Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Archaeological Sites in Chiapas
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
Mayan Archaeological Sites in Yucatán
Archaeological Sites in Oaxaca
Arqueología Chihuahua
Arqueología Campeche
Northern Mexico
Central Mexico
Southern Mexico
It is located on three plateaus of more than 700 meters high inside the Sierra Madre.
The strategic location on the Pacific coast, allows access to important commercial networks in the Isthmus area and with southern Veracruz.
The settlement was occupied from the Late Preclassic (600-100 B.C.) to the Late Classic (600-900 B.C.), and its peak was during the Early Classic (250-600 B.C.). This area is characterized by its use of megalithic granite architecture, some blocks measures more than three meters and weigh up to 2 tons.
Must see Buildings
The site was built with volcanic and granite rocks that abound in the region. The constructions were adapted to the topography, there are more than 80 structures distributed in five architectural groups, spread in more than 60 ha.
The group B is one of the most important structures with a huge square measuring 80 by 70 meters surrounded by three large structures.
Group C communicates with the previous one through a series of ramps that take advantage of the slopes of the land; in this group there are about 30 sculptural monuments.
Other distinctive feature of this site is the presence of a number of carved anthropomorphic and zoomorphic monuments scattered throughout Iglesia Vieja. The most well-known are the Sapodrilo (a kind of cross between a crocodile and a toad) and the Altar de las Cuatras Caras (Altar of the Four Faces).
From Structure C-13 you have an incredible panoramic view of the landscape surrounding the settlement, including the coastal plain, the Zanatenco River, the estuary of the Dead Sea and the Bernal Hill.
Iglesia Vieja
Location
It is located 170 km from Tuxtla Gutiérrez and 12 km north of the city of Tonalá, on the coast of Chiapas. From Tonolá take the Pan-American Highway 190 until you reach a partially paved road that must be traveled for 11 km until you reach the junction of the Tonalá-Arraiga road and after 6 km past the Titepec river you reach the site.
Hours
Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 hrs.
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