The Best Mesoamerican Pyramids and Ruins Explained

The famous ancient Mayan and Aztec Empires cast shadows as large as their pyramids over the histories of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. 

Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins are symbols of the power of the indigenous populations who lived in these areas of Central America before the Spanish arrival in the 16th century. They are as impressive as the pyramids of Egypt, Peru, Cambodia, and Burma. 

People today can still see the fabulous remnants of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations through the pyramids and hieroglyphics that adorn them. Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins are found throughout the former Mayan empire, from the Yucatan Peninsula to modern-day Guatemala, Belize, the Mexican states of Chiapas and Tabasco, and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. 

Discover how these Mesoamerican civilizations, who excelled at writing, astronomy, math, writing, and architecture, left an indelible print on the Americas. 

Where Are Mesoamerican Pyramids and Ruins? 

In modern terms, Mesoamerica covered what is now Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and central to southern Mexico. 

Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins remain across these lands. Mayans weren’t the only ones who built the structures. Many pre-Hispanic cultures thrived and later collapsed in Mesoamerica, apart from the Mayan and Aztecs. 

Who Built the Mesoamerican Pyramids and Ruins? 

Indeed, some of the great Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins were built by civilizations that the Mayans and Aztecs would later conquer — and then utilize their buildings. For example, the Olmecs were the first great pre-Columbian civilization (1,500 BCE or B.C.), building ancient cities in Veracruz and Tabasco. 

The Zapotecs and Teotihuacáns flourished by 600 BCE, with the Mayans making the Yucatan Peninsula their base by 250 BCE, building the now world-famous Teotihuacán City. It wouldn’t be until 1325 CE (or A.D.) that the Aztecs would make their mark, eventually ruling Central Mexico by 1428 CE. 

What Are the Most Famous Pyramids in Mesoamerica? 

Teotihuacán, near Mexico City, is probably the most famous pyramid in Mesoamerica, once one of the world’s largest ancient cities. Teotihuacán is renowned as an Aztec pyramid. While the Aztecs bequeathed the name to Teotihuacán, the pyramid was built by an unknown civilization, perhaps the ancient Toltec people. 

Teotihuacán includes the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon, linked by the Avenue of the Dead. The city’s architects and engineers made the site a home for more than 100,000 people and rerouted the San Juan River. Understandably, Teotihuacán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Also well-known is the modern wonder of the world, El Castillo at Chichén Itzá, also known as Kukulcan. That’s because el Castillo features a Kukulcan, a feathered serpent, a serpent deity, and an image seen throughout Mesoamerican cultures. Kukulcan was called Quetzalcoatl by the Aztecs (as seen in the photo above). 

Chichén Itzá is also home to the Great Ball Court, the Group of a Thousand Columns, and the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole sacred to the Maya. 

What Was the Purpose of the Mesoamerican Pyramids? 

Mesoamerican pyramids began with the Olmecs, who built pyramids up to 100 feet high (30m) using mounds of earth faced with stone. These so-called step pyramids feature flat platforms that gradually recede up to the structure’s peak, layer by layer. The design makes external access easy and vital for their use. 

These and Mayan pyramids had flat and open tops used as temples, which were essential for religious ceremonies, including human sacrifice, performed by priests or important community members. According to scholars, those without temples at the top may have represented a god and been considered sacred. 

Murals of mythical deities and belief systems adorn many pyramids. Quetzalcoatl is a common motif as the Aztec god associated with the wind, sun, learning, and more. 

As they sat high above the treeline, pyramids also made excellent landmarks for navigation between what were essentially city-states. Theories are evolving that Mesoamerican pyramids may have been used as tombs for leaders and military bases. A pyramid’s height also allowed people to observe the stars, create astronomical calendars, and predict and celebrate equinoxes. 

A common feature at sites of Mesoamerican pyramids is a ball court, called a tlachtli, a raised platform often at the center of these incredible ancient cities. 

How Did the Construction Techniques of Mesoamerican Pyramids Reflect the Engineering Knowledge of Ancient Societies? 

Mesoamerican engineering knowledge allowed them to build pyramids, canals for irrigation, and city-states capable of providing shelter for thousands of people. 

Their step pyramids started as mounds of rubble and were then sculpted into dramatic structures. People used locally available materials to make the walls, like limestone at Palenque, burnt-lime cement, or even mud. Stucco exteriors were decorated with glyphs, sculptures, and moldings of religious icons. Many were built to align with the sun or moon during equinoxes and solstices. Entire city-states resemble important Mayan symbols when seen from above. 

Some pyramids are built on top of existing pyramids, with entire constructions subsumed into the new building. Interestingly, the House of the Governor at Uxmal has outer walls that lean inwards as they rise to improve the load bearing. 

What Religious and Ceremonial Significance Did Pyramids Hold for Mesoamerican Cultures? 

Pre-Columbian cultures passed their knowledge down through glyphs, religious ceremonies, and books called codices. Pyramids were loaded with hieroglyphics, some decoded, while others remain an archeological mystery. 

Human sacrifices were held atop pyramids, and some Mesoamerican rulers were buried within them. Some pyramids represented deities. Others were rebuilt on top of others to commemorate current rulers and bring them closer to their gods. Many followed a north-south axis to help align them for equinoxes and solstices. 

The Aztec calendar, influenced by the Mayans, was intrinsically linked to Mesoamerican pyramids and culture. There were two cycles: 260-day ritual and 365-day civil cycles. Each day was linked to a deity. 

Months lasted 20 days, and there were 18 months per year. The 365-day cycle was completed by five nemontemi days, which were considered unlucky. Every 52 years, the ritual and civil cycles coincided. The vast Binding of the Years festival marked the occasion, along with human sacrifice to avoid chaos and appease and feed the gods. 

