When thinking about a pre-Hispanic archaeological site, it is common to come up with the same image, spaces that look similar because they usually have large or medium-sized pyramids, palaces, open plazas, ball games, tombs, sculptures carved in stone, buildings intended for stargazing. However, Paquimé in Chihuahua is totally different.
The archaeological zone of Paquimé, which means “Big Houses”, and which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1998, is made up of a very particular architectural ensemble.
What to see in Paquimé?
When you arrive at this archaeological site in Chihuahua, you will be surprised by its urban layout. It is made of thick adobe walls that project a striking play of shadows when illuminated by the intense rays of the sun. Archaeologists believe that this site holds the remains of at least two thousand rooms.
There are several spaces to explore in this area, such as the so-called House of the Ovens, which is part of a group of nine rooms and two small plazas. It is believed that the pits found inside were used to cook agave or sotol, using heated stones.
The House of the Snakes originally consisted of 24 single rooms, two double rooms, three halls and three plazas. It was later extended and adapted to raise macaws and turtles.
In the House of the Macaws, 122 birds were found buried under its floor. Of the two ball courts found, one of them survives intact, and has steps on three of its sides.
Visit the Museum of Northern Cultures. It is located next to the archaeological zone and houses one of the best and most extensive archaeological collections in northern Mexico, which have been recovered during the excavations that have been carried out at the site. In this attraction in Chihuahua you will see basketry, textiles, vases, semi-precious stones among other objects. It also covers historical aspects of the colonial era linked to the mission of San Antonio de Padua established in 1660 and the impact of the revolutionary movement in Chihuahua at the beginning of the 20th century.
What you need to know about Paquimé
You can visit Paquimé from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The entrance fee is $75 MXN. On Sundays, entrance is free.
The site has parking services, a parcel service, a cafeteria, a multipurpose room, and guided tours (by appointment).
We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes so that you can tour the area without any problem. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen.
How to get there
The Paquimé Cultural Complex is located in the municipality of Casas Grandes, Chihuahua. It is 267 km from Ciudad Juárez and 302 km from the state capital. The distance between the city of Chihuahua and Casas Grandes will take you 3 hours and 30 minutes; we recommend that you take highway 45 towards Ciudad Juárez. At km 136.7 is the Ojo Laguna-Flores Magón junction, you should follow the direction of the latter.
It is also a good point to satisfy your craving, as well as an unmissable opportunity to enjoy some delicious burritos in red chili or chiles stuffed with Mennonite cheese, served in freshly made flour tortillas, in Flores Magón. In Casas Grandes and Nuevo Casas Grandes, the tourist services are varied and cater to all budgets.
Source: mexicodesconocido
