Which of the Following Can You See at Tenam Puente

One of the reasons why we love Chiapas, Mexico is the abundance of archeological ruin sites. In the northern part of the state, you can find two incredible sites: Palenque and Yaxchilan. And in the southern region, there are quite a few more.

Tenam Puente is an archeological ruin site located just outside of the city Comitan. Its proper noun literally translates to "defensive bridge," and it served as a major trade hub for nearly 1,000 years. The significance of this site continues to this day with the local people continuing to make annual an annual pilgrimage. The site has 3 ball courts and 3 singled-out plazas spread out over different levels. Information technology's situated in the dry prairie region which has been selectively cleared, so much of it is still filled with vegetation.

Take a few hours away from the chief tourist crowds and make your way out to Tenam Puente ruins. Climb the pyramids, connect with the past and current people, and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around it.

History of Tenam Puente

Comitan can serve every bit an excellent home base for exploring the southern area of Chiapas. We've already written about the melting Lagartero ruins well-nigh Lagos de Colon. And if yous're heading out to Lagos de Montebello, yous should consider stopping at the Chinkultic ruins.

But our favorite mean solar day of exploration in the area involves two sites: El Chiflon waterfalls and the ruins at Tenam Puente. The site was founded one-time between 300 B.C. and 300 A.D., developed between 300 A.D. and 600 A.D., and inhabited until 1200 A.D. The structures are spread over well-nigh x acres.

This site's importance was rooted in its ability to serve every bit a major trade hub. People from the south in what is now Guatemala would laissez passer through in lodge to trade with people living in what is now Chiapas, Oaxaca, and other ancient civilizations rooted in the northern expanse of the Maya earth.

The first description of Tenam Puente ruins is credited to Franz Blom and Oliver the Forge, dating dorsum to 1925. (Na Bolom Museum in San Cristobal de Las Cases provides splendid details near the life of Franz Blom and his wife who were some of the earliest modern explorers to the region.) Surprisingly, the first systematic investigations of the site did not occur until 1992!

How to Go to Tenam Puente Ruins

From Comitan, this site is a mere 30 minutes abroad. There are colectivos (combi vans) running from the city eye direct to Tenam Puente for $twenty pesos ($1 USD) per person. They exit regularly (well-nigh every hour or and so) and can be found at 2a. Avenida Pte. Sur 21, Centro, 30000 Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas (GPS coordinates: 16.249561, -92.136765). The vans for Lagos de Montebello are right adjacent door.

The Tenam Puente Ruins' entrance fee is $40 pesos ($2 USD) per person, which provides access to a minor museum and the entire ruin area. There are no stores and no vendors on-site, so make sure to bring some water and snacks.

After ownership the ticket, there'due south a curt walk down to the gate where you'll be greeted by a security guard. Backpacks must be checked with the guard and cannot be brought into the site. No food, tripods, or drones are allowed past the gate (like about INAH locations), but you tin bring in your camera, h2o, and sunday protection (hats, shirts, sunscreen). For more data on what to bring to archeological ruin sites in Mexico, check out our full post on it here.

Entrance to the Site: Ball Courtroom, Plaza A, & Edifice Number 7

Walking up past the gate, y'all're at the lowest level of the entire site and will run across the showtime brawl court. If you lot aren't familiar, these courts have rules that are a sort of soccer/basketball crossover: there are ii small hoops that each team is trying to put the assurance through, and you can hitting the ball with anything except your manus. The game held spiritual significance as well as general sport. Sometimes leaders would apply the games to resolve disputes besides.

From the lower court, you lot'll climb the beginning set of about xx steps – taking yous to the primary, leveled area of the ruin site. Directly in front of yous is Edificio 11 (Building 11), which is a medium-sized standalone pyramid. Wrap around information technology to the left and you lot'll find the tallest pyramid of the site, Edificio vii (Edifice seven). You tin can climb to its approximately 75-foot high top for great views all around. The steps are very steep, so brand certain to zig-zag left and right while going up to keep your unabridged foot on the step.

Central Area of Tenam Puente: Plaza B

Walking back toward the center of the site, you'll find the other, larger ball court and a key expanse with many structures effectually information technology. The northern building (Edificio 17) is thought to be the main temple. It's likely that the elders and spiritual leaders of the civilization congregated hither.

From 300 to 1200 A.D., the leaders of the civilisation would get together and rule from this section of town. As many civilizations nearby vicious, the importance of Tenam Puente continued due to its favorable location as a trade hub.

Mod Spiritual Significance

Tenam Puente has one very special attribute: not only is this a site of spiritual significance for the ancient population that inhabited the area long ago, but it is also important to the local community to this day.

As yous wrap around Edifice 17, you'll find a smaller temple (Edificio 14) with white cross sticking up out of the ground. This is the Cruz de Madera (Cantankerous of Wood). No, this wooden cross has not somehow persevered through hundreds of years. It is a marker ready in place past the current population to signify the spiritual significance the expanse still holds. Crosses have been used in ethnic cultures here for a long fourth dimension, even earlier exposure to Christianity.

Each May, the local people come up to this exact cross inside the site of Tenam Puente to pray for a adept rainy season and harvest. This is an important ceremony for the community every bit they rely heavily on agronomics in society to maintain a living.

Then in August, there is a major pilgrimage and commemoration held here. People, mainly part of the Tojolabal grouping, come up from all around to relish nutrient, drinks, and fireworks given equally offerings to thank the gods for the life and harvest provided.

Plaza D: Avocado Trees, Ambitious Ants, and Another Ball Courtroom

In one case done there, y'all can wrap around toward the correct (southeast) to discover a very wide structure with three split staircases. This is known equally Edificio 42. This imposing structure speaks to the ability of the people at Tenam Puente to build quite big structures meant to house many people.

There is a large avocado tree here, packed to the brim with fresh avocados. They were practically covering the ground when nosotros visited.

And nearby is a mound of very aggressive ants. I managed to stand on meridian of their mound while taking photos. Needless to say, it was not enjoyable. They swarmed my legs and continued biting for nigh 10 minutes after I realized my mistake. And then take it from me, watch where you pace!

Once washed there, you'll keep wrapping around the site, passing the last ball courtroom, until y'all make your style back to the beginning point. You lot might notice a couple of trails leading into the brush, but there is no demand to dive in; they just wrap around to the entrance.

Tenam Puente Ruins Summary

The ruins near Comitan are plentiful, and the Tenam Puente site is neat since there are few people, the site is large, and you can climb all over them. Take a few hours out of a day most Comitan and make sure to squeeze them in. They make for a great addition to a twenty-four hour period trip of seeing the Cascadas El Chiflon.

Have you seen other sites that alloy an ancient spiritual location with one that's still currently significant? Leave a comment below to let u.s. know where!

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Source: https://www.offpathtravels.com/tenam-puente-ruins/

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