Nov 30 2011
Discover the Ancient Cities of Mexico
Are you eyeing to enjoy your holidays to Mexico? If yes, then you should take time to visit the world-renowned Meso-American ruins in the nation. Remember that Central and South Mexico was host to ancient civilizations before the country was conquered by Spain. Many of the ruins are well-preserved, the most prominent being Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec.
Here are several archaeological sites that you must view to see the awesome structures that these ancient civilizations built.
1. Mayapan, Chichen Itza, and other ancient cities
The ruins of the city of Mayapan can be reached via a one-hour drive to the northeast of Ruta Puuc. Here you can witness the step pyramids of Chichen Itza, structures constructed by the Mayas at the height of their civilization. There are also other ruined cities such as Tulum on the east coast; Coba, which is northwest of Tulum; Pole, which is south of Playa del Carmen and Calakmul near the Guatemalan border.
2. The Ruins of Chiapas
To west coast of Mexico lies the state of Chiapas. Here you can visit the ruined temples of Palenque, the mysterious glyphs of the old city of Yaxchilan, the paintings of the ruined walls of Bonampak, and the remains of the Tonina fortress.
3. Parque-Museo La Venta
The city of Villahermosa north of the Chiapas state is the location of the Parque-Museo La Venta. This museum has a large array of old Olmec sculptures.
4. Archaeological sites of Veracruz
The state of Veracruz at the eastern side of the country has excellent archaeological sites. Visit Tres Zapotes, the ceremonial center of the Olmecs; the ruined of Zempoala, a massive Totonac city; and El Tajin, with the Pyramid of the Niches as its primary attraction. You can also visit the nearby city of Xalapa where you can visit the Museo de Antropologia. This notable facility houses a collection of big Olmec head sculptures.
If you want to witness these ruins during your cheap holidays abroad, then book your trip through Travel Republic.