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The Yohualichan Pyramids, a a Pre-Columbian archaeological site from Totonacan indigenous culture, built around 200 A.D.

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³Û´Ç³ó³Ü²¹±ô¾±³¦³óá²Ô

East of Mexico City

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This ceremonial pre-Hispanic site inhabited by Los Totonacas has niche 'pyramids' similar to El Tajín’s (Veracruz) that are in varying states of ruin. The site is impressive and well worth a visit, not least for the great views from this side of the valley. It lies about 8km northeast of Cuetzalan, the last 2km along a steep cobblestone road. To get here, take a colectivo (M$6, 30 minutes) on Alvarado with the sign '³Û´Ç³ó³Ü²¹±ô¾±³¦³óá²Ô', or ask at the tourist office.

The entrance is adjacent to ³Û´Ç³ó³Ü²¹±ô¾±³¦³óá²Ô’s church and town plaza.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

  • The Pyramid of the Niches at the EL Tajin archeological site.

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    No one knows for sure who built this mighty pre-Hispanic city of around 20,000 inhabitants (The Totonacs? The Huastecs?), which is why archaeologists…

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    Only discovered in the early 1990s, this beautiful site dates back to AD 600–900 and was once home to peoples unknown. It consists of temples, platforms…

  • The Pyramid of the Niches at the EL Tajin archeological site.

    Pirámide de los Nichos

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    El Tajín’s most emblematic structure, the beautifully proportioned Pyramid of the Niches, is just off the Plaza Menor. The six lower levels, each…

  • Vega de la Peña

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    26.27 MILES

    Reachable only on foot and covering 8 sq km, the remains of this pre-Hispanic settlement have been only partially excavated. It shows Olmec, Huastec,…

  • El Tajín Chico

    El Tajín Chico

    27.13 MILES

    El Tajín Chico was the government area of the ancient city and would have been home to the ruling classes. Many of the buildings at El Tajín Chico have…

  • Jardín Botánico Xoxoctic

    Jardín Botánico Xoxoctic

    2.26 MILES

    A small but delightful botanical garden in a mountain forest with fine views 4km northeast of central Cuetzalan. Admission includes a Spanish-speaking…

  • Juego de Pelota Sur

    Juego de Pelota Sur

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  • Museo de la Ciudad Teodoro Cano

    Museo de la Ciudad Teodoro Cano

    28.1 MILES

    This small and immensely satisfying museum displays the fine paintings of celebrated local artist Teodoro Cano (b 1932). His monochromatic and super…

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Nearby East of Mexico City attractions

1. Jardín Botánico Xoxoctic

2.26 MILES

A small but delightful botanical garden in a mountain forest with fine views 4km northeast of central Cuetzalan. Admission includes a Spanish-speaking…

2. Casa de la Cultura de Cuetzalan

3.98 MILES

This small museum alongside the tourist office exhibits traditional daily dress of the region, arts and crafts, and some archaeological pieces from nearby…

3. Cascada Las Brisas & Cascada del Salto

4.6 MILES

About 5km southeast of town, there’s a pair of lovely waterfalls. The shallow natural swimming pools beneath the falls are cold but enticing – bring your…

4. El Cuajilote

24.68 MILES

Only discovered in the early 1990s, this beautiful site dates back to AD 600–900 and was once home to peoples unknown. It consists of temples, platforms…

5. Vega de la Peña

26.27 MILES

Reachable only on foot and covering 8 sq km, the remains of this pre-Hispanic settlement have been only partially excavated. It shows Olmec, Huastec,…

6. Museo El Tajín

26.66 MILES

Do drop in to the on-site museum at the entrance to El Tajín (included in your ticket price) to see an excellent model of the site. It also displays a…

7. El Tajín

26.87 MILES

No one knows for sure who built this mighty pre-Hispanic city of around 20,000 inhabitants (The Totonacs? The Huastecs?), which is why archaeologists…

8. Juego de Pelota Sur

26.95 MILES

Some 17 ball courts have been found at El Tajín. The Juego de Pelota Sur dates from about 1150 and is the most famous of the courts, owing to the six…