El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City
Location: Veracruz Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1992
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: El Tajin is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. It was built by the Totonac people around 600 AD and remained an important cultural and political center until its decline in the 13th century. The city is renowned for its impressive architecture, particularly its distinctive pyramid temples, as well as for its extensive system of ball courts and other structures associated with Mesoamerican ball games.
Prominent Features: El Tajin is home to a number of impressive structures, including:
History: El Tajin was an important political and cultural center in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The city was built by the Totonac people, who were known for their distinctive art and architecture. The Totonac people had a complex social and political organization, and their society was characterized by a strong emphasis on ritual and religion. El Tajin was an important religious center, and many of its structures were built for religious purposes. The city declined in the 13th century, possibly due to environmental factors or conflicts with neighboring civilizations.
Family-Friendly Activities: El Tajin offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: El Tajin is named after a thunder and lightning god worshipped by the Totonac people.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for El Tajin varies depending on the time of year. During peak season (December-January and March-April), the fee is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person. During off-peak season, the fee is 65 pesos (approximately $3.25 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: El Tajin is located in the state of Veracruz, approximately 5 km (3 miles) from the town of Papantla.
From Mexico City: There are several bus companies that offer service from Mexico City to Poza Rica, the nearest major city to El Tajin. The trip takes around 4-5 hours and buses depart from several bus terminals in Mexico City, including Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte and Terminal de Autobuses TAPO. From Poza Rica, you can take a local bus or taxi to El Tajin, which is about 20 miles away.
From Veracruz: There are also several bus companies that offer service from Veracruz to Poza Rica. The trip takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the route and the bus company, and buses depart from the Terminal de Autobuses de Veracruz. From Poza Rica, you can take a local bus or taxi to El Tajin.
Where to stay: There are a few accommodation options nearby:
Next Stop: Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
Year of Inscription: 1992
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: El Tajin is an ancient Mesoamerican city located in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. It was built by the Totonac people around 600 AD and remained an important cultural and political center until its decline in the 13th century. The city is renowned for its impressive architecture, particularly its distinctive pyramid temples, as well as for its extensive system of ball courts and other structures associated with Mesoamerican ball games.
Prominent Features: El Tajin is home to a number of impressive structures, including:
- Pyramid of the Niches: The most famous structure in El Tajin, this pyramid is characterized by its unique design, which features niches arranged in a checkerboard pattern on the sides of the pyramid.
- Ball courts: El Tajin has several ball courts, including the largest and best-preserved ball court in Mesoamerica.
- Temple of the Columns: This temple is characterized by its distinctive columns, which are decorated with intricate carvings depicting Totonac deities.
- Plaza de Arroyo: A large public square that was used for religious ceremonies and other public events.
- Gran Xicalcoliuhqui: A large, ceremonial staircase that leads up to the Pyramid of the Niches.
History: El Tajin was an important political and cultural center in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The city was built by the Totonac people, who were known for their distinctive art and architecture. The Totonac people had a complex social and political organization, and their society was characterized by a strong emphasis on ritual and religion. El Tajin was an important religious center, and many of its structures were built for religious purposes. The city declined in the 13th century, possibly due to environmental factors or conflicts with neighboring civilizations.
Family-Friendly Activities: El Tajin offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Exploring the impressive ruins of the city, including the Pyramid of the Niches and the various ball courts.
- Visiting the on-site museum, which features exhibits on the history and culture of the Totonac people.
- Attending cultural events, such as traditional dance performances and music concerts.
- Sampling local cuisine, including traditional Totonac dishes like zacahuil (a large, stuffed tamale) and coffee made from locally-grown beans.
Fun Fact: El Tajin is named after a thunder and lightning god worshipped by the Totonac people.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for El Tajin varies depending on the time of year. During peak season (December-January and March-April), the fee is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD) per person. During off-peak season, the fee is 65 pesos (approximately $3.25 USD) per person. Children under 13, senior citizens, and students with valid identification receive a 50% discount.
How to Reach it: El Tajin is located in the state of Veracruz, approximately 5 km (3 miles) from the town of Papantla.
From Mexico City: There are several bus companies that offer service from Mexico City to Poza Rica, the nearest major city to El Tajin. The trip takes around 4-5 hours and buses depart from several bus terminals in Mexico City, including Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte and Terminal de Autobuses TAPO. From Poza Rica, you can take a local bus or taxi to El Tajin, which is about 20 miles away.
From Veracruz: There are also several bus companies that offer service from Veracruz to Poza Rica. The trip takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the route and the bus company, and buses depart from the Terminal de Autobuses de Veracruz. From Poza Rica, you can take a local bus or taxi to El Tajin.
Where to stay: There are a few accommodation options nearby:
- Hotel Tajin: This hotel is located just a few minutes from the El Tajin archaeological site and offers comfortable rooms and on-site dining options.
- Hotel Posada los Girasoles: Another good option is Hotel Posada los Girasoles, which is also located close to the El Tajin archaeological site and features comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
- Hotel Zanbala: Hotel Zanbala is another hotel located near the El Tajin archaeological site, offering comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel La Casa de las Palomas: This hotel is located in the town of Papantla, which is a short drive from the El Tajin archaeological site. It features comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant.
Next Stop: Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro