Walking Tours of Archaeological Sites

The Classic Maya site of Bonampak in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, is best known for its glorious mural paintings. The murals cover the walls of three rooms in a small building on the first terrace of Bonampak’s acropolis.

Monte Albán was the capital of the Zapotec civilization, and it is among the most fascinating cities of the Americas. This photo essay highlights some of the most interesting structures of this city, built beginning 500 BC.

Acanceh is a small Mayan site in the Yucatán peninsula, about 15 miles southeast of Merida. The ancient site is now covered by the modern town of the same name. It is best known for the Palace of the Stuccoes, a building with elaborate painted frescoes.

Calakmul is an ancient Mayan archaeological site, located in state of Campeche, Mexico, thirty kilometers north of the Guatemala border. Calakmul is also 38 km north of El Mirador, a rival state during the Late Classic period (~600-950 AD)

Palenque is a famous Classic Maya site in the lush tropical forest of Chiapas, Mexico. The site is known for its elegant temples and buildings emerging from the green forest, the large number of carved monuments and stucco reliefs, as well as the impressive findings of royal tombs and offering, among which the famous Tomb of Pakal the Great, and the Tomb of the Red Queen (Reina Roja).

The archaeological site of Mayapan is a “must-see” if you are visiting the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. The archaeological zone is located about 26 miles south of Merida, the capital of Yucatan.