Marek The most underrated place in Mexico, and at the same time the most mysterious. When the last inhabitants of El Tajin, the Totonaks, settled in the area, they found the city abandoned. According to various sources, it was built in the first century AD, or several hundred years earlier. The pyramids and temples you’ll see here are quite different from other regions of Mexico. If you have two days to spare, be sure to come here.
The city is known for the Pyramid of the Niches. The stone terraces are built in the shape of 365 niches, although some of them were built up by the Totonaks with stairs. Otherwise, it was difficult to carry struggling victims to the top. Of course, most often they were members of the losing teams. Since there are as many as 11 football pitches in the city, it was very important that the process of making donations was quick and efficient. Prolonged waiting for death lowers morale.
We arrive in El Tajin at the crack of dawn. The area is covered with fog. The entrance to the ruins is closed, we are too early. The employees of the archaeological zone meticulously observe the working hours, because the remnants of the Totonac live there. But don’t worry. They no longer sacrifice human beings.
When we can finally start sightseeing, it turns out that we are the only guests. Imagine how it feels to be able to feel the atmosphere of this beautiful place, without tourists hanging around everywhere and without locals trying to sell souvenirs. We (almost) forget about the bloodthirsty tarantula, our companion last night.
The next post will be the day after tomorrow, Tuesday.
