Despite having been occupied for a relatively brief period of time, the cliff dwellings of Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park make up what’s arguably the most breathtaking archaeological site in the United States.
Northwestern New Mexico is home to some of the most bizarre yet strikingly beautiful rock formations on the planet. Under ordinary circumstances, such unique landscapes would attract hordes of visitors year-round. But the
The American Southwest is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. But even with so much competition nearby, New Mexico’s bizarre Bisti Badlands is among the most breathtaking and
If there was one holiday or event most representative of Mexican culture, it would have to be Day of the Dead. And nowhere else in Mexico celebrates the holiday quite like Oaxaca. In
The Four Corners region of the Southwest United States is arguably the most archaeologically rich part of the country. While Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde are easily the top highlights, many visitors miss
Situated in a remote corner of northwest New Mexico are what were once the United States’ largest manmade structures. Established by the Ancestral Puebloans over a millennium ago, Chaco Canyon (officially known as
Just about an hour outside of Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is a unique archaeological site consisting of dozens of cave dwellings carved into the walls of the scenic Frijoles Canyon. In the
Known for its adobe buildings, thriving arts scene and fascinating blend of multiple cultures, Santa Fe is one of the United States’ most unique cities. And it’s also among the country’s most historic,
While many visiting Tulum stop at the Tulum Archaeological Zone and nearby Cobá, the area is home to a third Mayan site that remains off the radar for most travlers. Muyil, which is located
Just 7 km south of Kabah, the ancient Mayan city of Sayil shares a lot in common with neighboring sites in the Puuc region. The city, however, was founded in the 8th century AD
Located around 50 km from Mérida near the town of Maxcanu, Oxkintok is one of the more obscure Mayan archaeological sites. But it’s arguably among the best. The extensive ruins are home to
Texcotzingo, a former Aztec botanical garden, spa and royal palace, is one of Central Mexico’s most obscure archaeological sites. But it shouldn’t be. This fascinating hilltop site was founded by Nezahualcoyotl, the legendary
Built during the final days of the Aztec Empire, the temple complex of Malinalco is unlike any other in Mesoamerica. Carved into the side of a hill at over 100 m above the
Situated within the suburb of the same name, Tenayuca is considered to be the best-preserved Aztec temple, as it was one of the few that the Spanish never touched. Despite being accessible via Mexico
Established in 1964, Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology is easily the country’s top museum, and also among the best in the world. The museum is home to over 600,000 objects belonging to
Founded in the 1320s as the first capital of the mighty Tarascan Empire, Pátzcuaro is one of Mexico’s most popular Pueblos Mágicos and a must-do day trip from Morelia. And as we’ll cover in
Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán, is easily among Mexico’s most beautiful cities. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Morelia has a distinctive and unified look thanks to the
While hardly a household name today, the Tarascan Empire was the only kingdom in central Mexico that the Aztecs failed to conquer. And what remains of the former Tarascan capital of Tzintzuntzan, known
When it comes to eye-catching historic cities in Mexico, few places can top Guanajuato. Founded in the 16th century, the city was home to a booming mining industry for centuries, with much of
Occupied from around 540-1050 AD by the Otomí civilization, Cañada de la Virgen is a small archaeological site located nearby the tourism hotspot of San Miguel de Allende. Excavations didn’t begin until 2002,
San Miguel de Allende may be one of Mexico’s most-visited towns these days, but it’s also one of its most divisive. But wherever your feelings lie, there’s no denying that San Miguel is
San Miguel de Allende is a charming colonial-era town located in central Mexico’s Bajío region. Known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant art scene, the town is also one of Mexico’s top expat
Despite being one of Mexico’s most unique Magic Towns and being within easy reach of the tourist mecca of San Miguel de Allende, very few travelers have heard of Mineral de Pozos. But
At some point when researching popular Mexico travel destinations, you’ve likely come across images of a giant monolith towering over a quaint colonial town. Easily accessible from the city of Querétaro, hiking Peña de Bernal is
Querétaro, the bustling capital of state of the same name, is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities. But in the midst of the busy traffic and countless constructions sites, the city’s small historical center
Located in the El Pueblito district of Querétaro is one of Mexico’s largest – yet most obscure – ancient pyramids. Just a quick Uber ride away from the city center, the El Cerrito
Despite its isolated location far from any major city, El Tajín continues to attract hordes of visitors. According to official statistics, in fact, El Tajín was Mexico’s seventh-most visited archaeological site in 2021.
