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Polaroid of the Week: Exploring Ancient Pyramids and Hidden Ruins in Mexico

Polaroid of the Week: Exploring Ancient Pyramids and Hidden Ruins in MexicoThis week's Polaroid takes us to Mexico! On a whim, I booked a flight a couple of weeks ago, shifting plans unexpectedly. More details in my upcoming monthly roundup, but essentially, the chance to reunite with friends outweighed solo travels in Colombia—especially with irresistible Mexican cuisine on offer!

This marks my fourth visit to Mexico, a country I adore and could explore endlessly. Vast regions like everything north of Mexico City remain uncharted for me. After reconnecting in Mexico City, my travel companion and I ventured to lesser-known archaeological sites in Veracruz and Puebla—states close to the capital. Timing coincided with Latin America's bustling Semana Santa (Holy Week), the peak travel period, so options were limited without advance planning (expect more on that in my March roundup).

Thrilled for off-the-beaten-path discoveries—especially before tackling Chichén Itzá crowds later this month—our first stop was El Tajín, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Veracruz. This pre-Columbian city thrived from 600 to 1200 C.E., post-Teotihuacan's decline, boasting temples, palaces, pyramids, and over 20 ball courts for the ritual Mesoamerican ballgame, pitz. Standouts include the Pyramid of the Niches, with 365 precise square indentations that dance with light and shadow in the sun.

Next, Cuetzalan—a enchanting pueblo mágico (magical town) and UNESCO site in Puebla's mountains. Among Mexico's 54 pueblos mágicos, from quaint hamlets to gems like Valladolid (which captivated me in 2010 and awaits my return), Cuetzalan enchanted with hillside cobblestone streets, palm-lined squares, and a grand church.

We delved into Grutas de Cuetzalan caves and a smaller, lesser-known pre-Columbian site (pictured above) featuring pristine pyramids and a ball court—ours alone, its compact scale belying striking preservation.

Upcoming: More Mexican weeks ahead! Additional pyramids, a Yucatán road trip, a volcano ascent TBD, and fresh Mexico City spots from prior visits.


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