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Mexico is a country rich in history and culture, with many ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout its landscape. From the famous pyramids of Chichén Itzá to the lesser-known ruins of Calakmul, Mexico has a wealth of historical treasures to explore.
Currently, there are over 1,500 registered archaeological sites in Mexico, with many more yet to be discovered. The country is also home to over 68 different indigenous languages, with many of them still spoken today. These languages, along with the ancient ruins, provide a glimpse into the diverse cultures and civilizations that have existed in Mexico throughout history.
Each year, millions of visitors flock to Mexico to explore these ancient ruins, with some of the most popular sites receiving over 1 million visitors per year. But while many people are familiar with the well-known ruins like Teotihuacan and Palenque, there are many other lesser-known ruins that are just as fascinating and worth exploring.
If you’re considering a visit to Mexico, check out our blog post “5 Irresistible Reasons To Choose Mexico” for compelling insights that will solidify your decision.
El Tajin
El Tajin is an ancient city located in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of El Tajin are known for their unique architectural style and intricate carvings.
The most famous building at El Tajin is the Pyramid of the Niches. This pyramid is named for the 365 niches that are carved into its sides. The niches are thought to represent the days of the Mayan calendar.
Another popular attraction at El Tajin is the Ball Court. The Ball Court at El Tajin is one of the largest in the Mayan world. It is believed that the Ball Court was used for a ritual game that was played by the Mayans.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is an ancient pyramid located in the city of Cholula, Mexico. It is the largest pyramid in the world by volume, and is thought to have been built over a period of 2,000 years.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula was once the center of a major religious and political center for the ancient people of Puebla. The pyramid was built in stages, with each stage being larger than the last. The final stage of construction was completed in the 9th century AD.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can climb to the top of the pyramid for stunning views of the surrounding area. The pyramid is also home to a number of museums and archaeological sites.
Calakmul
Calakmul is an ancient city located in the state of Campeche, Mexico. It was once one of the most powerful Mayan cities in the world. The ruins of Calakmul are spread out over an area of 260 square kilometers (100 square miles).
The most famous building at Calakmul is the Great Pyramid of Calakmul. This pyramid is the second-largest pyramid in the Mayan world. The pyramid is thought to have been built in the 6th century AD.
Another popular attraction at Calakmul is the Palace of the Masks. This palace is named for the masks that are carved into its walls. The masks are thought to represent the Mayan gods.
While Calakmul is difficult to get to, it is definitely worth trip. It’s a two hour drive through the jungle to reach the site but of you are you can see an array of wildlife on the way including howler monkeys and even jaguars!
You may also be interested in: Beyond Cancun: Exploring Mexico’s most beautiful and underrated towns
Coba
Coba is an ancient city located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization. The ruins of Coba are spread out over an area of 600 square kilometers (230 square miles).
The most famous building at Coba is the Nohoch Mul pyramid. This pyramid is the tallest pyramid in the Mayan world. The pyramid is thought to have been built in the 6th century AD.
Another popular attraction at Coba is the Coba ruins. These ruins are home to a number of temples, ball courts, and other structures.
You can still climb to the the top of Nohoch Mul pyramid which a bonus, you can see for miles in every direction as the pyramid rises above the jungle. Of course always stay safe while taking photos, don’t risk your own safety for a picture!
Another great thing about Coba is that you can rent bicycles at the entrance and cycle around and visit the ruins. The path is flat and easy going.
Palenque
Palenque is an ancient city located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization. The ruins of Palenque are spread out over an area of 10 square kilometers (4 square miles).
The most famous building at Palenque is the Temple of Inscriptions. This temple is the largest temple in Palenque and is home to the tomb of Pakal the Great. Pakal the Great was a powerful Mayan ruler who reigned from 612 to 683 AD.
Another popular attraction at Palenque is the Palace of Palenque. This palace is home to a number of well-preserved rooms, including a throne room and a banquet hall.
Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan is an ancient city located in the state of Mexico, Mexico. It was once one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of over 200,000 people. The ruins of Teotihuacan are spread out over an area of 20 square kilometers (8 square miles).
The most famous building at Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of the Sun. This pyramid is the third-largest pyramid in the world, and is thought to have been built in the 1st century AD. The Pyramid of the Sun is located on the Avenue of the Dead, which is a long, straight road that runs through the center of Teotihuacan.
Another popular attraction at Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of the Moon. This pyramid is the second-largest pyramid in Teotihuacan, and is thought to have been built in the 4th century AD. The Pyramid of the Moon is located on the north side of the Avenue of the Dead.
Teotihuacan is a fascinating place to visit and is a great way to learn about the ancient civilizations of Mexico. The ruins are well-preserved and are a beautiful sight to behold.
Monte Alban
Monte Alban is an ancient city located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It was once the capital of the Zapotec civilization, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of Monte Alban are spread out over an area of 16 square kilometers (6 square miles).
The most famous building at Monte Alban is the Great Pyramid. This pyramid is the largest pyramid in Oaxaca, and is thought to have been built in the 5th century BC. The Great Pyramid is located on the top of a mountain, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Another popular attraction at Monte Alban is the Palace of the Jaguar. This palace is named for the jaguars that are carved into its walls. The palace is thought to have been built in the 4th century BC.
Monte Alban is a fascinating place to visit and is a great way to learn about the Zapotec civilization.
Uxmal
Uxmal is an ancient city located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization. The ruins of Uxmal are spread out over an area of 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles).
The most famous building at Uxmal is the Pyramid of the Magician. This pyramid is named for the legend that a magician once lived on top of it. The pyramid is thought to have been built in the 6th century AD.
Another popular attraction at Uxmal is the Governor’s Palace. This palace is named for the governor who once lived there. The palace is thought to have been built in the 9th century AD.
Yaxchilan
Yaxchilan is an ancient city located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was once a major center of the Mayan civilization. The ruins of Yaxchilan are spread out over an area of 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles).
The most famous building at Yaxchilan is the Temple of the Inscriptions. This temple is named for the hieroglyphic inscriptions that are carved into its walls. The inscriptions tell the story of the rulers of Yaxchilan.
Another popular attraction at Yaxchilan is the Palace of the Masks. This palace is named for the masks that are carved into its walls. The masks are thought to represent the Mayan gods.
My Top Spots
My personal favorites are Coba, I really like how you can rent a bicycle there and explore your way through the jungle yourself, and Calakmul.
Going to Calakmul is an adventure as it’s a two hour drive through the jungle just to reach the ruins. on the route there you will be greeted by a wealth of wildlife such as monkeys, crocodiles, turkeys, coatis, toucans, peccaries, ocelots, deer, snakes, falcons, tapirs, herons, bats and even jaguars.
Of course it is highly unlikely to see most of these animals. It is very likely to see monkeys, toucans and deer as they often visit the ruins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mexico is home to many incredible ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Each ruin has its own unique story and history, and is worth visiting. So if you are thinking of visiting Mexico don’t just stick to the tourist trail, get out and see something different.
If you love Mexican food, be sure to check out my blog post on the “Top 30 Most Popular, Authentic (and Strange) Mexican Foods,” where I delve into the rich culinary traditions of Mexico in greater detail.
Some pictures sourced from pixabay, freepik and pexels.
