5 Archeological Sites to Visit in Puebla

Visiting the ruins of Mexico is near the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. Few regions in the country offer as many incredible options as Puebla. Be sure to check out these archeological hot spots while in town.

Cantona

The Cantona settlement was once a thriving trading center on the border of what is now Puebla and Veracruz. The urban area is famous for its 24 ball courts, mostly still intact, and the remaining structures that more than 80,000 Teotihuacan pre-Hispanic people called home.

Hueyatlaco

When Hueyatlaco was first discovered it made waves in the archeological community for allegedly being more than 250,000 years old. At the time, that was thousands of years longer than we had believed humans were living in the New World. Its age has come into dispute in recent years, but it still offers plenty of incredible ruins to explore.

Cacaxtla

Cacaxtla was once the capital of the ancient Mexican region and home of the Olmeca-Xicalanca people. The ruins are prized for a vast collection of murals still in excellent shape. The “Battle Mural” is one of largest and most well-preserved on Earth.

Yohualichan

Yohualichan is thought to have been a ceremonial site for the Totonac people of Veracruz and Puebla, who populated the region before being forced out by invading groups. The site is surrounded by natural caves, which likely inspired the unique structures of the homes.

Zona Arqueológica Manzanilla

The Zona Arqueológica Manzanilla rests right in the heart of the Puebla capital and contains dozens of unique formations and buildings to explore. There are 16 pyramids in total, ball courts and numerous religious structures scattered throughout. It’s one of the few archeological sites open 24 hours a day.