El Tajin Pre Hispanic City

A Comprehensive Guide to El Tajín: Journey Through the Ancient Pyramids

El Tajín, meaning “Thundering Place” in Nahuatl, is a captivating archaeological site nestled in the heart of Veracruz, Mexico. This fascinating ancient city, once home to the Totonac people, offers visitors a glimpse into a rich and vibrant pre-Hispanic culture.

Welcome to El Tajín! This guide will take you on a journey through its history, architecture, and cultural significance.

History of El Tajín:

El Tajín is a unique and captivating window into the past. Unlike many other Mesoamerican civilizations that were conquered by the Spanish, this site remained largely untouched by the colonial forces. The Totonac civilization thrived in the Papaloapan Basin between 600 and 900 AD, leaving behind a legacy of intricate architecture and captivating history.

What to Expect:

  • A Journey Through Time: El Tajín is a beautifully preserved archaeological site with impressive structures like the “Pyramid of the Niches” offering a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants.
  • Architectural Wonders: You’ll be amazed by the architectural ingenuity of the Totonac people, who built their city on a grid system and are known for their elaborate carvings and intricate details.

Planning Your Visit:

Location: El Tajín is located in the municipality of Tihuatlán, Veracruz, Mexico, approximately 200 km (124 miles) north of the city of Veracruz.

Opening Hours:

  • Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission Fees:

  • Entry to El Tajín is typically inexpensive compared to other archaeological sites in Mexico, with varying costs for adults and children/students.

Getting There:

  • By Car: El Tajín is easily accessible by car via Highway 180 from Veracruz. The site is well-marked and accessible from the highway.
  • By Bus: Several bus companies offer routes to the city of Veracruz, with stops in nearby towns. You can find information about buses online or at local bus stations.

Getting Around:

  • The archaeological zone itself is easily navigable on foot, with paths leading to all the major structures.

  • Guides: Hiring a guide is highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the site’s history and significance. They can provide insights into the architecture, rituals, and daily life of the ancient Totonac people.

Things to See:

1. The Pyramid of the Niches (Pirámide de los Nichos): This iconic structure is El Tajín’s most impressive monument. It stands tall with its intricate carvings and towering height, offering a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the ancient civilization.

  • The Pyramids: This pyramid boasts 367 niches carved into its sides - a sight that leaves visitors awestruck.

  • The “Temple” of the Masks (Temple 1): Climb up this magnificent pyramid and marvel at the intricate carvings on its steps, depicting the faces of gods and mythical beings.

  • Ball Game Court: Witness the remnants of the ancient Totonac ball game court and imagine the fierce competition that once took place there.

  • The “Pyramid” of the Sun (Temple 17): This pyramid is a must-see for its unique architectural design and historical significance.

  • Palace of the Rulers: Explore the ruins of this ancient palace, which offers clues about how the rulers of El Tajín lived and ruled.

  • The “Pyramid” of the Moon (Temple 16): This pyramid is a sacred space with carvings that tell stories of the past.

  • Other Structures:

Temple of the Niches (Temple 1)

  • Pyramid of the Earth: A smaller pyramid, but adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures, showcasing the importance of astronomy and agriculture in their culture.

  • The “Pyramids” of the Niches: The site is named for its intricate architecture. You’ll find a variety of architectural styles and structures.

  • The Plaza of the Columns: A large plaza with numerous columns depicting the lives of everyday people.

  • Temple of the Birds (Temple 5): This temple features a unique design and carvings that are both beautiful and informative.

Getting Around:

  • The site is easily navigable on foot, but consider wearing comfortable shoes as there’s a lot to see!
  • The “Pyramid” of the Sun is not actually a pyramid in the traditional sense. It’s a massive stepped structure, but it’s not known if it was ever topped with a building.

Architecture & Significance:

  • The ancient structures are built on a grid system, reflecting the importance of astronomy and order to the Totonac people.

  • El Tajín is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, often depicting deities and mythological creatures.

  • The “Pyramid” of the Niches (Temple 1) & The “Pyramid” of the Niches: The most impressive structure is the “Pyramid of the Niches,” a massive pyramid with 365 niches that represent the days in the year, reflecting their deep connection to the celestial calendar.

  • The Temple of the Niches (Temple 17)

  • Other Structures: You’ll find a variety of structures at El Tajín, including temples, pyramids, palaces, and homes.

Things to do at the site:

  • The “Pyramid of the Niches” is a popular destination for exploring ancient rituals and societal structure.
  • Visit the Temple of the Niches (Temple 1), a unique and impressive pyramid with 360 steps leading up to the top.

The “Pyramid” of the Nicines:

  • Explore the architecture: El Tajín is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures on ancient structures like the “Pyramid of the Niche"s (Temple 1), which is a fascinating example of their architectural expertise.

  • Discover the significance: These intricately decorated steps are not traditional pyramid steps, but rather suggest a structure that was once climbed upon to offer sacrifices to the gods.

  • Explore the ruins: The “Pyramid of the Niches” (Temple 1) is a great place to start, as it’s the main attraction and a symbol of their unique architectural style.

Things to consider:

  • Bring water: It’s important to stay hydrated while exploring the site.
  • Wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Mexico, so sunscreen is a must.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty!
  • Be aware of your surroundings: El Tajín is located in a rural area.

The “Pyramid” of the Niches:

  • The building is known for its elaborate carvings.

  • Temple of the Moon

  • The “Pyramid of the Niches” (a term for the structure’s shape) is actually a large, intricately carved stone structure, and not a pyramid in the traditional sense.

  • It’s important to respect the ancient site and its artifacts.

  • Remember to wear comfortable clothes.

Temple of the Sun & the “Pyramid” of the Niches:

  • The “Temple of the Niches” is believed to be a ceremonial platform built for rituals associated with the moon, which was an important deity in Totonac mythology.**

  • The “Temple of the Masks” (Temple 1): This temple, known as the “Pyramid of the Masks,”

Getting Around:

  • Wear comfortable shoes: The site is a large archaeological complex and requires a lot of walking.

A note on the name “Pyramid of the Niches”:

  • The term “Pyramid of the Niches” refers to the fact that the structure has many niches carved into its sides, not the shape itself.

  • Bring sunscreen: The sun is intense in Mexico and you’ll be outside for a while.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: The site is vast and contains a lot of history.

Take a guided tour:

  • The “best” way to experience El Tajín is through the stories carved into its stones.

  • The site has many carvings, including those found on the 365 steps.

  • Remember the 365th step: This unique feature symbolizes the days of the year and the cyclical nature of time in their cosmology.