El Chanal, Archaeological site in Colima, Mexico
El Chanal is an archaeological site with pyramids, plazas, ceremonial centers, and a Mesoamerican ball court spread across a large area along the Rio Verde river. The remains reveal various structures from different periods that together show how this ancient settlement was organized across the landscape.
The settlement began around 1300 BC and reached its peak development between 1100 and 1400 CE, shown by the structures and pottery found here. Most of the buildings visible today were built during this later flourishing period when the community was at its largest.
The carvings found throughout the site show animals, plants, and deities including Tlaloc and Ehecatl, revealing connections to Nahuatl beliefs. Visitors can see how these figures represented important spiritual and natural elements in the daily life of ancient people here.
The site is located north of Colima city and is open only on certain days, so check before planning your visit. The grounds are spread out across open terrain, so wear sturdy shoes and bring sun protection for your time there.
The site contains a sophisticated water management system with storage facilities, revealing how skilled the ancient builders were in engineering. This network allowed them to handle water in a region where rainfall was not consistent throughout the year.
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