THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONES OF GUANAJUATO - HISTORY - 2025

The archaeological zones of Guanajuato are five so far: Plazuelas, Peralta, Cañada de la Virgen, El Cóporo and Arroyo Seco. It is believed that the first inhabitants of this Mexican state were the Chupícuaros.

This culture dominated the center of the Bajío (lower) area between 800 BC and 300 CE. The typical ceramics of these peoples had a great influence not only in the current state of Guanajuato, but in its surrounding states.

Plazuelas, Guanajuato

Unfortunately, when the Solís dam was inaugurated in 1949, the archaeological site of Chupícuaro was covered by its waters.

However, in the Museum of Acámbaro, in the southeast of the State, you can see several chupícuara figurines.

Interesting facts about the 5 archaeological zones of Guanajuato

Squares

In 1998, Plazuela was the first of Guanajuato's archaeological zones to be opened to the public by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) of Mexico.

The discovery of this site in Pénjamo in the 1970s allowed a change in perception about the pre-Hispanic cultures that developed in the Bajío region.

Its archaeological evidence shows organized societies that interrelate civically and commercially with Toltecs, Tarascans, and Teotihuacanos.

With reference to the constructions, the main ones are a square with three pyramids and five adjoining buildings that intercommunicate. In addition, it has two ball game courts.

Peralta

One of the archaeological zones of Guanajuato is located in the southwest of the state, in the town of Abasolo.

This culture, which developed in the classical period (between 300 and 700 BC), practiced agriculture and had a complex social structure.

In its monumental architecture, the Rulers' Enclosure stands out, a place where public events were held and where the ruling class resided.

This site was discovered in the 1970s by students of history and anthropology. It is currently open to the public.

Glen of the Virgin

Cañada de la Virgen is another of the most important archaeological sites in Guanajuato. This area, located in San Miguel de Allende, is surrounded by deep ravines (ravines).

The main structures of this pre-Hispanic settlement were used to make observations of outer space.

On the other hand, a fact that draws the attention of this particular site is that unlike other pre-Columbian cultures such as the Teotihuacanos or Xochicalcos, the front of its main temple faces the sunrise.

The Cóporo

The archaeological remains and architectural spaces of this site suggest a strong relationship with other pre-Columbian groups such as Zacatecas, Jalisco, and those from the Bajío de Guanajuato.

This consists of several architectural ensembles that fulfilled different functions: Conjunto Llano, Conjunto Gotas, Conjunto Montes, and others. Thus, the Gotas Complex served as an administrative space, while the Montes was residential.

dry Creek

INAH has carried out several studies of this archaeological zone. In this site, located in the northeast of the state, the variety and richness of its cave painting stands out.

The motifs in this painting show a long pictorial tradition, spanning the period from pre-Hispanic times to the early years of the 19th century.

References

1. Blanco, M.; Parra, A. and Ruiz Medrano, E. (2016). Guanajuato. Brief story. Mexico City: Fund for Economic Culture.
2. Chupícuaro. (2008, February 25). In Tourism in Mexico. Retrieved on November 6, 2017, from turismoenmexico.com.mx.
3. Jimenez Gonzalez, VM (2014). Guanajuato. Guanajuato: Solaris Communication.
4. San Miguel de Allende. Archaeological Sites. (s / f). Retrieved on November 6, 2017, from sanmigueldeallendemexico.wordpress.com.
5. Meade, J. (2016). San Miguel de Allende: Including Guanajuato & Querétaro. London: Hachette UK.
6. Torreblanca Padilla, CA (2008). El Cóporo, Guanajuato. Arqueología Mexicana, N. 92, July-August, pp. 60-63.
7. National Institute of Anthropology and History. (2015, October 26). They discover rich tradition of cave painting in Guanajuato. Retrieved on November 6, 2017, from inah.gob.mx.