Latest news with #TempleoftheInscriptions
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Skip the crowds at Chichen Itza for these lesser-known Maya sites
Nestled in the jungles of the Yucatán, about 45 minutes from Valladolid, lies one of Mexico's most visited archaeological sites—Chichén Itzá. Once a thriving Maya city with an estimated 35,000 residents, it now draws crowds of visitors from around the world to admire its grand temples and explore the region's rich history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá continues to break visitation records. While its significance and beauty is undeniable, it's also expensive to visit and overcrowded. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative, these three hidden temples offer a chance to explore the Yucatán Peninsula's lesser-known archaeological sites. (Why the idea that the Maya civilization 'collapsed' is wrong) The Maya civilization once stretched across present-day southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. At its peak, it had over 2 million people spread across its empire with its most powerful cities in what is now Yucatán and northern Guatemala. Nestled in the dense Lacandón rain forest in Chiapas, Palenque is one of the most impressive Maya sites, known for its multi-level pyramids, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and hidden crypts home to dozens of archeological treasures. Its most famous structure, the Temple of the Inscriptions, has provided archeologists an invaluable look into the Mayan civilization. Partly thanks to its well-protected and detailed hieroglyphics, but also from the crypt below. The 7th century ruler K'inich Janaab' Pakal was buried in the crypt with a beautiful jade mask. The mask is considered one of the biggest archeological finds from the Maya civilization and can be seen in Mexico City's National Museum of Anthropology. Excavation of Palenque began in the 1940s and remains ongoing. Despite decades worth of work, less than 10 percent of the 1,780-hectare city has been explored; Palenque still holds countless secrets beneath the jungle. You can stay in the city of Palenque for your visit or at one of the more rural eco-lodges and resorts tucked away in the jungle. Hotel Maya Bell is just around the corner from Palenque's entrance; it has charming thatch roof bungalows with air conditioning and an on-site restaurant and pool. Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, this ancient city is one of the least-visited Maya sites. Swallowed by dense jungle for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1931 by biologist Cyrus Longworth Lundell. Calakmul, meaning 'the city of the adjacent pyramids,' is one of the largest Maya cities, with thousands of structures sprinkled across it's 331,397 hectares. Historians believe it was the political heart of the Kaanul, or Snake Dynasty, one of the most powerful Maya dynasties during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). White limestone roads, known as sacbés, connected Calakmul to nearby cities, forming an ancient highway system used for military, diplomatic, and trade alliances. Visiting Calakmul feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie, with a high chance of spotting monkeys, turkeys, toucans, and possibly jaguars. Reaching it requires three separate entrance tickets and a 90-minute drive from the nearest train station. Guided tours are encouraged for this reason and usually last around five-to-seven hours. Plan to spend the night in the nearby village of Conhuas or La Selva, Campeche. Entrance tickets, restaurants, and tour guide costs will be cash only, so come prepared with Mexican pesos. (In search of the lost empire of the Maya) Roughly four hours from Cancún and on the way to Mérida, Uxmal was a major city during the Late Classic Period and part of the League of Mayapán. It is one of the best places to see Puuc-style architecture, similar to Chichén Itzá. While its towering limestone pyramids now stand bare, they were once coated in smooth white stucco made by burning trees. Uxmal's buildings aren't laid out with a traditional courtyard design but instead align with the celestial movement of Venus. This makes Uxmal a special place to visit in different seasons, although not as famous as Chichén Itzá on spring equinox. The Pyramid of the Magician, the tallest temple in Uxmal, looms over what was once the city's residential district. Guided tours provide insight into Maya culture, including sacrificial rituals, the Mesoamerican ballgame, and legends like La Casa del Enano, House of the Dwarf, a pyramid said to have been built overnight by a magical dwarf who later ruled Uxmal. One of Uxmal's most distinctive features is the House of the Pigeons, a 240-foot-long structure lined with pyramid-like formations that was named for its resemblance to a pigeon roost. Roughly one hour from Mérida, Uxmal is an easy day trip and a great alternative to the more crowded and expensive Chichén Itzá. Mérida is a fantastic place to stay nearby, with delicious Yucatán cuisine and vibrant streets to explore. Liz Brumer-Smith is a Florida-based freelance writer and travel creator behind the channel Eat See TV. In 2017, she and her husband hit the road full-time in their RV with their two cats, exploring North America and documenting their adventures on YouTube and their blog. Today, Liz shares stories of food, culture, and destinations around the globe.
