Underrated Archeological Sites in Latin America

Beyond the emblematic Machu Picchu and Chichen Itza, Latin America boasts archeological sites that are less known but of extraordinary historical and cultural value.

These are some of the less typical archeological destinations that travelers should not miss.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the history of these impressive ruins, among which the Great Pyramid consists of seven temples where the inhabitants worshipped the gods of the Mayan cosmogony, in addition to the building known as the Smoking Mirror. Both structures are considered the highest in Mesoamerica, hence the importance of this archeological site little visited by national and foreign tourists.

This impressive archeological site keeps the vestiges of a large city built by nomadic settlers at 13,000 feet above sea level. Located very close to the sacred Lake Titicaca, this critical human settlement, now in ruins, was once home to an essential temple of Tiwanaku culture, many other smaller ones, houses, public buildings, streets, as well as an incredible irrigation system, built in adobe.

Many of these buildings can still be admired by visitors, thanks to the fact that UNESCO protects the area as a Historical Heritage Site. Among other things, the archeologists in charge of the site study how large and heavy stones were transported along Lake Titicaca, with which much of this mystical city was built.

It was thriving in the the year 1400 when lived, in the city, up to 30,000 people who carried out countless activities related to trade, planting, and gathering, but especially religious worship.

Visitors who tour the site today enjoy an extensive area of about 5,000 square miles, full of ruins where they can still see the remains of carved adobe walls where various domestic works and, above all, worship of their gods were performed. The importance of this archeological site made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This extraordinary archeological site is located in the city of Chalchuapa, in the department of Santa Ana, the second largest city after San Salvador.

The archeological area of Tazumal, although not very visited by tourists, is a jewel of the ancient Mayan culture that had its period of splendor in the pre-classic period. Unfortunately, the area is poorly explored, especially since it is believed that a large part of the ancient Mayan city lies beneath the town of Chalchuapa, which houses 10 archeological areas.

Tazumal stands out for the architecture of its various pyramids and the famous ball game. In addition, tourists can visit the museum that houses the ancient civilization's relics, utensils, and ceramics. The community that now lives in the archeological area of Tazumal offers visitors extraordinary crafts in a large market where tourists can find souvenirs, textiles, and ceramic designs, among others, made by local indigenous artisans.