Worth visiting? Yes.
If you like history, country driving or are a headhunter.
There is no hotel but a few basic restaurants are nearby.
Notes:
Head within pueblo is a new sculpture
Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5pm
Admission: 27 pesos, free on Sunday, but not to gringos.
How to get there:
From Santiago Tuxla, south of bridge, take road west towards
Isla, then app. 8 km later, at an unmarked paved turnoff,
proceed north onto potholed road to Tres Zapotes (Aug 07).
Nice waterfall on south side just before turnoff.
See the gallery & slideshow of a trip to the museum
If you like history, country driving or are a headhunter.
There is no hotel but a few basic restaurants are nearby.
Notes:
Head within pueblo is a new sculpture
Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5pm
Admission: 27 pesos, free on Sunday, but not to gringos.
How to get there:
From Santiago Tuxla, south of bridge, take road west towards
Isla, then app. 8 km later, at an unmarked paved turnoff,
proceed north onto potholed road to Tres Zapotes (Aug 07).
Nice waterfall on south side just before turnoff.
See the gallery & slideshow of a trip to the museum
|
| Tres Zapotes Archaeological Zone & Museum Tres Zapotes, Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz |
The archaeological zone of Tres Zapotes is famous for the find of the first
colossal Olmec head in 1862.
In 1939, famous archaeologist Matthew Sterling discovered and
deciphered Stela C and established the antiquity of the Olmec culture with
a Mayan date of 31 AD. Further digs revealed occupation of the site for
more than 3000 years. After the decline of other Olmec ceremonial centers
Tres Zapotes reached its zenith as the presumed Olmec capital, 400BC -
300AD.
The museum was first built in 1975 and recently underwent major
restoration (2007). Archaeological field studies of the zone are still in
progress.
colossal Olmec head in 1862.
In 1939, famous archaeologist Matthew Sterling discovered and
deciphered Stela C and established the antiquity of the Olmec culture with
a Mayan date of 31 AD. Further digs revealed occupation of the site for
more than 3000 years. After the decline of other Olmec ceremonial centers
Tres Zapotes reached its zenith as the presumed Olmec capital, 400BC -
300AD.
The museum was first built in 1975 and recently underwent major
restoration (2007). Archaeological field studies of the zone are still in
progress.
Stela C now in Mexico City museum
The renovated museum entrance Overseer of catemaco.info editors
The friendly pueblo invites visitors Neighboring un-excavated mounts
| Someone with a sense of humor sculptured a "new" Olmec head in the pueblo of Tres Zapotes. Good luck finding it! |
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Links:
Gallery & slideshow of the museum
Santiago Tuxtla
tuxtlas.com - Archaeology of Los Tuxtlas
Gallery & slideshow of the museum
Santiago Tuxtla
tuxtlas.com - Archaeology of Los Tuxtlas