National Geographic
19-05-2025
- National Geographic
3 of Mexico's lesser-known archaeological wonders
Nestled in the jungles of the Yucatán, about 45 minutes from Valladolid, lies one of Mexico's most visited archaeological sites—Chichén Itzá. Once a thriving Maya city with an estimated 35,000 residents, it now draws crowds of visitors from around the world to admire its grand temples and explore the region's rich history. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá continues to break visitation records. While its significance and beauty is undeniable, it's also expensive to visit and overcrowded. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative, these three hidden temples offer a chance to explore the Yucatán Peninsula's lesser-known archaeological sites. (Why the idea that the Maya civilization 'collapsed' is wrong) Palenque The Maya civilization once stretched across present-day southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. At its peak, it had over 2 million people spread across its empire with its most powerful cities in what is now Yucatán and northern Guatemala. Nestled in the dense Lacandón rain forest in Chiapas, Palenque is one of the most impressive Maya sites, known for its multi-level pyramids, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and hidden crypts home to dozens of archeological treasures. Its most famous structure, the Temple of the Inscriptions, has provided archeologists an invaluable look into the Mayan civilization. Partly thanks to its well-protected and detailed hieroglyphics, but also from the crypt below. The 7th century ruler K'inich Janaab' Pakal was buried in the crypt with a beautiful jade mask. The mask is considered one of the biggest archeological finds from the Maya civilization and can be seen in Mexico City's National Museum of Anthropology. Excavation of Palenque began in the 1940s and remains ongoing. Despite decades worth of work, less than 10 percent of the 1,780-hectare city has been explored; Palenque still holds countless secrets beneath the jungle. You can stay in the city of Palenque for your visit or at one of the more rural eco-lodges and resorts tucked away in the jungle. Hotel Maya Bell is just around the corner from Palenque's entrance; it has charming thatch roof bungalows with air conditioning and an on-site restaurant and pool. Calakmul, Campeche Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, this ancient city is one of the least-visited Maya sites. Swallowed by dense jungle for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1931 by biologist Cyrus Longworth Lundell. Calakmul, meaning 'the city of the adjacent pyramids,' is one of the largest Maya cities, with thousands of structures sprinkled across it's 331,397 hectares. Historians believe it was the political heart of the Kaanul, or Snake Dynasty, one of the most powerful Maya dynasties during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). White limestone roads, known as sacbés, connected Calakmul to nearby cities, forming an ancient highway system used for military, diplomatic, and trade alliances. Visiting Calakmul feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie, with a high chance of spotting monkeys, turkeys, toucans, and possibly jaguars. Reaching it requires three separate entrance tickets and a 90-minute drive from the nearest train station. Guided tours are encouraged for this reason and usually last around five-to-seven hours. Plan to spend the night in the nearby village of Conhuas or La Selva, Campeche. Entrance tickets, restaurants, and tour guide costs will be cash only, so come prepared with Mexican pesos. (In search of the lost empire of the Maya) Uxmal Roughly four hours from Cancún and on the way to Mérida, Uxmal was a major city during the Late Classic Period and part of the League of Mayapán. It is one of the best places to see Puuc-style architecture, similar to Chichén Itzá. While its towering limestone pyramids now stand bare, they were once coated in smooth white stucco made by burning trees. Uxmal's buildings aren't laid out with a traditional courtyard design but instead align with the celestial movement of Venus. This makes Uxmal a special place to visit in different seasons, although not as famous as Chichén Itzá on spring equinox. The Pyramid of the Magician, the tallest temple in Uxmal, looms over what was once the city's residential district. Guided tours provide insight into Maya culture, including sacrificial rituals, the Mesoamerican ballgame, and legends like La Casa del Enano, House of the Dwarf, a pyramid said to have been built overnight by a magical dwarf who later ruled Uxmal. One of Uxmal's most distinctive features is the House of the Pigeons, a 240-foot-long structure lined with pyramid-like formations that was named for its resemblance to a pigeon roost. Roughly one hour from Mérida, Uxmal is an easy day trip and a great alternative to the more crowded and expensive Chichén Itzá. Mérida is a fantastic place to stay nearby, with delicious Yucatán cuisine and vibrant streets to explore. Liz Brumer-Smith is a Florida-based freelance writer and travel creator behind the channel Eat See TV. In 2017, she and her husband hit the road full-time in their RV with their two cats, exploring North America and documenting their adventures on YouTube and their blog. Today, Liz shares stories of food, culture, and destinations around the globe.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
Best Pyramids to Visit in Mexico: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Mesoamerica
