In Tlaxcala’s surroundings you’ll find various archaeological sites where you can see ruins dating back to the pre-Hispanic era, allowing you to learn more about the region’s history.

Cacaxtla. Located 19 km (12 mi) west of Tlaxcala and 5 km (3 mi) west of the town of Santa Maria Nativitas, off Highway 190. Inhabited by the Olmeca-Xicalanca people between 600—1000 AD, this is Tlaxcala’s most important archaeological site. Its importance is largely due to the well-conserved religious and civic structures, including the Gran Basamento (Great Platform), the Edificio de las Columnas (Building of Columns), the Palacio (Palace), the Patio de los Altares (Patio of the Altars), el Patio de los Rombos (the Patio of the Rhombi), the Cuarto de la Escalera (Stairs Room) and the Templo de Venus (Temple of Venus). The site is also known for its colorful murals, such as the Mural de la Batalla (Mural of the Battle), which covers more than 25² meters (82² feet). The mural depicts a battle scene between the Olmeca-Xicalanca people and a group that appears to be of Mayan origin. Open daily from 10:00 to 5:00.

Tizatlan. Located 6 km (4 mi) northeast of Tlaxacala off Highway 117, in the town of Tizatlan. In addition to various manuscript paintings, the structures that stand out at this site are a pair of stucco altars ornamented with heart and skull figures, frets and feathers. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Ocotelulco. Located 3 km (2 mi) north of Tlaxcala off the state highway. The main attraction at this site is a multicolored altar with a large mask representing Xipe Totec, god of the earth. Here you can also see paintings of gods Xolotl, Quetzalcoatl and Tlahuizcalpantecuchtli. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Xochitecatl. Located 27 km (17 mi) west of Tlaxcala off the state highway. This site is adjacent to the knoll where Cacaxtla lies. Here you’ll find structures with architectural influences from the Totonaca, Cholulteca and Teotihuacan cultures. One of the most impressive buildings is the Pyramide de las Flores (Pyramid of the Flowers), which has the fourth largest base among Mesoamerican structures. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Back to Activities in Tlaxcala

Back to Activities in Tlaxcala

 

 

To compare Hotel rates please Click the following Button