Cacaxtla Ruins

Cacaxtla Ruins are about 17 km (12 mi.) southwest of Tlaxcala. To reach them by car from the center of town, take the road to Nativitas (follow signs) and then watch for the sign about 1.5 km (1 mi.) w. of that town indicating the direction to Cacaxtla and the nearby village of San Miguel del Milagro. The hillside entrance to the site is about a 1-mi. walk from the parking lot. From the Mexico City-Puebla toll road (Mex. 150-D), take the San Martín Texmelucan exit and proceed e. toward Nativitas about 6 km (4 mi.), following signs.

Climb the stairs to reach the Gran Plaza, a broad platform protected by a huge metal roof. In addition to providing rain and sun protection, boardwalks beneath this overhead run right up to the various murals and stone carvings. The largest and most dramatic of the murals is the mythological Mural of the Battle, painted between A.D. 650 and 700. It depicts two groups of warriors—one outfitted in birdlike plumage and feather headdresses, the other cloaked in the skins of jaguars. The colors—rich blues, reds, yellows and browns—and the depth of detail are startling.

Note: The ticket window is about 100 feet inside the ruins complex, which is open per the schedule even if the gate happens to be closed.

Picnicking is permitted. Food is available. Time: Allow 3 hours minimum.