Located in the Veracruz state capital, the Xalapa Museum of Anthropology is the state’s primary museum. Many who visit, in fact, consider it to be the country’s top archaeology museum after the National
While not many foreign visitors have heard of the Totonacs, they were one of the main groups thriving in Mesoamerica at the time the Spanish arrived. Sites like Quiahuiztlán and Cempoala, therefore, are among
Throughout the three hundred years of Spanish rule, Puebla was often regarded as Mexico’s most important city after the capital. And its beautiful baroque churches and colonial-era houses are testament to that. Today, with
Located in the state of Tlaxcala, the sister sites of Cacaxtla and Xochitécatl are an easy day trip from Puebla. Visitors to the region with the slightest interest in Mesoamerican art or history shouldn’t miss
Tehuacán el Viejo is arguably one of Central Mexico’s most obscure archaeological sites. And frankly speaking, sites like Cholula, Cantona and Cacaxtla are all more essential day trips from Puebla. With that said, Tehuacán
Located near the border between Puebla and Veracruz, Cantona is one of Mexico’s most unique – and lesser-known – archaeological sites. The Cantona ruins are incredibly dense yet shockingly vast. And as archaeologists
Located 25 km to the west of Puebla, Atlixco is one of Mexico’s most colorful Pueblos Mágicos. As with many ‘Magic Towns,’ Atlixco doesn’t have a whole lot going for it in terms of
Located in Izta-Popo National Park, about halfway between Mexico City and Puebla, hiking Mount Tlaloc is one of the region’s most unique outdoor adventures. At the summit, not only will you find beautiful
Despite being one of Central Mexico’s most popular day treks, hiking La Malinche volcano may not be for everyone. At 4,461 m above sea level, it’s the 6th-highest peak in Mexico. And the
Ask most people what the largest pyramid in the world is, and they’ll likely tell you the Great Pyramid of Giza. Narrow it down to Mexico, and you might hear Teotihuacan’s Pyramid of
Considered the first great city of the Valley of Mexico, Cuicuilco even predates the foundation of Teotihuacan. But no, you don’t have to travel to some small, obscure village to find its remains. The
When one thinks of the Olmecs, the massive stone heads found in states like Tabasco and Veracruz typically come to mind. But while the largest Olmec cities were indeed located along Mexico’s Gulf
Mexico is home to 177 Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) that were chosen for things like their scenery, history or architecture. But what, many wonder, is the most magical town of them all? In
Located about 38 km southwest of Cuernavaca is one of Mexico’s most underrated archaeological sites. Formed during one of the region’s most tumultuous periods, Xochicalco’s downfall came suddenly after just 250 years as
Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés chose Cuernavaca as his base of operations, partly due to its central location. But, like the Aztec rulers before him, he surely enjoyed its mild year-round climate. And up
Puerto Escondido is quickly gaining popularity as the new, less-developed alternative to the Riviera Maya. Intrigued, I spent over a week in the area to experience it for myself. And what follows is
I hadn’t come to Oaxaca with the intention of focusing on its street art. Admittedly, after having created street art guides for numerous cities throughout the world, I largely lost interest in the
Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua is one of just several sets of travertine pools and rock formations that one can find throughout the world. Accordingly, the natural wonder is by far the most popular
Just south of central Oaxaca are two overlooked yet fascinating historical sites that can be visited together in a single day. The 16th-century Ex-Convent of Cuilapam is an architectural marvel, despite never having
While Monte Albán and Mitla may be the two most-visited archaeological sites in Oaxaca, they’re certainly not the only. Just a short drive from Mitla is Yagul, known for its natural scenery and
Located about an hour east of the city of Oaxaca, Mitla is the second-most popular site of the Zapotec civilization. But the experience of visiting Mitla and Monte Albán couldn’t be more different. Monte
Oaxaca consistently appears on lists of Mexico’s most beautiful cities, and thanks to its well-preserved colonial architecture, there’s a strong case for it being number one. In the following Oaxaca guide, we’ll be
Located on a hilltop just 7 km from the city of Oaxaca, Monte Albán was the capital of the Zapotecs, one of Mesoamerica’s most influential pre-Hispanic civilizations. And it remains one of the country’s
The deep blue Montebello Lakes aren’t what most people expect when they picture Mexico, but the stunning National Park is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those visiting Chiapas. In the following guide,
El Chiflón Waterfalls are among Chiapas’ most striking natural wonders. And that’s saying a lot when Chiapas is already considered to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful states. As El Chiflón is a massive
Stepping inside, it was immediately clear that this was no ordinary church. The floor was completely covered in pine needles, and everywhere I looked, local healers waved around live chicken as incense smoke
As the Ancient Egyptian civilization lasted for over three thousand years, familiarizing yourself with the country’s history can be a daunting task. But visitors who’ve put in the work can tell you that
The scenic Sumidero Canyon has long been a top destination for nature lovers visiting Chiapas. Yet few are aware of the unique ruins nearby – one of Mexico’s only publicly accessible Zoque sites. In
Located in the Central Highlands of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is easily one of southern Mexico’s most charming colonial towns. In fact, many consider it among the most magical of all of Mexico’s
The overlooked ruins of Comalcalco in Tabasco state are remarkable for a couple of reasons. Not only did they mark the very western edge of the Mayan civilization, but Comalcalco is the only
Whether you’re visiting ruins built by the Mayans, Zapotecs or Aztecs, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter things like pyramids, ball courts and hieroglyphic inscriptions. But where did this broader Mesoamerican culture originate? Based
Situated deep in the jungle near the border with Guatemala, Yaxchilan and Bonampak are two of Mexico’s most geographically remote Mayan ruins. But with the number of tour groups now visiting each, they’re
Overlooking the Valley of Ocosingo in the state of Chiapas is one of Mesoamerica’s largest and most unique structures. The Toniná Pyramid consists of seven tiers, many of which are home to temples, palaces