Visiting archaeological sites is a popular activity for tourists. These tips will help you prepare and get the most out of your visit.
All the archaeological sites in Mexico are overseen by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Most have opening hours from 8 or 9 am to 5 or 6 pm. Often the best time of day to visit sites is in the morning or afternoon, to avoid the heat of the mid-day sun.
Dress appropriately
Wear comfortable shoes because you may be climbing pyramids or walking on treacherous ground, sneakers or hiking boots are your best bet. The sun may be very strong, so it's a good idea to cover up and wear a hat and sunglasses.
Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent
You can get a sunburn even on overcast days, so you shouldn't skip the sunscreen, and depending on the site you're visiting, you may be well advised to use insect repellent as well. This is especially true for sites located in the jungle, such as Palenque.
Take water
You may not be allowed to enter with food or other drinks besides water. You should take water, and it's best to buy it before getting to the site as prices on-site may be inflated.
Respect the site
Don't remove stones or pottery shards that you may find. The pieces that are in an archaeological site are an integral part of that site and as insignificant as they may seem, the information they provide may be invaluable.
Read up a little before you go
A little bit of background reading can go a long way to help you understand what you're seeing. You should at least be aware of the different cultures - do you know the
Mayas from the Aztecs?
Hire a guide
Having a guide book is good, but hiring a local guide will allow you to get a lot more out of your visit. Make sure your guide has a license from the Secretary of Tourism.
Take some time to wonder
Much is still unknown about Mexico's ancient cultures. Their construction methods Many sites were built without the use of metal tools, with no beasts of burden, and it's likely that the builders weren't even using the wheel.