The world is full of ancient wonders — so many that you could spend a lifetime trying to visit them all. But when it comes to awe-inspiring ancient ruins, you don't have to travel halfway across the globe. Just head south to Mexico, where a treasure trove of Mayan pyramids, Aztec temples, and pre-Columbian cities awaits. You've likely heard of the Maya, who ruled and still reside in southern Mexico and Central America. You might even know a thing or two about the Aztecs, whose grand capital laid the foundation for today's Mexico City. Iconic archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacán are among the top attractions in Mexico, but the country is home to dozens of other remarkable civilizations — and incredible pyramids — that helped shape its ancient story. 'The Maya and the Aztecs are the two most people know about, but you can't ignore all these other wonderful cultures that existed and also built pyramids,' says Dr. Edwin Barnhart, director of the Maya Exploration Center and a veteran archaeologist with over 30 years of experience. So let's dive into Mexico's deep cultural heritage and discover the top pyramids to visit in Mexico, from famous landmarks to hidden gems buried in the jungle. Before we get to the travel bucket list, let's take a quick walk through history. The Olmecs are often considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica. They thrived between 1600 BCE and 350 BCE and were the first to build major ceremonial centers. The Maya came next, settling as early as 1500 BCE and reaching their peak during the Classic Period (250 CE to 900 CE). In the southwest, the Zapotec civilization, based in modern-day Oaxaca, flourished from 700 BCE to 1521 CE. These civilizations — along with the Toltecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, Huastecs, and many more — left behind monumental temples, ceremonial platforms, and pre-Hispanic pyramids. Today, Mexico is home to over 16 million Indigenous people representing 68 different ethnolinguistic groups, and their cultural legacy lives on in these ancient structures. No list of famous pyramids in Mexico is complete without El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán. Located at the heart of Chichen Itza, this iconic Mayan pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was built as a cosmic calendar, with 365 steps and a solar light show that reveals a serpent descending the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes. How to get there: Drive from Cancun or Riviera Maya (2.5 hours). Tour operators offer full-day trips with guides. Nestled in the jungle, Palenque is one of the most captivating yet under-visited Mayan ruins in Mexico. Its crown jewel is the Temple of the Inscriptions, home to the tomb of the great ruler Pakal. 'Pakal's tomb was a shot heard 'round the world,' says Barnhart. 'It transformed our understanding of Maya royalty and burial practices.' How to get there: Now accessible via the new Tren Maya, or by long-distance bus (ADO) to Palenque town. Just outside Mexico City, Teotihuacán is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Mexico. Its origins are still debated, but it was once one of the largest cities in the world. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun for sweeping views, then explore the Avenue of the Dead and Pyramid of the Moon. How to get there: One-hour drive from Mexico City or book a guided day tour. What looks like a hill crowned with a Spanish church is actually the largest pyramid in the world by volume. The Great Pyramid of Cholula has a base even wider than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Beneath the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, layers of Aztec and pre-Aztec history lie hidden. How to get there: Two-hour drive from Mexico City or 20 minutes from Puebla. Uxmal is one of the most architecturally unique Mayan cities, famous for its Pyramid of the Magician. Its smooth, rounded design is unlike the stepped terraces of other sites. According to legend, it was built overnight by a magical dwarf. How to get there: 1-hour drive from Mérida; available via tour or self-drive. Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, this massive pyramid rivals the largest in the Maya world. Few tourists make the journey, but those who do are rewarded with an immersive jungle experience and a chance to climb Structure 2, one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in Mexico. How to get there: Long drive through Campeche + 43-mile dirt road. Locals may offer guided transport across ejido land. On your way to Chichen Itza, make time for Ek Balam, one of the best lesser-known pyramids in the Yucatán. The main pyramid, El Torre, features stunning stucco art and is still climbable — a rarity these days. 'The doorway is carved like the mouth of a monster, with figures in the eyes. It's probably one of the best pieces of Mayan art in the entire world,' says Barnhart. How to get there: 2 hours from Cancun; 30 minutes from Valladolid. Overlooking Oaxaca City, the Monte Albán pyramids offer history with a view. The site was a major Zapotec capital for over 1,300 years and is filled with stepped pyramids, plazas, and panoramic vistas. How to get there: 10 minutes by taxi or bus from downtown Oaxaca. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Tajín is known for its unusual Pyramid of the Niches, believed to be used as a calendar. The site feels truly untouched, with relatively few visitors and a mystical atmosphere. How to get there: Four-hour drive from Veracruz City. Day tours available.
