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AAA Editor Notes
Tula Ruins are about 32 km (20 mi.) off Mex. 57-D (the toll highway to Querétaro) n. through the center of Tula, then 4 km (2.5 mi.) n.w. to the site, following signs. Taxis departing from Tula's main plaza can drop visitors off at the ruins. They constitute what is left of the capital and chief ceremonial center of the Toltecs. The focal point of the ruins is the five-tiered pyramid with a tongue-twisting name, the Temple of Tlahuizcalpantecuitli (Lord of the House of the Morning Star Venus). It dominates the north side of a plaza flanked by colonnaded buildings.

On top of the pyramid stand colossal figures known as the Atlantes (one is a replica). They once supported the roof of a temple that stood atop the pyramid. Each Atlantean is swaddled in a loincloth, its chest protected by stylized butterfly breastplates and its back by shields in the shape of the sun. The figures also sport headgear. This pyramid as well as several others can be climbed, but their steepness makes descending more difficult than ascending.

The museum near the entrance houses professional displays of artifacts found at the site, including huge sandal-clad feet carved from solid rock. Vendors hawking artifact replicas line the path from the museum to the ruins.

The site is not shaded; wear a hat and bring water.

Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.

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