Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes
Location: Chihuahua Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2015
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is an ancient city in northern Mexico that was inhabited by the Mogollon people from the 11th to the 14th century CE. It is one of the best-preserved examples of the pre-Columbian civilization that existed in the region. The site is known for its impressive adobe architecture, which includes multi-story buildings and intricate geometric designs.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, include:
History: The Mogollon people who inhabited the site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, were part of a larger cultural group that existed in the region from around 200 CE to 1450 CE. Paquimé was one of the largest and most important cities of the region, serving as a center of trade and commerce. The city was abandoned in the mid-14th century, likely due to environmental factors such as drought and overuse of resources.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is sometimes referred to as the "Casa Grande" site, after one of the most prominent structures at the site.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is located in the state of Chihuahua, approximately 280 km (174 miles) northwest of the city of Chihuahua. And roughly the same distant southwest of Ciudad Juarez.
From Juarez:
From Chihuahua:
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available in the nearby city of Nuevo Casas Grandes, including:
Next Stop: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve
Year of Inscription: 2015
Criteria: (iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
Overview: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is an ancient city in northern Mexico that was inhabited by the Mogollon people from the 11th to the 14th century CE. It is one of the best-preserved examples of the pre-Columbian civilization that existed in the region. The site is known for its impressive adobe architecture, which includes multi-story buildings and intricate geometric designs.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, include:
- The adobe buildings, including multi-story structures and residential compounds
- The intricate geometric designs found on many of the buildings
- The ball courts, which were used for a popular pre-Columbian game
- The pottery, which is considered some of the finest of the pre-Columbian era
- The underground passages, which were used for storage and as escape routes in times of conflict
History: The Mogollon people who inhabited the site of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, were part of a larger cultural group that existed in the region from around 200 CE to 1450 CE. Paquimé was one of the largest and most important cities of the region, serving as a center of trade and commerce. The city was abandoned in the mid-14th century, likely due to environmental factors such as drought and overuse of resources.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the site, which offer insights into the history and culture of the Mogollon people
- The opportunity to see the intricate adobe architecture and geometric designs up close
- Exploring the ball courts and learning about the pre-Columbian game
- Visiting the on-site museum, which features a range of artifacts from the site, including pottery and other items
Fun Fact: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is sometimes referred to as the "Casa Grande" site, after one of the most prominent structures at the site.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: The Archaeological Zone of Paquimé, Casas Grandes, is located in the state of Chihuahua, approximately 280 km (174 miles) northwest of the city of Chihuahua. And roughly the same distant southwest of Ciudad Juarez.
From Juarez:
- Bus: There are several bus companies that offer daily service from Juarez to Casas Grandes, the town nearest to the archaeological site. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online. From Casas Grandes, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to the archaeological site, which is located about 3 km outside of town.
From Chihuahua:
- Bus: Several bus companies offer daily service from Chihuahua to Casas Grandes, the town nearest to the archaeological site. The trip takes approximately 4 hours and tickets can be purchased at the bus station or online. From Casas Grandes, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to the archaeological site, which is located about 3 km outside of town.
- Train: The Chepe train is a popular option for visitors to Chihuahua. It offers daily service from Chihuahua to the town of Nuevo Casas Grandes, which is located about 50 km from the archaeological site. From Nuevo Casas Grandes, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to the archaeological site. However, it's important to note that the train does not run every day and tickets can be expensive.
Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels and other accommodations available in the nearby city of Nuevo Casas Grandes, including:
- Hacienda Casas Grandes: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Casas Grandes and offers a unique and comfortable lodging experience. The hotel features beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine.
- Hotel Azteca Inn: This modern hotel is located just a few minutes from the archaeological zone and offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cable TV. The hotel also features a restaurant, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Hotel Los Ojitos: This small hotel is located in the center of Casas Grandes and offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and cable TV. The hotel also features a restaurant and a bar.
- Hotel Hacienda de San Antonio: This charming hotel is located about 30 minutes from Casas Grandes and offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel features beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Mexican and international cuisine.
- Casa de las Flores: This guesthouse is located in the center of Casas Grandes and offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The guesthouse also features a shared kitchen and living room, as well as a terrace with beautiful views of the town.
Next Stop: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve