Toniná Chiapas: I just came across an article stating that recent excavations (undertaken since 2010 by INAH, the Mexican National Institute of Archaeology and History) confirm that the “Acropolis” of Toniná, Chiapas, comprises one off the largest pyramids in Mesoamerica. See the article link below.
The pyramidal structure measures 74 meters tall and is calculated to be about 700 years old. It consists of seven platforms connected by 260 steps, and the platforms hold a palace and a variety of temples, housing structures, and administrative areas.
The article prompted me to pull out my old photos of this same archaeological site taken in 2003, back before these latest excavations were undertaken. Even back then, the archaeological site was spectacular and inspiring, with excellent visual command of the surrounding valley.
Please scroll down to see the photos and a few links to additional informational resources.
http://www.misteriomundial.com/arqueologia/investigadores-confirman-se-ha-encontrado-la-piramide-mas-grande-de-mexico/
Getting there
We traveled to Toniná from San Cristobal de las Casas in late August, leaving town in our own vehicle at about 9:45 in the morning and making our way leisurely toward Ococingo and Palenque. We moved through lush, verdant hill country, past peach trees and hollyhocks and red bromiliads hung in the trees by the roadside. We passed women in vibrantly colored traditional dress and stacks of firewood piled on the road shoulder awaiting pickup. Near Ococingo, cane fields and banana plants lined the highway.
In Ococingo, we stopped for a quick and typical brunch of eggs and chorizo with fresh cheese, beans, and sauce on the side, then found the turnoff to Toniná ruins that are located off Highway 199 out of Ococingo. We arrived at the site at 12:30 noon and spent an engrossing couple of hours exploring the site and the accompanying museum.
The hours at the Toniná site are Monday through Sunday 8 am to 5 pm.
Useful information about Toniná and other archaeological sites in Chiapas, Mexico :
- Centro INAH Chiapas Facebook page (mainly Spanish)
- The Toniná page at the INAH website (Spanish)
- Toniná information from Visit Mexico (English)
- Corpus of Maya Hieroglyphic Inscriptions: Toniná Site (Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology)
- Maya Pyramid at Toniná is One of the Biggest (Archaeology.org)