Guachimontones Teuchitlán
Discover Guachimontones, home to the world's only circular pyramids, a testament to the ancient Teuchitlán culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Guachimontones Teuchitlán
Best Time
Cooler temperatures & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Guachimontones, home to the world's only circular pyramids, a testament to the ancient Teuchitlán culture.
"Such an amazing site! The highlight of my trip to Mexico!"
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and cosmology of this unique site.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the walk up to the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Unique Circular Pyramids
Main archaeological site
Marvel at the world's only known circular pyramids, a testament to the Teuchitlán tradition's unique architectural genius.
The Site Museum
Entrance area
Explore artifacts and learn about the fascinating history and cosmology of the Teuchitlán culture before visiting the main ruins.
The Tequila Volcano Backdrop
Overlooking the site
Enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Tequila volcano, providing a dramatic and ancient setting for the archaeological wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Getting There & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and cosmology of this unique site.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the walk up to the site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain and potentially steep paths.
📸 Capture the Circularity
The drone shots truly reveal the unique circular layout of the pyramids.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hire a Local Guide
Guides offer invaluable insights into the history and cosmology of this unique site.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The sun can be intense, and staying hydrated is crucial, especially during the walk up to the site.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain and potentially steep paths.
📸 Capture the Circularity
The drone shots truly reveal the unique circular layout of the pyramids.
🍹 Try Local Pulque
Stop at 'La Diosa Mayahuel' on your way to or from the ruins for refreshing pulque or micheladas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Guachimontones, calling it a highlight of their trips and a truly amazing, magical place. The unique circular pyramids and palpable energy are consistently praised, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. While the steep walk and heat are noted, most agree the experience is well worth it, especially with a good guide.
"Such an amazing site! The highlight of my trip to Mexico! It is the rainy season so everything is lush and green. Fascinating history and palpable energy. Reasonable drive from Guadalajara. My guide was fantastic! Be sure to look for obsidian pieces from the nearby volcano. Highly recommended!"
Laura D Crowder
"Place is amazing. There is a secret tour that shows you some alien faces and non-replica pieces carved into stone you got to figure it out though. Hot weather and worth to try the guided tour. Very pleasant and magical place."
Gabriel Rosales
"Just visited the incredible Guachimontones archaeological site near Teuchitlán, Jalisco! These circular pyramids are unlike anything else in Mexico and a truly amazing sight to behold, sitting at the base of the majestic Tequila volcano. It's wild to think that the people who built this place lived here long before the lifetime of Jesus Christ. Highly recommend this for any history or architecture lover! #Guachimontones #Jalisco #Archaeology #Mexico #TequilaVolcano #AncientHistory"
Joe Orozco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Guachimontones is located in Teuchitlán, about an hour's drive west of Guadalajara. You can drive yourself, take a taxi, or join a guided tour. Many visitors opt for the free road towards Tequila until they reach Teuchitlán. +2
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take a bus from Guadalajara to Teuchitlán and then a local taxi to the archaeological site. It's often easier to arrange transport as part of a tour.
Guachimontones is located near Teuchitlán, which is in the vicinity of the Tequila region. The drive from Guadalajara is about an hour, and it's a common stop for those visiting the Tequila distilleries. +1
The drive is approximately one hour from Guadalajara, making it a very accessible day trip for history and archaeology enthusiasts. +2
Absolutely! Guachimontones is a perfect day trip from Guadalajara, offering a unique glimpse into pre-Hispanic Mexican culture without requiring an overnight stay. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically around 30 pesos, making it a very affordable cultural experience.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the latest information before your visit, especially for guided tours.
Advance booking is usually not required for general entry, but it's recommended to book guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but the entrance fee is already quite low. It's always worth inquiring at the ticket booth.
Yes, you can explore the site independently. However, hiring a guide significantly enhances the understanding of the site's history and significance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the unique circular pyramids, which are unlike any other archaeological structures found in Mesoamerica. 
Yes, there is a significant amount of walking, and it can involve a long, steep climb to reach the main archaeological site. Comfortable shoes are a must.
These circular structures are believed to have served as ceremonial centers, possibly dedicated to astronomical observations and rituals related to the wind god Ehécatl.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Binoculars can be nice for viewing the surrounding landscape.
Some visitors mention a 'secret tour' that reveals 'alien faces' and replica-free carvings, suggesting there are deeper layers to explore if you seek them out.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the top of the site, especially with the Tequila volcano in the background, are stunning. The unique circular structures themselves offer endless photographic opportunities.
Drone footage reveals the full extent of the circular layout, highlighting the site's unique design. It's advisable to check local regulations regarding drone usage.
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor archaeological site, but it's best to confirm rules regarding flash photography and any restrictions within the museum itself.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric and less obstructed photos. The 'golden hour' can be particularly beautiful.
Capture the concentric circles from various angles, the central altar, and the expansive views of the surrounding landscape and the Tequila volcano.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage them to look for interesting shapes in the stones or imagine life in ancient times. Bringing snacks and plenty of water is crucial for younger visitors, and the site museum provides a good introduction before exploring the ruins. Consider a guided tour to keep children entertained and informed.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs
+1 The circular pyramids and their potential astronomical and ceremonial functions are a subject of ongoing study and fascination. Take your time to explore the site and the museum, and definitely opt for a guided tour to gain deeper insights from experts. Look for details like the obsidian artifacts, which hint at trade networks and the geological context of the region.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The site's layout is best appreciated from elevated viewpoints, making drone photography particularly effective in showcasing its distinctive design. Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting and to avoid crowds. The lush greenery during the rainy season adds another layer of visual interest. Capture the intricate details of the stone carvings and the vastness of the ceremonial plazas to create compelling visual narratives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Teuchitlán Tradition and Circular Architecture
+1 What sets this tradition apart is its distinctive circular architecture. Unlike the pyramids found in other Mesoamerican cultures, Guachimontones features concentric circles of stepped platforms surrounding a central altar or pyramid. +1 This unique design is believed to have held deep cosmological significance, possibly representing the cyclical nature of time, the universe's movement, or rituals dedicated to deities like the wind god Ehécatl. The site's layout is not just aesthetically striking but also functional. The circular structures likely served as ceremonial centers, astronomical observatories, and gathering places for the community.
Visitors often remark on the palpable energy of the site, a testament to its ancient purpose and the enduring legacy of its creators.
Visiting Guachimontones: Practicalities and Insights
To truly appreciate the site's significance, consider hiring a local guide. Their knowledge can transform your visit from a simple sightseeing trip into an educational journey, explaining the intricate details of the circular architecture and the cultural context.
Beyond the archaeological wonders, the surrounding landscape is also noteworthy. The site is situated near the Tequila volcano, offering scenic views, and during the rainy season, the area becomes incredibly lush and green, enhancing the visual appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit