How to Visit the Archaeological Park El Tajin

Down the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in the state of Veracruz, is the ancient city El Tajin. This city is thought to have once been the capital of the area and a major, bustling city in the ninth through thirteenth centuries. Many areas of this site are still underground, waiting to be discovered. Many ball courts have already been discovered and lead many to believe that this city may have been the site for several ritualistic games with human sacrifices for the winners or losers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take a car ride or tour bus from Veracruz to the amazing archaeological city of El Tajin. Tours will typically have guides on and off the bus. Guides can inform you about history of the area as well as the intertwining of the Mayan and Toltec influences within this city.

2. Bring extra money if you intend to take pictures or videos. Also, if you want to take pictures with a tripod, you will need to get a permit.

3. Walk into El Tajin and you can encounter the Plaza del Arroyo. This group of monumental buildings will leave you astounded.

4. Visit the Piramide de los Nichos, the Pyramid of Niches. Much like the Mayans, the people of El Tajin had calendars around their cities. This specific pyramid has 365 niches, and it is painted red on the inside and blue on the framing.

5. Imagine a game in the Southern Ball Court, Juego de Pelota Sur. This court stands out from the rest of the many ball courts because its walls depict a human sacrifice of one of the contestants of the game played in this court.

6. Tour Tajin Chico. It is thought the few, elite upper class people lived in these buildings.

7. Save time and money for the shop and museum located in the park. Items found while excavating El Tajin are on display at the museum and items to remember your trip are sold at the gift shop.