El Cóporo, Archaeological site in Ocampo, Mexico.
El Cóporo is an archaeological site spanning 84 hectares on the western slopes of the Santa Barbara range, with 150 structures arranged in six separate groups across the landscape. The buildings show how this settlement was organized and used over time.
The site was founded around 200 AD and remained occupied until roughly 1000 AD, with its peak development occurring between 500 and 900 AD. This long span shows how communities flourished and then declined in this region.
Four large pyramids stand at the hilltop and served as ceremonial centers, while plazas below were used for gatherings and administrative matters.
The site can be reached via the state road from Ocampo heading toward León, where a paved road leads to the village of San José del Torreón. From there, visitors can walk the grounds, and wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is wise on hot days.
The name comes from the Purépecha language meaning 'over the big road,' reflecting its placement on the Cerro del Cóporo hilltop at a key crossroads. This linguistic trace reveals how the ancient builders chose locations along major trade routes.
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