It is hardly possible to travel through Mexico without visiting a few pyramids. They are as much about Mexico as the golden beaches or quesadillas and tacos.
I visited three of the most famous pyramids of Mexico. However, this is not much. Therefore, I have asked of Florian flocutus.de and Tino of tinontour.com to contribute their own experiences. This is a small list of the seven best pyramids in Mexico originated.
The list is arranged geographically, starting from Mexico City to Yucatán.
1. Teotihuacán
By Patrick: The ruins of Teotihuacán are approximately 40 km from Mexico City. At the center of the UNESCO World Heritage List are two remarkably large buildings: The Moon and the Sun Pyramid.
The latter is one of the largest pyramids worldwide. During the ascent you will be away the air, because the levels are large and the whole area is more than 2,000 meters above sea level.
However, the view rewards for the strenuous effort.
Teotihuacán is well attended because of its proximity to Mexico City, but not overcrowded. The number of tourists and street vendors I found pleasant.
2. Cholula
By Florian: “Maybe we should ask the way to the Great Pyramid?” We laugh at the stupid joke, since the largest pyramid in the world can be seen from anywhere in Cholula.
At the top of the pyramid perched one of the 37 churches that the Conquistador Hernán Cortés has erected in the former metropolis Cholula. Even at times of the Conquistadores, the pyramid was already ancient and overgrown.
The Spaniards had no idea that their church does not stand on a natural hill but on the largest building that humans have ever built. Today, you can go through the tunnel to the inside of the pyramid and convince yourself.
3. Monte Albán
By Patrick: Monte Albán is the former capital of the Zapotec and today UNESO World Heritage Site. How Teotihuacan and Cholula lies Monte Albán at more than 2,000 meters above sea level.
Up there, it can be fresh, but what makes it easier to climb stairs. The view from the plateau to the Oaxaca Valley is wonderful and invites you to linger.
I have already visited Monte Albán twice and would do it again and again. Especially in the early morning before the tourist buses arrive. The ruins is not crowded, but the small groups are often already in the picture.
Nearest Town: Oaxaca
4. Palenque
Tino: “Palenque, because you have to go” I was told over and over again. Anyway I also wanted to visit Oaxaca, San Cristobal and Mérida, and the former Mayan city of Palenque is virtually on the way. The belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage area is slightly hidden away in the highlands of Chiapas. The location in the jungle was what had intrigued me.
In addition, the facility is very well preserved in its original state and (obviously) little restored. Those looking pyramids here, but looks in vain – the complex consists of a palace, some temples, various individual buildings and much jungle and thus willkommenem shadow.
If you’re lucky, allegedly sees monkeys – I had no luck, or the monkeys just kept her from Siesta. If you start at the top entrance to the complex and go beneath the lower entrance, to get on all the buildings past thanks to good signage and is then rewarded with a waterfall at the end.
Uxmal
Tino: If you want to visit the most important Mayan sites, you can not ignore the large and culturally significant Mayan city of Uxmal. Uxmal is located just 80km south of Merida and is developed very touristy on the contrary to Palenque and it was much restored.
But you get a very good idea of how this city has looked like back then. Direct the first pyramid at the entrance of the system impressed me and Aaah-Oooh-effect lasted until the end of. From many places one can overlook the plant and you always discover great photo opportunities; also tons of iguanas feel at home here.
Another special feature is the night show. Every night at 19 clock, the building lit up for about an hour in different colors and you can listen to two different legends about Uxmal (in Spanish). Compared to Palenque one shade but looks in vain – so do not forget the sunscreen!
6. Chichén Itzá
By Patrick: Chichen Itza is the most visited pyramid site in Mexico is likely to be. She owes mainly to their proximity to Cancún. Although between are 200 km and yet daily take countless tourists up to its heights.
Accordingly, Chichén Itzá feels completely overrun. Numerous tourists stroll around the grounds, hawkers crowding close together, and the ruins are blocked off so that they can not climb. When one sees through all that away, the ruins, however, are nice to look at.
Tulum
By Florian: The best introduction to Maya seaside town received Juan de Grijalva. The Spaniard sailed in 1518 from Cuba from Mexico’s coast down. What he and his Spanish explorers felt when they caught sight of their ships from the time the colorful building of Tulum on its cliff? Or have they first saw the ceremonial fire on the fortress El Castillo?
Tulum was one of the last remaining cities of the Maya civilization vanished and was finally abandoned shortly after this encounter. But even today Tulum is impressive when you it early in the morning before the tourist crowds
visited. Whoever does not get goose bumps of history, can go on a perfect sandy beach in the turquoise waters below the ruins of a bath.