El Tajin

archaeological site in Mexico

El Tajin (El Tajín) is in the state of Veracruz in Mexico. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Tajin, Totonac for 'thunder' or 'lightning', is a group of sacred buildings where ceremonies and religious sporting events were held. First begun around AD 100, it was occupied and developed mainly around AD 600 to 900, and later abandoned. El Tajin was rediscovered by the Spanish in 1785.

Get in

The 10 km² site is near the small cities of Poza Rica and Papantla on the Atlantic coast of Mexico, directly east of Mexico City. There is a direct road and the site can be reached by car or by frequent buses. Note: Near the entrance at the end of the road, there are unauthorized persons directing people to turn right at the fork and park on the grass. These people are not actually sanctioned and have no right to charge money; rather, they are a kind of self-organized group of local citizens (not quite outright frauds), but will still ask for foreigners for M$50 as the parking fee. The going rate is M$20 'donation', so don't get overcharged.

Voladores

See

There are a large number of remaining edifices to be seen, some include multilingual information stands. Voladores (flyers), who ascend a tall pole and spin slowly to the ground while attached to ropes while meditating, can be seen outside the complex.

Also the region is quite humid and parts of the site have lots of greenery and mosquitoes are rife, so consider having insect repellents. The distance from ticket office to the furthest building ('edifice' Gran Xicalcoliuhqui) is about 800 m so keep in mind the amount of walking you will do.

Buy

Cheesy souvenir stands surround the complex, along with a few restaurants. There are no hotels but the site is near Poza Rica, Papantla, or the small beach resort of Tecolutla. The site is popular with tourists and can be crowded on some weekends.

Carvings on the wall of the ball-court

Costs

There is a small charge for entering the grounds. Voladores performances are free but it's always good to aid the performers with a donation.

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