Prior to my trip to Guadalajara I have done a decent research on how to plan a trip to Guachimontones using public transportation. As usual, I did change my plans the last moment and decided to use the private driver to get to the site. Here is my suggestion on how to plan a trip to Guachimontones from Guadalajara.
What is Guachimontones?
Have you ever see circular pyramid? I didn’t even know such a thing exists. Located just an hour drive from Guadalajara, Guachimontones is one of two circular pyramids in the world. The second circular pyramid, Cuicilco Archaeological site, is located in greater Mexico city area, south of city center. Just like Guadalajara, Guachimontones is another totally underrated tourist attraction in Mexico. We got to Guachimontones late morning, around 10.30 am and had the entire area to ourselves. Believe it? Just us, the driver and no line else on the entire site.
Guachimontones history
Guachimontone is the largest pyramid in Teuchitlan Tradition, so called ancient civilization that began around 350 Bc and ended around 350 CE. The civilization did not disappear completely until 500 CE in more remote areas. Guachimontones constructed in three stages over a period of almost 700 years.
How to plan a trip to Guachimontones.
How to get to Guachimontones.
The easiest way to get the site is to hire a private driver. Our driver picked us up at the hotel and spent the entire day with us. The price is super affordable and I’ll be happy to share the drivers contact information. It took us a about an hour to get to Guachimontones Archeological site from Guadalajara city center.
You can also take a bus from Central Vieja Guadalajara to Guachimontones, located about 30-35 min walk from city center, the price is very cheap about 70 pesos one way. You will need to find ut the bus schedule so that you can plan your trip back to the city. the bus stop is located about 20 mins walk from the Guachimontones archeological site entrance. taking the bus is definitely more budget friendly option, but the trip to Guachimontones most likely will take the entire day. So, if you want to save time I strongly suggest a private tour/driver.
There is a small parking near the site entrance. So, if you are driving, there is a place to park a car near the entrance.
Read More…
How to spend 48 Hours in Guadalajara
Top things to do in Tlaquepaque
How to get to the pyramids from the parking lot
Once you get the tickets, you will need to walk up the steep paved road on the left to see the pyramids. The road is short, but steep. So, wear comfortable walking shoes.
Road to the Archeological site, Guachimontones
Read more
Tips for visiting Guachimontones
Guachimontones Archaeological site
The site consists of 10 different-sized circular pyramids, several plazas and two Ball Courts. Some of the ruins located on private properties, so the access to those is limited. Only two out of ten pyramids were restored.
All 10 circles were built using the same pattern with large alter centerpiece surrounded by circular patio and square platforms.
The tallest pyramid “El Gran Guachi”, has 12 platforms around the altar. The pyramid was not restored due to heavy vegetation. There’s a trail in the back , so you can climb it to see the circular pyramids from the top. The trail is rocky and slippery when wet, so I recommend wearing hiking shoes with a grip.
Guachimontones Visitor center
In the way back to the car I stopped by the visitor center, very modern building with solar panels and huge open area on the back. There is a great exposition about the Teuchitlan Tradition history, culture and the site discovery with a lot of pictures and models. There is also interactive map of the entire Teuchitlan where you can see other pyramids located in the area.
Final thoughts
I have seen several pyramids in the past including Tulum, Teotihuacan, Tikal and others, but I was completely blown away by those circular pyramids. Guachimontones is a must see place if you are visiting Guadalajara or surrounding areas.
