Destination: Mexico
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Ruined
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The mysterious and awe-inspiring cities and temple complexes left behind by Mexico’s pre-Hispanic cultures are unforgettable.
Excellent museums at or near many sites help interpret what you see. Begin at the center of the Aztecs’ universe, the Templo Mayor of their capital Tenochtitlán, today in downtown Mexico City, followed by the capital’s comprehensive Museo Nacional de Antropología.
Then visit some of the fine sites within day-trip distance of the capital: awesome Teotihuacán with its gigantic pyramids; Tula, the Toltec capital; and hilltop Xochicalco.
Journey east to El Tajín, the highest architectural achievement of the Classic Veracruz civilization, and see the awesome sculptures of the mysterious Olmecs of the Gulf coast in Xalapa’s Museo de Antropología and Villahermosa’s Parque-Museo La Venta. Don’t miss Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital, superbly situated on a hilltop overlooking the city of Oaxaca.
Southeast Mexico was the land of the ancient Maya, whose architectural legacy is one of unmatched beauty. Don’t miss the marvels of Palenque, Uxmal, Chichén Itzá or Tulum.
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