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Historical / Cultural sites
Mexico has innumerable architectural treasures, thanks to its abundant pre-Hispanic and colonial heritage. Due to their historical and artistic importance, UNESCO has declared 27 of these magnificent destinations as World Heritage sites.
Tour the ruins of ancient ceremonial centers of the Teotihuacanas, Zapotecas, Totonacas, and Mayans. Many of the magnificent courtyards and temples are filled with magic and charm—and surrounded by incredible natural valleys, jungles, rivers, and waterfalls. Some of these historical cities were built on top of pre-Hispanic settlements after the Spanish conquest, acquiring an elegant, European aesthetic over time.
A walking tour through any of these historical cities is a humbling experience, as you stand in the presence of magnificent architecture and the echoes of lost civilizations.
Here are three wonderful Historical/Cultural sites to explore:
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Chichen Itza |  |
Teotihuacan | |
Uxmal | |  |
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Chichen Itza |
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The pre-Hispanic city of Chichen-Itza is one of the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, located two hours by bus from Cancun. The site combines Toltec and Mayan influences and its two ancient cities are ripe with cosmological symbolism.
 Chichen Itza is a site where you can appreciate the archaeological grandeur of Mayan culture. The ruins of the white structures stand as a testament to the importance of this ancient city. Here you'll see magnificent and diverse constructions like the Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of the Warriors). The Grupo de las Mil Columnas (Group of 1,000 Columns), an arcade built with a series of columns, covers a surface area of 110 sq. meters (363 sq. feet). Among the most important constructions at this site is the Juego de Pelota, the largest ball court in Mesoamerica.
A most impressive structure is the Observatorio (Observatory), or Caracol, a sophisticated edifice that allows one to appreciate the scientific and astronomical accomplishments of the Mayans. La Iglesia (The Church) is a stone construction adorned with geometrical figures and images of rain god Chaac. Finally, there's the Piramide de Kukulcan (Pyramid of Kulkulcan), which has several large serpent heads overlooking the stairways. All of these structures, as well as the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Sinkhole), are awe-inspring examples of the magic and mystery surrounding this ancient culture. Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) is located 65 km (40 mi) northeast of Chichen Itza and 26 km (16 mi) north of the city of Valladolid. This site has 45 majestic constructions, including the ancient ball court and an arch surrounded by two concentric stone walls. Be sure to check out the hieroglyphic serpents made of stone blocks. Book your Chichen Itza adventure on Expedia and save. |
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Teotihuacan |
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Teotihuacan used to be a thriving city and ceremonial center that predated the Aztecs by several centuries. This spectacular archaeological zone is one of the largest and most complex in pre-Hispanic Mexico. Its main structures include the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, as well as an on-site museum.
 The culture that produced this magnificent city originated in the first century A.D., reaching its peak between the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. Teotihuacan began declining sharply around 650 A.D., and was almost completely abandoned around 750 A.D.
Archaeologists have long been fascinated with Teotihuacan, particularly because its culture and history are still largely mysterious. Very little is known about its inhabitants, who were succeeded first by the Toltecs and then by the Aztecs. This well-planned city of perhaps 200,000 people consists of massive ruins, yet no trace has yet been found of a writing system. The Aztecs did not live in the city, but gave the place and its major structures their current names. They considered it the "Place of the Gods"—a place where, they believed, the current world was created. Book your Teotihuacan adventure on Expedia and save. |
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Uxmal |
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Flourishing from 600-900 A.D., the pre-historic city of Uxmal was one of the largest Mayan cities of the Yucatan Peninsula. At its height, Uxmal was home to about 25,000 Mayans. One of the most well-known of the Mayan cities, Uxmal is rated by many archaeologists as the finest. The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician. Climb the steep steps and gaze in awe at the spectacular view from its sky-high peak.
The Pyramid of the Soothsayer, as the Spaniards called it, dominates the ceremonial center. Its rulers are said to have presided over the nearby settlements of Kabah, Labna, and Sayil, considered the pinnacle of Mayan art and architecture. Book your Uxmal adventure on Expedia and save. |
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