GUADALAJARA, Mexico (June 28, 2007) – See what is considered one of the most important archaeological areas in Mexico…About one hour's drive from Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara lies a small town named Teuchitlan where, in 1967, pyramids and an archaeological complex were discovered and named Los Guachimontones.

* The Guachimontones archeological site spreads more than 100 acres over the rocky hillside, about three miles north of the small town of Teuchitlan (tay-oosh-teet-LAHN).
* The site was populated in about 300 B.C., long before the Aztecs were the biggest empire and abandoned around 400 A.D. Mysteriously, the people from Guachimontones disappeared.
* The particular feature of these pyramids is their circular shape. This architectural style is distinct not only to the region but to the world.
* The total complex encompasses at least 10 conical pyramids, the largest around 100 feet (30 meters) in height and double or triple that in diameter. Other identified structures include at least two ball courts (one measuring 260 feet, 80 meters) and numerous courtyards, stone walls, staircases, and avenues in aggregate, amounting to a least two dozen separate ceremonial complexes.
* The most interesting find from the excavation is a four-pound meteorite which had been apparently enshrined as an object of veneration, atop one of the ceremonial platforms.
* A museum on-site houses many of the artifacts uncovered during excavation as well as a display showing how the site looked thousands of years ago and information to learn more about the civilization.
* The main characteristic that distinguishes it from the rest of the cultures of Mesoamerica is its unusual architectural style, defined by ceremonial centers in the form of concentric circles that today are called Guachimontones. The largest pre-Hispanic ruin in the state of Jalisco is located on the highest part of the hill next to the town Teuchitlan. It flourished around the year 300 B.C. and experienced its heyday from 200 to 400 B.C. during the Classic Period.
* The precinct has 10 circular buildings, two ball courts, rectangular plazas, residential units and cultivated terraces.

Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara's special "Guachimontones Package" includes:

* Deluxe room for a two-night stay
* Welcome cocktail at the Lobby Bar
* Two breakfast buffets at Frutas y Flores restaurant
* Tour of Guachimontones to visit the pyramid zone and surrounding areas
* Access to the Olympus Fitness Club (pool, steam, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi)
* Total price per person for two nights – single room $394 and double room $250 (including taxes)
* Reserve your place by calling (52) 333-678-1234 or visiting guadalajara@interconti.com
* Package is available now until December 2007

Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara offers international modernity in one of Mexico's most charming old cities. The hotel offers authentic Mexican and international cuisine, including the famed Alfredo di Roma Italian restaurant. The spacious elegant rooms and suites offer city and mountain views and are tastefully decorated with custom-designed furniture and marble-finished bathrooms.

For more on Mexico at ITKT
Back to the ITKT Home Page