Tula Archaeological Site (Tollan-Xicocotitlan) is the historic capital of the Toltec empire. Gaze in awe at imperious warrior statues and spot interesting sculptures as you explore the remains of courtyards, palaces and temples. The Toltecs dominated much of central Mexico between the 10th and 12th centuries and greatly influenced Aztecan culture. At its height, Tule Archaeological Site was a thriving commercial center with over 50,000 inhabitants.
Start at Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, the Temple of the Morning Star, a multi-tiered pyramid structure dedicated to the mythological Toltec ruler Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcóatl. Climb to the top to see four majestic 15-foot-tall (4.5-meter) statues of Atlantean warriors. Today visible from afar, their original purpose was to support a shrine. One belief is that the statues represent the malevolent Aztec god Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli. Look for the bas-reliefs of jaguars, coyotes, eagles and other animals decorating the base of the pyramid.
Note the dozens of columns at the Burned Palace, which suggest that it could have previously been an administrative building. Outside the main entrance is the last complete surviving statue of a reclining priest, called a Chacmool. Similar figures are found at famous Mexican ruins such as Chitzen Itza and Teotihuacan. Go to the Serpent Wall to see carvings that portray snakes eating humans.
Browse displays of excavated artifacts at the site museum, the Guadalupe Mastache Interpretation Room. Find archaeologist impressions of how the settlement looked in its heyday and information about the researchers who discovered it. Learn about the scope of the Toltec people’s geographical power, their economic activities and religious ideology.
The ruins are about a 25-minute walk from Tula de Allende’s city center. Buses travel regularly to the city from Mexico City. Travel to other centuries-old ruins, including the Teotihuacán Ruins and Xihuingo Archaeological Zone, in about 90 minutes by car.
Tula Archaeological Site is open daily and has an admission fee. The museum is also open daily and admission is included with the site fee. Learn the details about the main sights using signs in English.