Indigenous tribes of Meso America

I think back to elementary school and remember the curriculum on ancient civilizations mostly focusing on the ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Meso America. For me they were so much more interesting than current history. How were the temples built without modern tools? Why do so the buildings have similar designs?

To understand the ancient civilizations of Central America, one needs to start at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.  This massive museum is best explored by a tour guide.  I highly recommend this one. Immersive experience in the Anthropology Museum - Airbnb. There are 23 permanent exhibit halls each one housing different civilizations. From the website, I invite you to embark on an exciting journey through time in the Museum of Anthropology of Mexico City. Our tour will take you to explore the Mayan, Aztec and Teotihuacan rooms, where you will discover the grandeur and diversity of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.

In the Mayan room, marvel at the sophistication and majesty of one of the most outstanding civilizations in Mesoamerica. Take in the breathtaking sculptures, and reliefs that reveal the vision and artistic splendor of the Mayans. We will continue into the Aztec room, where we can contemplate the majesty of the sculpture of Coatlicue, an iconic representation of mother earth, with its intertwined snakes and its imposing presence. The Piedra del Sol, a sculpted monument that evokes the immense power of the Aztec gods and its connection to time and the cosmos. Finally, we will head to the Teotihuacan room, an ancient city that was once a cultural and religious epicenter. You will walk through the vestiges of this mysterious city, marveling at the pyramids of the Sun and Moon.

Throughout my time in Central America, I explored many ancient cities and temples. Here are some of the highlights.

Teotihuacan Mexico City

Teotihuacan is a Meso American city located 25 miles from Mexico City. Built between the 1st and 7th centuries A.D., it is characterized by the vast size of its monuments – in particular, the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon. As one of the most powerful cultural centers in Mesoamerica, Teotihuacan extended its cultural and artistic influence throughout the region, and even beyond. Teotihuacan was the largest city in the Americas, with a population estimated at 125,000. Experience with a teotihuacan local person - AirbThe Mexica was an alternative name for the Aztecs, and the word "Mexico" comes from it.

Aztecs -

Cholula Puebla, Mexico

A main ally of Teotihuacan, Cholula provided the metropolis of the central highlands with items highly appreciated in the Mesoamerican trade and religious networks. The most important construction in the archaeological zone is the Temple of Tláloc dedicated to that pre-Hispanic divinity and whose cult was one of the most important in the entire Mesoamerican area. It is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and for a long time it remained forgotten, believed to be a mountain, on which a Catholic temple was built.

Mayan

Palenque - Merida Mexico

The Mayan temples of Palenque are situated on a hilltop dating back to AD600. Some of the most impressive Maya relics in Mexico have been excavated.  Palenque it's smaller than nearby cities but stands out in the craftsmanship of sculptures and building design. The ancient city has a planned urban layout and some of the largest clearings found in all the Maya area. Numerous residential areas with habitation units, funerary, ritual and productive activity areas were placed around the administrative and civic ceremonial center.

Uxmal Merida Mexico

Uxmal was constructed around AD700 and was home to around 25,000 people. Once dominated the region along with Chichen Itza. Much of the site is decorated with masks of Chac, the rain god, and important buildings including the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor's Palace, and the Ball Court.

Chicken Itza Mexico

Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza contains both Toltec and Mayan ruins lying alongside each other. The famous El Castillo pyramid dominates

the site and there is also a large ball court where games used to be held. Nearby, excavations of the Well of Sacrifice revealed treasures of jade, copper and gold as well as many human and animal bones.

Tikal, Guatemala

Towering above the jungle, the five granite temples of Tikal are an

imposing sight and one of the most magnificent Maya ruins. Hidden in the evergreen forest is a maze of smaller structures waiting to be explored. Climb to the top of the ruins for spectacular views over the canopy and the chance to spot toucans, macaws and other colorful birds.

Cahal Pech archeological site San Ignacio Belize

Located a few kilometers from downtown San Ignacio, these ruins date approximately 1,500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It has a stunning selection of temples, plazas and other areas to explore. The ruins are believed to be of an elite Mayan family.

Copan, Honduras

A World Heritage site, Copan is the

southernmost of the great Maya sites. It's unique because of the numerous elaborate stelae (carved columns) still intact among temples, excavated vaults and walls inscribed with ancient

faces.