This is my personal list of some of the most intriguing, fascinating and must-see archaeological sites in Mexico, ordered from North to South. I could list many more!
1. La Quemada
What: La Quemada's fortified wall that surrounds the Votive Pyramid and the Hall of the Columns
Where: Zacatecas, Northwest Mexico
When: AD 500-900
Who: Chalchihuites culture
Why: La Quemada is a truly important example of the autonomous border culture between Mesoamerica and arid zones of Southwest United States
2. Cholula
What: The Great Pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl (The Plumed Serpent)
Where: Puebla, Central Mexico
When: 300 B.C. to AD 900
Who: after AD 700 Olmeca-Xicallanca, and by AD 1300 Toltecs
Why: Cholula is one of the longest inhabited and most sacred pre-Columbian sites in Mexico
3. Cacaxtla
What: Gran Basamento, with several buildings, and the famous Mural of the Battle
Where: Tlaxcala, Central Mexico
When: AD 600 - 1000
Who: Olmeca-Xicallanca
Why: Be sure to see the unique mural painting portraying eagle and jaguar warriors with bright colors
4. Teotihuacan
What: Everything!! The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Palace of Quetzalpapalotl, the several apartment complexes with elegant mural paintings and much more!
Where: State of Mexico
When: 150 BC - AD 750
Who: one of the greatest mysteries of Mesoamerican archaeology
Why: In its time, Teotihuacan was the largest city in the world. One of the many UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mexico
5. Tenochtitlan
What: The Great Temple (Templo Mayor) of Tenochtitlan, the Temple Museum (just behind the Temple) and Xochimilco Gardens (remains of the chinampas plot, used by the Aztec for crop cultivation)
Where: Mexico City
When: AD 1300 -1521
Who: the Aztec
Why: Tenochtitlan was the capital city and the heart of the great Aztec empire. Don't miss the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park.
6. Monte Alban
What: The main plaza, core of the civic-ceremonial center. Main Buildings: Building J, the “Danzantes” slabs, ballcourt, the North and South Platforms, with their sunken patios, Mixtec Tombs.
Where: Oaxaca
When: 500 BC – AD 900
Who: Zapotec
Why: One of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica, as well as one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mexico
7. El Tajin
What: The Arroyo Group, the Pyramid of the Niches, the Great Ball Court, the Great Xicalcoliuhqui, the Building of the Columns
Where: Veracruz, Gulf Coast of Mexico
When: AD 800 - 1200
Who: Veracruz culture, and by the 9th century the Totonac
Why: Can you count all of the 365 niches carved on the Pyramid of the Niches?
8. Palenque
Nicoletta Maestri
What: The Palace, the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Cross Group, the Aqueduct,
Where: Chiapas
When: AD 200 - 800
Who: Maya
Why: Many, many reasons and more!! One of the most fascinating of Maya sites, immersed in a lush jungle, with beautiful waterfalls and spectacular architecture
9. Yaxchilan
What: The central Acropolis, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the Labyrinth, the many buildings with carved lintels depicting the life of Bird Jaguar IV and Lady Xoc.
Where: Chiapas
When: AD 300 - 800
Who: Maya
Why: The location of the Yaxilan on a terrace facing the Usumacinta river is spectacular.
10. Chichen Itza
What: the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), the Great Ball Court, the Observatory (El Caracol), Tzompantli, the Temples of the Jaguar, Temple of the Warriors, the Great Cenote, and the Sacbe (white road) that lead to the cenote,
Where: Yucatan
When: AD 900 – 1200/1300
Who: Maya Itzá
Why: Probably one of the most famous and visited archaeological site in the world. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The impressive architecture and the fascinating nature it is situated in. You must see the great Cenote and the sacred caves around the site.