While it might be better known for its beaches, there are certainly many historical sites to visit in Mexico. While you may want to chill out and soak up the sun all day, we encourage you to check out Mexico’s incredible temples and structures that are dotted throughout the country. Many of the sites might be familiar as you have likely seen them in pictures or on TV, but there’s so much more! In fact, it would take a book to list all the phenomenal and important historical sights that Mexico offers.
While you’re checking out the best places to visit in Mexico that are beautiful and safe, you are sure to see the many historical sites to visit in Mexico, too. There’s really nothing that beats wandering through ancient sites that were built in a time that you can even fathom in your mind. Think about the people and the tools they had then and how they could have erected such mindblowing buildings that are still standing today. In fact, there are some sights that aren’t even fully excavated, so even today, we are still learning about these early civilizations that have helped shaped what Mexico is today.
Some of the sights have museums to check out to better understand the history here. Be sure to check these out so you can get the true understanding of the great buildings that you are standing before or at the least do a bit of research. It will certainly impact the way you see and understand the humbling buildings.
The temples, pyramids, and structures you will see listed here are just the tip of an iceberg, or should I say Mayan pyramid. Here are some of the most popular and a few of the lesser known ancient sights that you can “ooh and ahh” over between your beach sessions, fiestas, and Mexican feasts. Enjoy your historical exploring in the fantastic country of Mexico.
8. Teotihuacan
Located just 25 miles outside Mexico City is the incredible archeological site of Teotihuacan. The complex has many features including a pyramid-like structure which has been devoted to the sun and the moon. As you wander around you will also come across murals, carvings, and museums to understand more of the rich history that happened at this once biggest city in the world.
7. Dzibilchaltun
This incredible spot is thought to be dated back to 500 BC. This is one of the first structures of the Mayan Settlement. It’s known as the temple of the sun, and here is where you can get the most perfect view of the equinox.
6. Palenque
Despite being on the smaller side compared to the other ancient Mayan ruin, this historical site perhaps boasts some of the Mayans best work in terms of architectures and sculptures. Dating back to 600 AD, this the only Mesoamerican pyramid that has been used and built for as a cemetery monument.
5. Chacchoben
Not as popular as some of Mexico’s other sites, but this is some of the most impressive pyramids temples of the country. The exact history is still a bit unclear, but it’s possible the Mayans were present here as early as 200 BC.
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4. Fort Loreto
Here’s is something a bit different than what you’ve been seeing. This is a fortress that was used in the Battle of Puebla. The Mexicans were victorious over the French in 1862, and this date marks a holiday of the famous Cinco de Mayo. This fortress now serves as a museum.
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3. Chichen Itza
Out of all the sites in the Yucatan Peninsula, this one is the largest and possibly the most visited in the country. This Mayan pyramid has some astronomical significance, with the structure carefully made to reflect the days of the year in the 365 stairs leading up to the top. There is also the Great Ball Court and El Caracol, which were used as astronomical observatories.
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2. El Tajin
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, while in a ruinous state, was used as a major ceremonial location for the people in 800 AD to 1200 AD. Today, it is open for tourists, however this site is still not completely excavated, so who know what other secrets will be uncovered.
1. Tulum
I know we’re talking about historical sites and not beaches, however this next spot provides both. What a spectacular Mayan structure this is! Located on the Yucatan peninsula, this once major port built around 1200 AD, still stands with the azure blue waters and white sand just at its base.
There are so many incredible historical sites to visit in Mexico! It will be impossible to visit them all, but these top eight spots will surely start your trip off well.
