The lost Mexican civilization of Paquime in the state of Chihuahua was one of the most advanced in the world during the 14th century, yet very few people have ever heard about it. Why?
I have to admit I didn’t know about it either until I began to look for attractions I could visit during the press trip I was going to do with Chihuahua’s tourism board, yet as soon as I learned about it I knew I had to visit it. Not only was the civilization unknown to me but the pictures I had seen looked spectacular- and I wanted to take some myself.
Paquime is located near the town of Casas Grandes, about 4 hours south of Ciudad Juarez. Fortunately the roads are good but as everywhere in the state going from one place to another takes some time. About 30 minutes into the drive you’ll get the chance to spot on the left side of the road the sand dunes of the only desert in Mexico known as the Samalayuca desert. If you have the time it’s worth pulling over and trying sand-boarding (though make sure you have arranged this before because odds are nobody will be there with the gear).
This pre-hispanic settlement is famous for its adobe constructions and T-shaped low doorways that made the inhabitants bow their heads to walk into them- some argue that this was done as a defense method against intruders- as they ducked their heads to get in the could be slammed unconscious. The culture also had a very string tradition on pottery, craftsmanship and breeding of Guacamayas, an exotic bird that was not easily found in this area but they managed to breed and grow to use as a good of trade and decoration.
Archaeologists are unsure about why this Mexican civilization chose to settle here as the weather is extremely hot and dry during the summer months yet very cold during winter; temperatures can reach -25 C during the coldest months of the year. Perhaps this was the exact reason they chose to settle here, where possible threats by aggressive tribes or cultures would be put off by the inclement weather. However the peaceful settlement would come to an end in the 14th century when warrior tribes massacred the population and the civilization came to an end.
Today the archaeological site is a great day visit and the area is ideal to get away from it all for a few days. It is also THE place where to invest in ceramics from Mata Ortiz, a small town put in the world map by famous ceramics artist Juan Quezada (some of his works are sold at 6,000 USD and more!).
I enjoyed the visit very much as I was lucky to have expert historian Mayte passionately share her in depth knowledge about this culture with me; she also owns and runs Las Guacamayas Bed & Breakfast, a nearby guesthouse full of character and a fantastic place where to relax and enjoy some personal time. Getting here is relatively easy if you have your own car, otherwise public buses are also available. If traveling in the area I think it’s well worth taking the time to reach Paquime and learn about this forgotten Mexican civilization, and don’t be surprised if you decide to spend an extra couple of days if only to relax.
Had you heard about Paquime before? What are your favorite ruins in the world, and which would you like to visit if given the chance? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, and this post too if you liked it!
This visit was part of a fam trip I did with the Tourism Board of Chihuahua, but I was not conditioned to write a favorable review.
The beautiful pictures convince me to pay a visit atleast once to this Mexican civilization of Paquime. This is the best place to visit after Egypt who loves history and old monuments, good post, thanks for sharing.
Do go if you can Nelson!
Wow! The picture says so much! This is really amazing, this is one such a place to visit! How I wish I have the chance to see this maze structure in real life. Thanks for sharing this information…
Coolest thing EVER. Not to mention I don’t know much about my Chihuahuan ancestry.
Haha…well, who knows, maybe a great great great [etc] grandfather of yours lived here!
I can’t imagine how people did that maze like structure..So amazing! This place is beautiful! You are lucky to have been there.
I know Miriam, it is special indeed!
I visited Paquime in late March and was absolutely delighted. The facility features a thoughtfully unobtrusive visitor center and museum which includes a wide array of materials that provide insight into the evolution of the civilization there about 1,000 years ago, and about its economy and civilization. The exhibits were complemented by an art gallery with contemporary exhibits.
I’m pleased to know you visited Paquime Nolan! Not many people have, and like you I think it’s a great learning experience.
It shows an altogether different side of our current surrounding. The beautiful pictures convince me to pay a visit atleast once to this Mexican civilization of Paquime. Such civilizations stay long lost in our modern culture, but I am proud someone discovered it.
Amazing! I didn’t know these ruins existed either. I’ve explored a large number of ancient & mesolithic ruins in Europe and I’ve wanted to turn my attention to Mexico and the richness of the ruins there. Is there a comprehensive travel guide of Central & South American ruins?
Thanks!
I’m pretty sure there is on Barbara but I have never heard about it…have you searched Amazon?
The one who loves history and discovering old and facts which are deep burried into the earth would surely love this place. The pictures themselves speak a lot about this place, it is beautiful and has magnificient structures as I can see in your photos. I really liked your post.
Glad you did James!
I’ve never heard of Paquime too until I stumbled here! The adobe structures are fascinating.
I have to admit they are like nothing I had seen before Allison!