Ancient Architecture in Mexico

Temples and palaces rise out of the jungle, the silent witnesses to lost civilizations. The ancient architecture of Mexico and Central America is one of the many compelling reasons to visit. Dozens of astounding historic sites representing many distinct pre-Columbian cultures draw visitors from around the world, from the awe-inspiring Aztec towers of Teotihuacán near Mexico City, to the Zapotec ruins in Oaxaca.

Of all the indigenous cultures in Mexico and Central America, the Mayans have perhaps the most stunning architectural gems in the most evocative natural settings. The ancient cities of Palenque, Bonampak, Tikal, and others are nestled in the jungles of southern Mexico and Guatemala. The ceremonial complexes of these once bustling forest cities still stand tall, surrounded by draping lianas and bellowing howler monkeys. One of the most impressive Mayan sites is Palenque, located in the Lacondon Forest of the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. RealTravelers Barbara & Dave write this about Palenque:

“Founded around 100 BC, but flourished from around 630 AD to 740 AD under the rule of Pakal. This site bears closer resemblance to sites in Guatemala than to the other sites on the Yucatan. One of the most impressive structures on the site is the Temple of the Inscriptions, an 8-tiered pyramid, reaching 26m high. On the top is a temple containing inscriptions relating to Palenque’s dynastic history. Inside the pyramid is the tomb of Pakal, and it is here that they found the jade death mask of Pakal, which we saw in the Anthropology Museum in Mexico City… As we walked around the site, all of a sudden the hills around resounded to the booming calls of howler monkeys, while vibrant coloured butterflies fluttered all around.” (more…)

It is thought that these ancient cities, in bygone times, were in fact city-states in a web of rivalries and alliances that spread across present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Usually set in protected areas, parks, and preserves, often the ruins feature museums and guided tours offering educational opportunities that bring the complex patchwork of first civilizations in this region to life.

The buildings that served as temples, monuments, offices of state were constructed using large limestone blocks and a crushed and mixed limestone similar to cement as mortar. Many architectural features such as doorways and stairways are aligned with celestial events, as the Mayans were close observers of the stars and had the most advanced calendar in the Americas. There is much to be learned about these structures – but their massive proportions and eerie power is something that has to be experienced firsthand.

For travelers looking to climb some Mayan pyramids themselves, there are several options and routes. In Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula boasts Uxmal near the city of Merida and Chichen Itza near the tourist-friendly city of Cancun. For those who are ready for a deeper exploration, Palenque is accessible from the town of the same name, while the closest Mexican city of decent size is San Cristobal de las Casas, an enchanting highland city in the state of Chiapas. Visitors will have to cross the border into Guatemala get to Tikal – the largest Mayan ruin and in this writer’s opinion, the most amazing. Tikal tourists usually stay in the nearby town of Flores. Visitors to any of the cities near the ruins will find many convenient tours offered, for small or large groups. What are you waiting for? Grab your bug spray and camera and head for “las ruinas Mayas.”

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