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Ranas: A Prehispanic Jewel of Sierra Gorda’s Trade and Culture

The Ranas archaeological site is located southeast of the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro. This prehispanic settlement had a strategic location that allowed it to control the commercial traffic of the zone. It was inhabited from the year 400 to 1300. The place has several plazas, temples and 3 ball games.

 

Researchers have come to the conclusion that the richness of this place depends on the garnet or cinnabar. This mineral was used for mural painting .

 

The name of the archaeological site, that is located 3 kilometers from San Joaquin, is due to the name the Conquistadors gave it.

 

Toluquilla is a hybrid term, half Nahuatl, half Spanish, that could be translated as “Hill of the Hunchback”. This archeological site is located on a plateau and is really well preserved.

 

From San Joaquin it is necessary to travel 10 kilometers for visiting these vestiges that have a relation with The Ranas, since in both areas there is evidence of the mining of cinnabar.

Tourist Attraction
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