What Were the Purposes of Ball Courts and Plazas in Mesoamerican Archaeological Sites? 

Rubber was unknown to Europeans before they colonized the Americas. One of their first contact with this material came via Mesoamerican ball games played at ball courts. 

These ball courts were called tlachtli, and there are more than 1,500 known ball courts across Mesoamerica. The importance of tlachtli is underscored by their placement close to the ceremonial center of ancient sites, temples, and funerary shrines. 

Precise game rules are unknown. Theories include that players competing in teams had to keep a hard, heavy rubber ball in constant motion or score points by throwing it through hoops. The rubber ball was moved around the court via the player’s torsos rather than hands or feet, with many players wearing protective padding. 

Many came to see the games, with betting prevalent. Scholars are also working on a connection between the ball courts and a link to the deities and the underworld, agricultural fertility, and mythological battles between life and death. Indeed, the beheading of players has been recorded at El Tajín and Chichén Itzá. However, the precise reason for this human sacrifice is unclear. 

What Is the Largest Pyramid in the World? 

The largest pyramid in the world is not in Egypt. The world’s largest pyramid is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, Puebla. This ancient city of Cholula is the largest pyramid by volume at 3.3 million m³ (166,538,400 ft³). 

The tallest pyramid on Earth is the pyramid of Khufu at Giza, Egypt, also known as Cheops in Greek. It stood at 481 feet (146m) when built, reduced to 451 feet (137.5m) today due to vandalism and erosion. 

What Challenges and Preservation Efforts Are Associated With Maintaining Mesoamerican Archaeological Sites Today? 

Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins are a massive draw for visitors wishing to explore the fascinating pre-Columbian cultures of the region. Many enjoy day trips to spectacular sites, climbing ancient pyramids and marveling at their magnificence. 

However, after many years of people scaling the pyramids, most are now off-bounds. This decree protects the pyramids for years to come. A few remain open to climb, so check before visiting. 

Further threats come from natural erosion from sunshine, wind, climate change, deforestation, and looting. 

What Are the Best Mesoamerican Pyramids and Sites to Visit? 

While there are many worthwhile Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins, here are 13 of the most famous that you can visit. 

1. Calakmul (Campeche, Mexico. Built 750 to 350 BCE): Stunning murals at two adjacent pyramids that were part of the Snake Kingdom (Kan) are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2. Chichén Itzá (Yucatán Peninsula. Built 600 to 750 CE): A Mayan, pre-Columbian pyramid and one of Mexico’s most famous, with complex architecture and ball courts.
3. Great Pyramid of Cholula (Puebla. Built 300 BCE to 900 CE): The world’s largest pyramid and a seat of vital importance during Mesoamerican history.
4. Coba (Yucatán Peninsula. Built 350 to 250 BCE): Close to Cancun on the Caribbean Sea, Coba retains its Mayan name and features many settlements of various sizes. Coba is also where you’ll find Nohoch Mul, one of the highest Mesoamerican pyramids, with 121 steps to conquer.
5. Ek Balam (Valladolid, Mexico. Built 700 to 300 BCE): Ek Balam means black panther and is home to excellent friezes, defensive walls, and glyphic inscriptions.
6. Monte Albán (Oaxaca, Mexico. Built 500 BCE to 700 CE): One of the best Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins sites, Monte Albán also houses terraces and canals over its sprawling four square miles.
7. Palenque (Chiapas, Mexico. Built 250 to 600 CE): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located among lush jungles and is among the best preserved and most beautiful Mayan ruins.
8. El Tajín (Veracruz, Mexico. Built 100 BCE to 1000 CE): El Tajín is one of the best examples of a pre-Hispanic town, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. The importance of astronomy and religious symbolism is apparent throughout El Tajín.
9. Tikal (Peten, Guatemala. Built 300 BCE to 200 CE): Much studied, Tikal appears to have enjoyed a strong relationship with Teotihuacan. Famous sites include the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Great Jaguar, Temples I-VI and the Lost World Pyramid. Here, you can see and feel the ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
10. Tula (Tula, Mexico. Built 850 to 1150 CE): Well worth a visit for the highly decorated pyramid with felines, canines, birds of prey, and serpents, plus its impressive columns of warriors, up to 15 feet (4.6m) tall.
11. Tenochtitlán (Mexico City. Built 1325 CE): The capital of the Aztec empire and the Aztec birthplace of the gods. Huitzilopochtli ordered the Aztecs to build a permanent home where they saw an eagle atop a cactus with a serpent in its beak. You can see this image in Mexico’s national flag.
12. Tulum (Tulum, Mexico. Built 1200 to 1400 CE). Tulum is a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city and Mexico’s third most-visited archaeological site. It served as the Caribbean port for Coba.
13. Uxmal (Puuc, Yucatan. Built 600 to 900 CE): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Mayan city is home to the instantly recognizable Pyramid of the Magician.

Enjoy Exploring Mesoamerican Pyramids and Ruins 

Mesoamerican pyramids and ruins are a gateway to understanding this region of the Americas before European colonization. They also show how people still connect with their ancient roots. Glyphs and nature-inspired motifs remain popular throughout Mexican folk art and murals, preserving some of these cultures’ rich traditions. 

Archaeologists and scholars remain as fascinated by the Mesoamerican legacy as much as the public. The pyramids are gigantic and impressive reminders of the civilizations that inhabited this area. 

While there is much to decipher, we already know that Mesoamerican engineers and architects were incredibly skilled. This knowledge, combined with talented artists, complex religious beliefs, and symbolism, left a vivid legacy whose complete comprehension will only bring further admiration to Mesoamerica’s forebears.