El Opeño, Archaeological site in Jacona, Michoacán, Mexico
El Opeño is an archaeological site near Jacona featuring twelve underground chambers carved into volcanic tuff. These rooms were connected by a system of vertical shafts that served as entrances from ground level.
The site was active between 1600 BCE and 200 CE and contains some of the oldest known shaft tombs in Mesoamerica. During this time, the use of the chambers evolved, reflecting how the region's population developed.
The name comes from the local word for "opening," referring to the vertical shafts that lead into the rock. The pottery and objects found here show how people buried their dead and what trade routes connected them to distant regions.
Wear sturdy shoes because the path to the chambers crosses uneven ground. Guided tours are recommended to fully understand what you are seeing at the site.
The shafts were carved into the rock with impressive precision using only simple stone tools. This craftsmanship shows the skill of the builders working so far back in time.
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