In addition to postcard beaches and tourist resorts, during a trip to Mexico you can visit some of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In fact, the country has around 200 sites that can be visited , places that allow you to discover the ancient pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located mainly within the Yucatan peninsula and in the regions of Chiapas, Campeche and Oaxaca. Here are the best archaeological sites not to be missed in Mexico .
Journey to Yucatan: on the trail of the Maya in Mexico
The Mayan peoples lived in many areas of central and southern America, especially in Mexico in the Yucatan and Chiapas, but also in Guatemala , Belize, El Salvador and Honduras. The Mexican town with the most famous and most visited pre-Columbian remains is the Yucatan , where you can find some of the most beautiful and evocative Mayan sites in the country. Looking at the map of Mexico, the Yucatan appears as a peninsula located in the eastern part , a flat area covered by a dense tropical forest.
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The archaeological itinerary between Yucatan and Chiapas is a classic path of the Maya of Mexico, a journey certainly challenging but exciting, to discover sites to see such as Tulum, Palenque and Mitla, among breathtaking landscapes , history, art and wonderful exotic beaches. Those who want to visit the region alone, by renting a rental car, can consult and download the map of the Mayan riviera in Yucatan on the official website of the Mexican Tourist Board , where you can find all the maps of Mexico and detailed information on archaeological sites.
Maya, Mexico: discovering Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is the most famous and visited archaeological site in Mexico, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, an area of great historical value located about 50 km from Mexico City . The area experienced its period of greatest splendor from the III to the VII century AD, when it established itself with one of the most important political and commercial centers of the region. Today it is possible to visit the remains of the buildings along the evocative path of the Calzada de los Muertos , climbing to the top of the beautiful Pyramid of the Sol and admiring the splendid Pyramid of the Moon.
Archaeological sites in Mexico: Chichén Itzá
Coming down from Mexico City and entering the Yucatan peninsula , the site of Chichén Itzá is found near Valladolid . The visit takes at least 3-4 hours, so you have to try to get there early, especially if you have to continue your journey and then reach another location. This Maya complex has its main place of interest in the Pyramid of El Castillo , the main building, and you can also see the engravings in the Temple of the Warriors and in the Wall of Skulls .
Mexico, the most beautiful places of the Maya: Cobá
Among the sites to be seen in Mexico is the archaeological area of Cobá , a place rich in history and charm located less than 50 km from Tulum. Very interesting is the wonderful Pyramid of Nohoch Mul , 42 meters high and scalable climbing the steep steps of the front facade, to admire an exciting panorama of the surrounding area. The area can be crossed on foot or by bicycle in about 2-3 hours, visiting the site alone or contracting a local guide on the spot, to learn about the history of Cobá and some unpublished details.