If you are fortunate enough to be planning a trip from Mexico through to Peru a wealth of archaeological sites await you. The ancient civilizations that lived in these areas, left behind many relics of their cultures which once seen bring your imagination alive with what once might have been. When you are ready leave your comfortable hotel for a mind blowing trek to explore some unusual and incredible places.
Uxmal
Uxmal, in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico built in 500 AD is one of the more beautiful cities in Mexico. The temples are in fantastic condition and well worth a visit many photographs.
Photo By: Kalavinka
Tulum
Tulum in the Quintana Roo province of Mexico is a Mayan ruin in an exceptionally beautiful location. Tulum towers over the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For the nature lover, there is an abundance of iguanas sunning themselves lazily in Tulum’s ancient ruins.
Photo By RaisingMiro
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is one of the largest ruins of an ancient Mayan city. It is certainly one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. If you visit Chichen Itza on the Spring or Autumn equinoxes, in the late afternoon you may be lucky enough to see a series of shadows on the northwest corner of the pyramid that looks like serpent descending the staircase which may represent the serpent god Kukulcan.
Photo By: Mike_flemming
Copán
Copán in Honduras is a small Mayan archaeological site. During Copan’s history it was ruled by 16 kings. While visiting the ruins also see the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Reserve and enjoy the many varied types of parrots.
Photo By RaisingMiro
Tikal
Tikal is one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites. It is located in northern Guatemala. Situated in the Tikal National Park. It is recommended to spend at least a couple of days exploring Tikal. There are hotels and a a campground in the park along with restaurants.
Photo By RaisingMiro
Yaxhá
Yaxhá, an ancient Mayan city of many temples in Guatemala, is situated on the Yaxhá lagoon, home of Morelett crocodiles. You will truly feel like you are in the jungle, with spider monkeys and howler monkeys swinging from the trees. After visiting the ruins you can cool off in Lake Yaxha.
Photo By: tik_tok
Aguateca
Aguateca, another Mayan city in Guatemala sits on top of a 90 meter tall limestone bluff. The ruins have to be accessed by boat which makes the trip even more adventurous.
Photo By: jnissa
San Agustin
San Agustin in Colombia, South America is 10 hours south of Bogota. This archaeological site is well worth visiting in the tropical North Andes. There is a wealth of megalithic statuary at the site which is well worth making the visit.
Photo By: whistlepunch
Sacsayhuaman
Sacsayhuaman is a walled complex on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco, Peru, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco in itself is well worth visiting, especially the colorful markets displaying a large array of handmade items made by the local people. Sacsayhuaman is an amazing fortress left by the Inca civilization. The stonework is so intricately laid that a piece of paper can hardly slide between the joints of the stones in the walls.
Photo By: NH53
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, also known as the lost city of the Incas, is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, South America. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Visitors can take a train ride along the Urubamba River up to the Machu Picchu ruins. The views of the sharp, tall mountains are breath-taking. The ruins of Machu Picchu, were never discovered by the Spanish are relatively intact and more than well worth seeing.
Photo By: jlcalgary
For the intrepid tourist, a tour of the sites of the lost civilizations of Mexico, Central and South America can be a trip of a lifetime. There will certainly be beautiful scenery, unusual wildlife and ruins and temples to explore.
Cross posted from Hostel Bookers.
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.
