Newly Updated
Zones: Kohunlich
Chicanná
Dzibanché
Bonampak
Yagul
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Welcome to the Ruins of Mexico website, aimed at providing a
guide to (eventually) all archaeological sites both big and small that are open
to the public, with
accompanying information and histories. A unique feature of each presentation is the
Virtual Tour, which provides recent images of the main features of the site,
accessed from a Tour map. This site is an ongoing project and much
information remains to be completed, but it is frequently updated, so please
come back soon to find what you can't see today.
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How
to use the Ruins of Mexico Virtual Tour Website.
 | There are several ways to browse the website.
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| The Tours each contain a short history section, practical details
on how to get there and any services, a map linking to the points of interest, and images of each feature
along the Tour. These features can be
followed in sequence along the marked tour route, or accessed
directly by clicking on the relevant feature of the map.
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| The use of star "*" markers with sites shows one of
six levels of
rating for which the visitor may wish to prioritize their tours. The key is as
follows:
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****** superior
site; sites of the most famous of Mexico which offer at least one
full day of exploring / excellently restored / complete services
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| ***** major
site; impressive sites with many features of high interest / well restored /
good services
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**** key
site; sites of reasonable size with several features of interest / adequately restored /
variable services
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| *** site
of interest; sites of moderate size with some point of interest /
moderate condition / occasional services
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** minor
site; small sites of limited interest / variable condition / few services
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| * incidental
site; inferior sites of little interest / poor condition / no
services |
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| In addition to the Tours and the Cultural History section,
you will find Galleries located on every Area Map page. These offer thumb nailed
images of some of the best shots of the sites included in that Area.
+not currently available
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| The objective of this project is to illustrate the many and
varied sites on offer, both large and small, and to provide a useful guide to
know what to look for at the sites. For academically detailed information on history,
archaeology and anthropology, this is not the place to come.
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General
Touring Information
| Many of the larger and moderately sized zones are
accessible by local bus routes; details are given at the beginning of each
tour. For the smaller and remoter sites, often a car or taxi is the only
convenient way to get
there. When hiring, choose a reputable company.
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| Standard attire should include good walking shoes and sun hats
and cream. In the Mayan region, the addition of insect repellant and
anti-malarial precautions would be advised, especially in the rainy season.
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| The services available at the archaeological zones vary,
from cafeterias, museums and gift shops, to a solitary guardhouse. On this
website, the star rating system for the zones will give a guide as to what
should be expected.
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| The opening hours are generally from 8am to 5pm, but with
many large sites it is best to get there as early as possible, and arriving
after 4pm will not offer sufficient time to enjoy most ruins (the smaller sites
may well close early on quiet days). The medium to major sites open every
day, 365 days a year. Some of the smaller zones close on Mondays.
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| The entrance
prices range from twenty to forty pesos for most sites, to nearer eighty
pesos for the larger zones (a handful of the minor ruins are free, but
expect no services). Because the prices are subject to fluctuation
and also the value of the peso, they are not individually given in the tours
on this website. Simply take enough money to cover any eventuality. Remember
also that on Sundays and public holidays there is free admission to all
ruins. Remind that to anyone who should try to charge you.
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| Although only a few of the major sites have museums, there
is generally some kind of information offered and this is normally in the
form of plaques in English, Spanish and Nahuatl, or in mini-leaflets sold at
the entrance. The coverage of this information varies enormously, however,
which is partly why a project like this website will come in useful to the
tourist. The tentative advice here is to avoid guides who offer their
services at the site, unless elaborate lectures with precious little
scientific fact be desired.
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| Precise details of travel within Mexico and places to stay, health, food, safety
etc, should be obtained from another more general guide to the country,
especially for remaining up-to-date with the political situation in Chiapas, for
example.
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All photography (unless otherwise specified), writing and
design by R. J. Weeks, who asserts his right as the author of this web-site,
although please see list of academic references.
The
images and information are not available for commercial use. Please forward any
comments or questions to: [email protected]
Copyright 2002.
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The Ruins of Mexico: Virtual Tour Website
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