Latin America has a rich pre-Columbian history, there are many breathtaking sites still standing the tests of time. These scenes we see now are the heritage of Maya, Aztec, Miskito and Inca civilizations, among others. So why wait, book your cheap flight today at expedia.co.uk
This is Part 2 of a 2 Part series. Be sure to check out Part 1 here
1. Tiwanaku
Located in Bolivia, Tiwanaku is one of the most important Pre-Columbian archaeological in South America, recognized as a pre-Inca religious sites, built around 1,500 years Before Christ. Site contains many of the mysterious megalithic rocks, whose construction techniques are still unknown.
2. Altún Ha
Located in Belize. As part of the top 10 archaeological sites from Mexico to Peru stands full of pyramids. Many jade artifacts, dog and puma teeth and weapons can be found inside the tombs of kings.
3. Actun Tunichil Muknal
Also located in Belize, only this site is underground, unlike Altún Ha. This Mayan cave was thought to be entrance to the underground. Visiting the site requires a guide and 4 incredible hours of your life. You swim into the entrance, walk through waist high water, traverse through rocks and inner canyons to finally reach the sandy stalactite filled gallery where warship, rites and sacrifices were performed over 32000 years ago.
5. Joya de Cerén
Located in El Salvador. Declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO is known as the Pompeii of the Americas, Joya de Cerén was preserved by a volcanic eruption. 10 prehispanic structures in the middle in the fertile valley of Sapotitán tell the history of a farming community believed to escape from imminent destruction.
6. Las Mercedes
Located in Costa Rica. Between the rivers of Parismina and Dos Novillos this site is among the most complex ones in the top 10 archaeological sites from Mexico to Peru. With platforms, plazas, funeral spots and roads was the political center in the Chibchan world.
7. La Tolita
Located in Ecuador. The importance of this place is remarkable in pre-Columbian history, home of a whole culture, the name is derived from an island near the Santiago river where many Tolas (funeral monuments) were found.
8. Ollantaytambo
Located in Peru. This breathtaking jewel of the Inca Empire and surrounded by mountains is located at an altitude of 9,160 feet.
Conquered by the Inca emperor Pachacuti and later witness of the resistance against the conquistadors stands as one of the most visited archaeological places in the country.
9. Chan Chan
Located in Peru. Declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO can be translated as Magnificent Sun. The biggest adobe city in Latin America. visited by tourists through centuries this impressive site bathed by the sun is a must see.
10. Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is an enormous archaeological site in the Basin of Mexico, just 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Mexico City, containing some of the largest pyramidal structures built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Teotihuacan began as a new religious center in the Mexican Highland around the first century AD. This city came to be the largest and most populated center in the New World.
The top 10 archaeological sites from Mexico to Peru tell the stories of civilizations long gone but their heritage is preserved in these places and so much to learn!
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
