Peralta, Pre-Columbian archaeological site in Abasolo, Mexico.

Peralta is a prehispanic archaeological site outside San José de Peralta in Abasolo, Guanajuato. It covers 150 hectares across the slope of Cerro Peralta, divided into a nuclear area and five peripheral settlements, with 22 pyramids identified. Its buildings are made of black quarry stone and feature sunken courtyards bordered by temples at the four corners.

The settlement developed between 300 and 650 AD, a period marked by the decline of Teotihuacan and the rise of Tula as a regional power. After this flourishing era, the inhabitants eventually returned to a nomadic way of life.

Peralta's inhabitants belonged to the poorly understood Bajío tradition, whose ceramics and circular structures show ties to other Mesoamerican cultures. They traded foodstuffs, baskets, ornaments and luxury goods such as turquoise jewels, shell collars and obsidian across routes linking central Mexico with the north and west. A semicircle for the Danza de los Voladores was found among the structures.

The site can be reached via Federal Highway 90 from Irapuato and is located near the village of San Jose de Peralta. A daytime visit works best, as you will be able to see the structures and agricultural features more clearly.

Peralta's restored area covers under 10% of its 150 hectares, since ruined buildings lie beneath farmland. Excavations have uncovered about 50 burials, including a woman buried with pottery and necklaces of shell and turquoise. A semicircle for the Danza de los Voladores was also found among the walls.