El Tajin is located near the coast of eastern Mexico and is among the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. It may have actually been founded by the Huastecs around 100 B.C. and flourished between 900 and 1100 A.D. The early centuries at the site show evidence of influence from Teotihuacán.

Its cultural influence spread throughout the Gulf region, also penetrating the Mayan region and the highlands of central Mexico.

The core of Epiclassic El Tajin covered some 60 hectares (146 acres) and may be divided into two distinct areas with the oldest being in the south and the newer, known as Tajin Chico, in the northern part of the city. The former is built according to the cardinal compass points, consists of rectangular platforms, and is dominated by the Pyramid of the Niches. Tajin Chico is more elevated than the earlier portion of the city, and its buildings are aligned along a north-west to south-east axis

The Tajín complex communicates directly with Tajín Chico, which is constructed on an artificial mound 7 m high. The Tajín Chico complex has not been fully excavated but has revealed some interesting details of this part of the site.

The Pyramid of the Niches, is El Tajín’s most famous landmark. The pyramid has six platforms, is 20 metres high, whilst each side is 26 metres wide. It was constructed in the 8th century CE and has 365 symmetrically arranged square niches (each 60 cms deep) and these, along with the heavy scroll carvings, create a constantly shifting play of light and shadow when the monument basks in sunshine. Archaeologists believe this structure had some connection with the solar year.

El Tajín cuenta con una gran cantidad de canchas, 17 en el centro de la ciudad y seis más en áreas adyacentes, lo que lo convierte en la ciudad prehispánica con un mayor número de juegos de pelota. Todas las canchas tienen una rica decoración con números tableros y esculturas.

There is an interesting site museum.

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