Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals » Mexican Ruins: Aztec & Mayan Ancient Ruins In Mexico

Uxmal: Pyramid of the Magician

Azzi — Fri, 20 May 2011 14:03:43 +0000

Mayan architecture again triumphs. In fact, there is little that even comes close to Mayan architecture that has the capability to leave you open mouthed with awe. The various Mayan ruins scattered around the entire of Mexico are testimony of that. Talk about architecture, we are awed simply by the ruins of the magnificent building that used to be. The Pyramid of the magician, situated in Uxmal, holds in every possible way to the truth about the mysticism surrounded by Mayan ruins. Although known as the pyramid of the dwarf, it is the tallest Mayan structure in Uxmal.

Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Pyramid of the soothsayer (that’s what the Pyramid of the Magician is also called), and this pyramid is one of it’s shining stars. Starting construction in about 6AD, the expansion process continued for as many as 400 years to complete. Many believe that at one time, the pyramid stood at about 131 ft from the ground. In the Yucatán Peninsula, there is not a better piece of architecture than this concoction of pure stone. It is Puuc architecture at it’s best. There are five temples here, each with a unique architecture style that is better seen than read. (Its pleasantly rhythmic but the point is made).

There is a most mystical legend that goes with the Pyramid of the Magician, the description of which is beyond the scope of this post. What you should know, is that the now conserved pyramid is a hot bed for tourist activity and is a sure attraction if you happen to visit Uxmal (Uxmal literally means “thrice built”). The ancient temples and the rich aura that is so characteristic of Mayan architecture is a fresh indicator of how very important this monumentent was in the thick of Uxmal’s flourish. Don’t miss the Uxmal detail..

The Mayan Effect: Pyramid of the Sun

Azzi — Sun, 15 May 2011 01:06:54 +0000

Perception is everything, they say, and in fact, it is true. What appears one thing to someone may not appear the same to the other. But the reason this post has started off with such a vague topic is because of the fact that Mexico, in spite of being a modern country, has still not lost its ancient charm that it’s native ancestors, the famous people from the Mayan civilization created. So, in spite of the modernity, there still exist towns like Teotihuacán where ancient tradition and architecture still hold sway. Ladies and gentlemen of the traveler kind, I give you. the Sun Pyramid. Change your perception from Mexico to Maya, and enter the city.

The famous Aztecs gave the Sun Pyramid its name, as they used to visit Teotihuacán long after it was vacated by the inhabitants. The pyramid first came into existence around 100 AD, and, the construction was two phased. Basically the first one gave the structure and the second one provided the finishing. What is mind boggling is the fact that in such an old time, people actually knew the technology to make buildings this huge, and the sun pyramid is huge. It is in fact the third tallest pyramid in the world at 225 meters, after the Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico and of course, the great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt. Agoraphobics, beware..

Unfortunately, archaeologists have been unable to connect the pyramid of the sun to any deity or important figure within the Teotihuacán society, because of the continuous corruption of the structure’s original integrity, by forces both natural and man made. However, what is unchanged and will forever remain is the grandeur and beauty professed by this massive structure. There is a hidden, mystical meaning behind every piece of work of the great Mayans. Visit the Pyramid. See if you can connect to it…

Palenque: Extravagant ruins

Azzi — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:37:15 +0000

Minimal is more. You gotta trust it. If you want to be awed by Mexico, if you want to lose yourself in architectural splendor, if you need to feel the highest energy in a natural setting, take our word, don’t go to the cities, don’t get lost in civilized settlements. Instead, pay a finer attention to the ruins of Mexico, the world famous remains of the great civilizations of the Mayas and Incas. Don’t give much to history, because if you do, you might as well take up architecture as a serious profession. No, just take a walk around. Ruins were never so much captivating.

You are guaranteed to be overawed by the sheer beauty presented by the magnificent architecture, as you go deeper into the ruined city that is Palenque. It was a great state that flourished way back in the 7th century when Science and Mathematics were niche segment of study. And yet, what you will deduct from the ruins is that, if a place could hold awe and impose a presence after close to 1500 years, the original model of Palenque must have been jaw dropping, with words unable to fully describe the untold beauty of the place. You bet.

If you visit Palenque, which you definitely should, their await for you wonders in the form of The Palace, Temple Of The Inscriptions and The Temples of the Cross Group. The Temple of the Sun should be the cream of the crop. Important artifacts that show the Mayan culture and way of living have been wonderfully preserved and are a must visit too. Steep and voluminous stairs adorn each and every temple in Palenque, and will give you a glimpse of how hard working the Mayans really were. Their awe inspiring height and pure stone construction makes you wonder how these structures were actually built by elementary technology. Just one suggestion: Go for Palenque. It’s worth it.

Cancun Day Trips

Vic — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 14:39:03 +0000

Cancun is one of the popular places that tourists visit in Mexico. The place is surrounded by wonderful hotels, exciting nightlife, and stunning beaches. It also has the best spas in Mexico where you could enjoy your vacation trip with pure relaxation and rejuvenation.

Cancun Day Trips are actually very popular among tourists. Cancun day trips comprises of visiting these wonderful places in Cancun:

Tulum

Tulum is actually a ceremonial and trading port for Mayans. It has a cliff that provides breathtaking overlooking scenery of the Caribbean Sea.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is one of the New Wonders of the World because of its wonderful Mayan architecture.

Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen is actually a fishing village. You will view the largest Mayan River. Beach in this place is also beautiful.

These are just only few of the many places you could visit during your Cancun day trips. Enjoy!

Cozumel Ruins

Vic — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:03:50 +0000

One of the best places to visit in Cozumel is the Cozumel Ruins.

This place is very popular among tourists who want to visit Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel actually have many ruin sites both non excavated and excavated places like San Gervasio, El Cedral, and Castillo Real.

If you love pre-historical ruins and other ancient architectural ruins, Cozumel ruins is the perfect place for you.

Do not forget to bring your digital camera with you to take some photos of this historical landmark in Cozumel.
You will learn many historical inhabitants in this Island by just going to these popular ruins. You realize how rich Mayan culture is and they are amazingly preserved until now.

There are at least 24 archeological sites that have been discovered in Cozumel island. They are mostly occupied from AD 0 by Mayans. Hence, if you visit Cozumel, you would not want to missed this opportunity to see these amazing historical place.

Mayan Ruins: The Lost Cities

Vic — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:12:45 +0000

One of the best places to travel in Mexico is the Mayan Ruins in Yucatan Peninsula. They are really a beauty that comes with pure historical culture.

The Mayan Ruins is also known as the lost cities, which are estimated to be 2000 years-old by Mayas’ mathematical geniuses. If you will travel in Cozumel, you should see and visit Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Coba Mayan ruins. You will be missing half of your life if you will miss visiting these ruins when you visit Cozumel, Mexico.

The Mayan Ruins comes with rich historical stories with visible proof that these histories really happened way back 2000-years ago. If you love visiting other places, learning historical stories and taking photos of these historical wonders of the earth, you will definitely enjoy the lost cities of Mayan.

The Top 3 Mexico Destinations For Travel Experts

aclazaro — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:39:40 +0000

1. Costa Flamingo

This takes just 30 minutes to reach it from Merida. The coastline is filled with a lot of tiny beach towns successful in giving you a real Mexican experience in a very clean village where there are no immense hotels. Totally no hustle and bustle of the city. It is also perfect for shoppers in search of great bargains at the beachfront.

2. Campeche

Well-preserved and utterly beautiful â€“ two reasons why this place became a part of the World Heritage Sites. This is where you will find a balanced combination of manmade and natural attractions with a beautiful Gulf where you can do a lot of water activities.

3. Calakmul

This is considered to be one of Mexicoâ€™s well kept hidden treasures, secretly situated in the Yucatanâ€™s undergrowth. This site is filled with ceramics, jade and even royal tombs. Do not ever get to miss the amazing ancient murals too!

Photos via internationalliving.com, campechelanguageschool.com and tripadvisor.com

The Cheesy Yucatan Peninsula

aclazaro — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:16:45 +0000

The Yucatan Peninsula is a totally interesting attraction in Mexico but most do not notice its geology. The base of the Yucatan peninsula is shaped like cheese. It has natural holes termed as cenotes and most of these holes are filled up with fresh and natural waters.

One famous cenote is near the Ik-kil town which is close to the Chichen Itza Ruins and Villadolid. To reach the water level, you must go down through its lon, winding stairs. A manmade platform was made for people to use to jump and be able to swim around its waters. The platform is about 20 feet from the water and it could really cause your heart to skip if you would jump from that high of a starting point.

So if you plan to go beyond what Mexico can offer aside from just its beaches, then do not forget to make a side trip to this cheesy peninsula and make that jump of your life.

Photo via http://www.chichenitzarealestate.com/Cenotes.html

A “Lost World” Discovered

sherylem — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:54:23 +0000

If you are to take delight in ruins and history of the ancient world, it may do you good to visit Teuchitlan, location of Guachimontones, one of the more impressive archaeological sites in Mexico.Â First discovered forty years ago by an american archeologist with his wife, it has opened itself to rest of the world like a budding flower. Excavated artifacts and clay models revealed a civilization much alive over 1,000 years ago and had started to break down after 200AD. Trade was flourishing and unlike the Aztecs way of honoring their gods, the former occupants of these ruins spend their time dancing, in games that were hosted in the circular rice terraces complex still seen today, and interacting with one another.Â There seem to be no hint of human altar sacrifices that other ancient civilizations are known for.

More than 150,000 visitors come to Guachimontones every year, hoping that with their visit they will be offered a glimpse of the past.

Tastoan Masks of Prudencio Guzman

kathy — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:09:23 +0000

Once a year on July 25th, as part of Tastoan tradition in Tonala, Mexico dozens of Tonala’s male residents transform themselves into the legendary Tastoanes to partake in a performance that represents their struggle against Spain’s patron saint Santiago (St. James the Greater).The men wear colorful masks and wigs and undergo a transformation of sorts when they dress for the performance. Often called the dance of the Tastoanes, it is commonly interpreted as the representation of Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 1500s. Natives say the term Tastoan is derived from the Nahuatl word Tlatoani, which means lord or spokesperson. Therefore, the present-day Tastoanes represent the indigenous leaders who resisted the Spaniards during the conquest.