Ancient civilization has always been a fascination for many. The Maya and Aztec people in Southern Mexico and Central America were behind some of the architectural marvels that have become bucket list items for travelers. Their ancient cities like Chichén Itzá and Tenochtitlan are among the most famous landmarks in the world.
While not as big like those in Egypt, the Maya and Aztec also built pyramids in their ancient cities. They used these for different purposes like worshipping their gods and other administrative roles. Today, these colossal structures are still standing and make Mexico one of the lands of ancient civilization.
From colossal temples hidden in the jungle to ancient marvels that still baffle archaeologists, Mexico’s pyramids are a history buff’s dream and an Instagrammer’s paradise. Here are the best pyramids in Mexico;
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El Castillo, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán
El Castillo is the iconic nine-stepped pyramid at the heart of Chichén Itzá. It’s advanced engineering is why it’s one of the most revered Mexican pyramids. The pyramid aligns with the sun so that on the spring and autumn equinoxes, light and shadow create the illusion of a serpent slithering down its steps. The structure pays homage to the feathered serpent deity, Kukulkán.
This phenomenon draws massive crowds, making the equinoxes the most vibrant and sought-after times to visit. Chichén Itzá is easily accessible via well-maintained roads, with most visitors arriving on day trips from Cancún or the Riviera Maya. It’s a wonderful and insightful experience for most spring breakers.
Temple of the Inscriptions, Palenque, Chiapas
Hidden deep within the lush jungles of Chiapas, the ancient Maya city of Palenque remains one of Mexico’s most fascinating yet lesser-visited archaeological sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque flourished between 500 and 700 C.E., showcasing some of the most intricate and well-preserved Maya architecture and art.
Its crowning jewel is the Temple of the Inscriptions, a towering stone structure famed for its elaborate hieroglyphs. This grand pyramid was uniquely constructed as a funerary monument for Pakal, Palenque’s most renowned ruler. Within its depths lies a remarkable 20-ton sarcophagus, adorned with striking carvings that depict Pakal’s descent into the underworld.
His tomb contained a wealth of treasures, including intricate jewelry and precious offerings, proving that the Maya elite were buried with great riches. Reaching this extraordinary site has traditionally been difficult for many. However, with the recent launch of the Tren Maya, access has become more convenient. The train now stops directly in Palenque, making it easier than ever to explore this ancient marvel.
Great Pyramid of Cholula, Puebla
Just a two-hour journey from Mexico City, the charming “magical town” of Cholula, a suburb of Puebla, holds a fascinating secret beneath its picturesque landscape. At first glance, you’re drawn to the striking canary-yellow Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, which appears to be perched atop a scenic hill.
However, this is no ordinary hill—it is, in fact, the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest pyramid in the world by volume. It was built between the 3rd century B.C.E. and the 9th century C.E. as a dedication to the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. This monumental structure measures an astonishing 984 by 1,033 feet at its base and rises 82 feet high, surpassing even Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza in sheer volume.
The Spanish constructed their church directly atop this sacred Indigenous site, leaving the pyramid largely buried beneath the landscape. Today, what remains visible is a massive earthen mound that hints at the grandeur of the original temple.
Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal, Yucatán
The Pyramid of the Magician is the most iconic structure in Uxmal, an ancient Maya city located about an hour from Mérida, Yucatán. Unlike other pyramids in the region, this pyramid has smooth, curving sides that rise dramatically to a temple at the top. The design is reminiscent of traditional Maya houses in the Yucatán.
Uxmal itself was a powerful city-state rather than a central capital, as the Maya civilization operated through autonomous city-states rather than a unified empire. The city thrived for only about 150 years, but its architectural uniqueness has left a lasting impression.
Local legends add to the pyramid’s mystique, with one tale claiming it was built in a single night by a magical child born from an egg and raised by a witch. This child supposedly defeated the ruling king and took the throne, lending the pyramid its enchanting name.
Structure 2, Calakmul, Campeche
Rising an astonishing 148 feet above the jungle canopy, Structure 2 at Calakmul is one of the tallest Maya pyramids ever built. This ancient monument, nestled deep within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, is a testament to the city’s former power and influence. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calakmul flourished for over 1,200 years.
The city left behind stunning stucco friezes, intricate mural paintings, and elaborate burial chambers reserved for kings and nobility. Structure 2 itself has yielded four tombs, providing invaluable insights into the city’s elite rulers and their ceremonial practices. Despite its immense historical significance, Calakmul remains one of the least-visited major Maya sites.
El Torre, Ek Balam, Yucatán
El Torre, the towering centerpiece of Ek Balam in Yucatán, is one of the most impressive Maya structures in the region. Situated near Valladolid and along the route to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam flourished between 700 and 1000 C.E. Unlike many Maya pyramids adorned with intricate stone carvings, El Torre’s artistry is unique. Its detailed imagery was crafted from stucco and limestone, lending it an almost sculptural quality.
Spanning over 500 feet in length and rising 100 feet into the sky, this massive structure was the final resting place of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, a significant ruler of the city. Adventurous visitors can still climb The Tower, but the real treasure lies halfway up—an extraordinary stucco facade known as the “White Reading House.”
Thought to be a royal library, its doorway is dramatically shaped like a fearsome monster’s mouth, complete with a lower jaw, teeth, and an upper jaw. Adding to its mystique, human figures known as the “Ek Balam Angels” peer from the creature’s eyes, making it one of the finest surviving examples of Maya artistry.
Conclusion
Mexico’s pyramids offer everything from epic climbs and ancient history to jungle adventures and ocean breezes. Whether you’re a history nerd, a casual traveler, or just someone who likes to climb really old things, there’s a pyramid here for you.
