Known as “pyramids”, and sometimes as “temples”, or “temples atop pyramids”, or just “structures”, Latin America is strewn with many impressive ruins with some city foundations dating as far back as the 4th century B.C.
Most were built by the Aztecs (such as Mexico’s Teotihuacan), the Incas (such as Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu in Peru), the Maya people (such as Palenque, Tikal, and Copán), or built by the mother of them all, the Olmecs.
The more ruins you see, the more you will appreciate them. The surroundings are often very unique. They are all so distinctive. Seems like no two are alike. So do them all.
We count down some 10 of the best and most
1. Ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru
This 15th-century Inca citadel is located on a mountain ridge, 2,430 m above sea level in the mountains of south-central Peru. Constructed as the royal estate for the Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472), it was abandoned by its inhabitants about a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest, which started in 1532 and ended in 1572.
Generally regarded as the highlight of all the ruins of Latin America, its wow-factor is only surpassed by the three to four-day hike along the original Inca trail to the site. Sadly, masses of day visitors arrive at the site by bus- or trainloads from towns such as Cusco. Voted as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”, it now attracts about 1.2 million visitors a year.
2. Tikal, Guatemala
The ancient Maya ruins of Tikal are, debatably, the most exotic ruins in all of Latin America. Their rich history coupled with their location in the overgrown jungle, ensure they are a place where you can spend hours on end. When you are done exploring the many temples and other structures, enjoy the surrounding nature.
Stay at the island village of Flores, 65 km away, but arrive at Tikal before sunrise. Follow your guide as he takes you to the top of a temple to listen to his storytelling at sunrise.
It rises 47 metres (154 ft) above the jungle floor.
Tikal, Guatemala
built around AD 700-750, Tikal, Guatemala
3. Palenque, Mexico
The Maya city of Palenque in southern Mexico’s Chiapas State flourished around the 7th century. It started to decline around 800 A.D. and by the time the Spanish conquerors arrived the place was all but deserted.
While not large compared to nearby Tikal in Guatemala or Teotihuacan north of Mexico City, Palenque rivals Tikal as being one of the most exotic locations in Latin America. It is also one of the best-conserved ruins, and has beautiful Maya reliefs and inscriptions to decipher.
4. Teotihuacan, Mexico
Located about 40 km northeast of Mexico City, the ancient Mesoamerican city of Teotihuacan was established around 100 B.C. and inhabited until the 7th or 8th century. At its apogee, it was home to about a quarter of a million inhabitants.
Architecturally it is the most significant Mesoamerican pyramid built in the pre-Columbian Americas. With its close proximity to Mexico City, it is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico. To avoid the crowds, arrive here very early in the morning.
5. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is the second most visited Mexican archaeological site, only to be outdone by Teotihuacan northeast of Mexico City,
Chichen Itza is located in the Peninsula of Yucatan in the Yucatan State. The name refers to “the mouth of the well of Itza” and is most famous for its El Castillo (Spanish for “the castle”), also known as the Kukulkan Step Pyramid or the Temple of Kukulkan. Built by the Maya between the 9th and 12th century, its pyramid is 24 m high while the temple at the top is 6 m high.
6. Ollantaytambo, Peru
Located 60 km from Cusco in southern Peru, the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo served as royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti, who also included Machu Picchu as an estate.
The area is covered by a series of agricultural terraces. Several storehouses against the surrounding hills, where the wind was blowing strongly, were used to keep food fresh. The Ollantaytambo ruins and adjacent village are close to the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas known for its authentic markets, such as the one in the village of Pisac.
7. Copan, Honduras
One of the lesser-visited ruins, located in western Honduras not far from the border with Guatemala, the Maya city of Copán had a population of about 20,000 inhabitants between the 5th and the 9th century.
Stay in the interesting nearby village of Copan Ruinas, from where it is a short distance to the main ruins, as well as the Sepulturas Group of ruins which is a brief walk to the southwest. Copan Ruinas offers a few guest houses with some cosy restaurants with authentic Honduran food.
8. Inca Trail, Peru
While most visitors to Machu Picchu arrive on day tours by train or bus, the best part of a Machu Picchu visit is the three- to four-day hike on the original Inca trail which leads to the ruins.
Along the Inca trail are many ruins to explore. While not as grandeur as Machu Picchu, their location, and absence of tourists make them special. Look out for the ruins of Runkurakay (trading post), the Concha Marca (guard post), and the ruins of Sayaqmarka and Phuyupatamarka.
9. Mitla, Mexico
Not far from the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, lie the ruins of Mitla. They are regarded as one of Mexico’s most enigmatic sacred places. Occupied from as early as 900 B.C., the
Ownership was rotated between the Mixtecs and the Zapotecs. As the word “Mitla” means “Place of the Dead”, it was a sacred burial ground for both the Mixtec and the Zapotec people. In the “Patio of Tombs”, look for the 2.8 m tall “Pillar of Death” which predicted someone’s death.
10. Saqsaywaman, Peru
Located in the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco in Peru, Saqsaywaman is an ancient walled citadel built by the Inca people from the 13th century.
What makes this site so remarkable is the large dry stonewalls, carefully built with boulders which were precisely cut to fit together tightly without mortar. The inward-leaning walls with their interlocking shaped boulders attest to their unrivalled skills. While there is not much to see, a few colourful Peruvians stand ready for photos.
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.