Travel to El Tajin, Mexico with Bob & Wilma

In the lush green jungles of the east coast of Mexico, are the pre-Hispanic ruins of El Tajin. It is a major archaeological site dating to before the Mayan civilization.

The builders are unknown but are thought to be the Huaxtecs whose civilization lie between the Olmec and the Totonacs in time.

This metropolitan and religious center thrived for eight or nine hundred years and covered four square miles, only half of which have been excavated. It was at El Tajin, that a unique and distinct architectural style developed with triangular overhangs, flying cornices and, its hallmark, niches.

The most famous of these is the Pyramid of the Niches with 365 niches, one for each day of the year, on six levels and a staircase too steep to climb.

The ball game and it's sacrificial rituals were a prime development on the east coast of Mexico and was very important at El Tajin where 17 ball courts have already been found. Not only are the engineering feats at El Tajin a marvel but the art is also.

Much has been learned from the well done base relief panels of their underworld gods and the decapitation of ball players, even a sculpture of one of their gods has been found.

El Tajin is one of the best ruins in Mexico that we have seen and the one we have enjoyed the most.

Photos and story courtesy of Bob & Wilma.

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