El Tajín

El Tajín is one of the most important archaeological sites in Veracruz. In many ways it's unique, architecturally, and it's certainly a stunning site to behold. The name comes from the Totonac language and means simply thunder. Experts claim it was a ceremonial, political, and religious center for the Totonac culture, although it also shows influences from other Mesoamerican cultures. The city reached its peak splendor between 600 and 1200 CE in what we now call the Mesoamerican Classic and Epi-classic periods.

The site is known is especially for the elaborate stone decorations, carved niches, and symbolic reliefs that cover the emblematic Pyramid of the Niches. 365 niches are created within the seven stepped levels of the pyramid and this suggests a connection with the solar calendar and a concept of sacred time. An outstanding example of Totonac ritual architecture, it's famous throughout Mexico today and has long been revered.

The overall archaeological site still hold some 150 buildings, although only some have been fully excavated. There are several ball courts—more than at any other Mesoamerican site—and some have reliefs depicting ritual ceremonies, sacrifices, and mythological themes.

Today, the site is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country. There is a close link to the so-called Fliers of Papantla who perform, even today, their rather acrobatic ritual all over the country. ​

People get to El Tajín via either Poza Rica or nearby Papantla. And there is good local transit from both of those towns to the site. From Mexico City, most major bus lines will route you, from the TAPO station, through Poza Rica in about four hours.