Xochicalco

Xochicalco is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the western part of the Mexican state of Morelos. The name Xochicalco may be translated from Náhuatl as "in the (place of the) house of Flowers".

The UNESCO lists this awesome Archeological site as a World Heritage site since 1999.

Xochicalco is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a fortified political, religious and commercial Centre from the troubled period of 650–900 that followed the break-up of the great Mesoamerican states such as Teotihuacan, Monte Albán, Palenque and Tikal.

Xochicalco had its apogee between 650 and 900 AD with an estimated population of 25,000 inhabitants, right between the fall of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tula. Archaeologists speculate that Xochicalco may have played a role in the fall of the Teotihuacan Empire. The architecture and iconography of Xochicalco show affinities with Teotihuacan, the Maya area, and the Matlatzinca culture of the Toluca Valley.

Xochicalco has different buildings such as the Plaza de la Estela de los Dos Glyphs, the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, three Ball Games a Central Plaza and a Main Plaza for civic events. The Ramp of the Animals integrated by 255 slabs with representations of animals also has an Astronomical Observatory, Pyramidal Temples, Palaces, Temazcales, an unusual row of circular altars, as well as some stelae sculpted with the names and scenes of Three Kings of Xochicalco. Some stelae were remove and you can admire them at the National Museum of Anthropology and at the Local Museum.

The Astronomical Observatory is a cave modified to allow study of the apparent movement of the sun. The cave is covered with stucco and painted in black, yellow and red with a chimney that measures from the base to the surface 8.7 meters, and which is hexagonal at the top. The chimney has a slight slope allowing the sun's rays to project on cave´s floor.

It is important to point out that Xochicalco has a series of rain drains to store the rainwater in cisterns and thus be able to use it at the time it was required due to the lack of rain, which is approximately 7 months a year. All these drains were made with pre-built pipes that were assembled in a very similar way to those of today.

Xochicalco was abruptly abandoned after having been sacked in the late 9th century A.D.

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Taxco: “The Silver Capital”.

Miners built this beautiful City during the colonial times, near the entrances to the silver mines that is why it is located on slopes and hills in the marvelous mountains of Guerrero state. Because of this, the urban plan is not perfect; however, this condition is precisely what gives it its magical touch.

The cobbled streets and beautiful houses made of stone and covered with stucco painted in white, with red tile roofs and windows, balconies and terraces adorned with pots of colorful flowers make this peaceful City a delight for all visitors.

We will visit also the impressive Santa Prisca Church one of the most beautiful and biggest of Mexico, a pure example of Baroque art. French immigrant Jose de la Borda built it in 1759.

According to the story, during the construction of the church of Santa Prisca a terrible storm fell down on Taxco. Then, lightning started striking the construction site where the church was supposed to be built and everything was lost; in addition, the vibration from the thunder and the sound scared the workers. Because of this, the workers got on their knees, held hands and started praying. Suddenly, Santa Prisca's image appeared in the sky she grasped the lightning with her hands to protect the workers at the construction and its surroundings. After the storm, the image started to disappear slowly and left all the villagers impressed.

Finally, we will take a trip to the Silver Market where we can discover true masterpieces made in silver and other material by regional artists. Masterpieces such as bracelets, silverware, letter openers, jewelry boxes, money clips, little bells for babies, flower base, etc.

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