The City of El Tajin’s Pyramid of the Niches
The ancient Mexican civilisation is full of magnificent marvels and mysterious origins that mankind still has yet to uncover. The city of El Tajin is one of these mystifying civilisations. According to experts, the mysterious civilisation came about centuries before the rise of the Aztec empire.
Located in the central Mexican state of Veracruz, the city seems to be one of the most underrated ruins, since not much is known about the ancient civilisation behind it.
The most iconic part about the ancient ruins is the Pyramid of Niches. It stands over 60 feet tall with seven stepped terraces, looking much like the pyramids across central Mexico. It gets its name from the obviously stacked rows of small niches that encompass all four sides of the pyramid. There have been a total of 365 total niches counted, which may indicate that this specific pyramid was used to track days, as a calendar.
The ancient civilisation presumably existed sometime, between the fall of the Teotihuacan empire and the rise of the Aztec empire. It is also estimated to have held a population of about 15,000 to 20,000 people.
Today, the unique pyramid still stands in Central Mexico. You can visit it and the mysterious city of El Tajin through various methods. The most common, yet longer route would by by bus via Mexico City’s Central Norte terminal to Papantla town. This way will take about 6 hours, so its best to plan ahead and take an overnight bus. From there, take a taxi ride to the site, which will take about 15 minutes and cost you around 60 pesos.
While you’re at Papantla, be sure to explore the town. If you’re in luck, you might even be in time for some of the vibrant town festivals: the Voladores de Papantla, that’ll surely be an experience of a lifetime. These festivals are usually a good chance to be exposed to the culture and performances of the state.
Remember to always plan ahead, when visiting these ruins. It may take you a few nights, before you can get there and properly enjoy your time.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Pyramid of the Niches (Pirámide de los Nichos), El Tajín, Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico
- Coordinates
- 20.44801, -97.37827
- Access
- Public access through the El Tajín archaeological site; visitor entrance is off Federal Highway 120, Km 130. Parking, restrooms, café and guided visits are listed by INAH. No smoking, outside food or pets.
- Admission
- El Tajín site admission: MX$105 for Mexican visitors; MX$210 for foreign visitors, per the current INAH listing. Ask INAH about any concession eligibility.
- Time needed
- INAH’s visitor map gives a suggested one-hour route, while a current independent El Tajín visitor guide advises 2–3 hours for the wider archaeological zone, including the Pyramid of the Niches, ball courts and Tajín Chico. The one-hour figure is a route minimum; allow 2–3 hours if you plan to see the broader site. Neither is a fixed tour duration.
- Best season
- INAH lists the archaeological zone open daily and does not publish a preferred season. Because the grounds are outdoors, choose a day with comfortable forecast conditions and check local weather before traveling; no month is guaranteed to be ideal.
- Opening hours
- Daily 09:00–18:00; last entry 17:00.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-20
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-21
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