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Guide To El Tajin Archaeological Park
About El Tajin
Read an Introduction to El Tajin
Key Attractions
Highlights to be discovered
Getting There & Around
Getting there and around effectively!
Practical Information
Useful Facts, Local Resources & Facilities
Nearby Places & Attractions
Nearby towns & cities; local places of interest
Local Climate / Live Weather
What to expect from local weather
About El Tajin
North of Veracruz, is the town of Papantla. Just outside of Papantla are some mysterious and fascinating archaeological ruins: El Tajin.
El Tajin has some very unusual structures. Over 150 buildings have been identified on the site, although so far, only around 20 have been excavated and restored. Most archaeological sites you visit in Mexico were buried under mounds of earth and grass - reclaimed by the land after several centuries of abandonment. El Tajin is one of Mexico's most enigmatic archaeological sites. A comprehensive archaeological excavation project keeps revealing even more unusual buildings here. As El Tajin unravels with intricate complexity, it keeps throwing up more and more mysteries.
Like other archaeological sites in Mexico, the structures seem to resemble calendars and time - an example being the pyramid of Niches, with its 365 recesses. Games Courts feature heavily here - over a dozen have been discovered already. As with some other archaeological sites, it is clear that human sacrifices were made at El Tajin too; it is believed that these were connected with the games played here.
This site is fascinating because it is so "new" in terms of what is being done and found. It is important, because the structures being revealed are quite unique and unusual. If you're looking for a site that still holds a strong feeling of mystique and wonder - then visit El Tajin. For those traveling along the gulf coast or near Veracruz, a visit to El Tajin will be a thrilling and extremely worthwhile experience.
Key Attractions
Of the 20 or so structures thus far excavated and restored, one of the most interesting is the Piramide de los Nichos (Pyramid of Niches), which had 365 niches, painted red on the inside, blue on the frames, suggesting to archaeologists that this pyramid was used as some kind of a time measurement device.
The Plaza Menor (Minor Plaza) was thought to be one of the main ceremonial centres of El Tajin. Juego de Pelota Sur (Southern Ball Court) is the most remarkable of the Games Courts found so far, as its walls have carvings depicting the ritualistic games, and revealing that at least one of the contestants was sacrificed.
Guidebooks
For further details about the attractions at this archaeological site, consult one of the mainstream Guidebooks, available via the Mexperience Bookshelf, or consult the local tourist office (see Practical Information below).
Getting There & Around
El Tajin is located about 150 miles north of Veracruz.
By Air - The closest airports are Poza Rica, and Veracruz.
By Car - From Veracruz, Take Highway 180 North along the coast to Papantla. From Mexico City, head northeast on Toll Highway 132 towards Tuxpan. At Poza Rica, bear south towards Papantla. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.
By Bus - Regular buses make the trip from Veracruz to Papantla.
Organized Tours to El Tajin are also available locally from Veracruz. See Tourist Information below.
Practical Information
Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.
Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of handheld video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.
Ideal Clothing & Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole; strong shoes that will support your feet and ankles if you plan to climb pyramids.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.
Tourist Information Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.
Nearby Places & Attractions
Major Cities: Mexico City
Colonial Cities: Veracruz, Cuernavaca, Puebla, Queretaro
Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Veracruz
Other Archaeological Sites: Teotihuacán, Templo Mayor
Local Climate
El Tajin enjoys year-round, hot, sultry and humid weather as it's by the coast. It's especially hot in May and June. Wear light clothes that allow your skin to breathe. Take sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water at all times.