Xochicalco
We had intended visiting Tula, an ancient Toltec site famous for its column like statues. However, we discovered that it was closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We settled on visiting Xochicalco which is about an hour-and-a-half drive south from Mexico City.
It is a well-maintained and compact site with some of the best preserved relief sculptures in Mesoamerica. There were few people visiting that day, and we had the place more-or-less to ourselves.
Xochicalco was built in the 7th century, soon after the fall of Teotihuacan. It was founded by the Olmeca-Xicalancas from the faraway state of Campeche, which is closer to major Mayan sites. Xochicalco contains influences from the Olmecs, the Mayans and the Zapotecs.
The site is perched on a hill with far reaching views over the plains below. Xochicalco was abandoned in the 12th century. Over time, difficult access and isolation have helped to preserve the site.
