areas of housing and administration, and one of the biggest pyramids of the Mayan civilization. The Palace of the Underworld and the Palace of Frets are among the most notable buildings of Toniná’s acropolis.
El Tajín, Veracruz
Sometimes referred to as La Casa del Trueno (the house of thunder) because of the etymology of its name, the religious and political center of El Tajín is an acknowledged World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located at a short distance from Papantla, one of Veracruz’s Pueblos Mágicos, it is one of the most impressive archeological sites in Mexico, whose origins are still uncertain. The zone is divided into two main areas, Tajín Viejo and Tajín Chico, hosting amazing constructions such as the Pirámide de Los Nichos (Pyramid of the Niches), characterized by impressive decorative niches, and the outstanding Templo Azul (Blue Temple).
La Venta, Tabasco
Nestled in the middle of the Tabasco jungle, the archeological zone of La Venta is one of the oldest and most important sites where you can learn about the Olmec population. Boasting the remains of the ancient ceremonial center with still very well-preserved pyramids, the area includes an on-site museum displaying the famous Olmec giant stone heads and other items and sculptures found in the archeological site.
Las Yácatas, Michoácan
The Zona Arqueológica y Museo Las Yácatas (Las Yácatas Archaeological Zone and Museum), located in Tzintzuntzan, in the state of Michoacán, owes its name to the Purépechan word for lugar de colibríes” (place of hummingbirds). The site, characterized by distinctive circular and rectangular-shaped buildings, used to be a sacred ceremonial center for the Purépecha population. Las Yácatas Archaeological Zone is divided into three main areas: La Gran Plataforma, El Barrio de San Pablo, and El Barrio de Santa Ana, where you can admire the impressive ruins of the city and a collection of archeological items recovered around the area.