Guachimontones: Explore Jalisco’s Unique Circular Pyramids
The Guachimontones, also known as the “round pyramids,” was a ceremonial center attributed to the Teuchitlán culture, located near the modern town of Teuchitlán in Jalisco, Mexico.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated scholars and visitors since its discovery in the 1970s.
The pyramids’ unique circular design sets them apart from the more well-known rectangular pyramids found in other parts of Mexico.
These structures represent the largest known site of a civilization that thrived in the Tequila Valley region between 300 B.C. and A.D. 900.
The reconstructed site and its Interpretive Center were created to educate people about this long-lost culture.
Among the site’s highlights are the stepped circular pyramids, with the third pyramid being the largest round pyramid in Mexico.
The Teuchitlán culture is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, characterized by circular stepped pyramids—often compared to a layer cake or beehive.
These structures include round central altars, known as “Guachimontón,” surrounded by a circular courtyard and a perimeter bench. This bench is bordered by four to sixteen rectangular or square platforms.
Guachimontones and its Unique Architecture
The most striking feature of Guachimontones is their distinctive shape.
These concentric terraced circles, centered around a large altar, are surrounded by platforms that once served as homes for the Teuchitlán elite.
The largest of these pyramids rises to an impressive height of 60 feet.
Archaeologists suggest that the circular design may have been inspired by the natural landscape, which includes volcanic craters and circular lagoons.
The pyramids’ spiral pattern is thought to reflect the cosmological beliefs of the ancient Teuchitlán culture, which inhabited the region between 300 B.C. and A.D. 900.
Guachimontones was discovered in 1969 by American archaeologist Dr. Phil Weigand and his wife, Celia Weigand.
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Through regular archaeological studies and surveys, Dr. Weigand documented numerous other Guachimontones structures across western Mexico, primarily in the Tequila Valley region of the Jalisco highlands.
While the connection between the Teuchitlán culture and the broader Mesoamerican pantheon remains unclear, there is evidence that some ancient gods were worshiped here.
The Teuchitlán Culture
The Teuchitlán Culture emerged around 300 B.C. in the Tequila Valleys during the Late Formative Period.
Guachimontones reached its peak during the Early Classic Period (also known as the Tequila III phase, from 100 B.C. to A.D. 200) when the population exceeded 9,000 inhabitants.
The city comprised nine Guachimontones, a major and minor plaza, two ball courts, and several residential mounds.
Meanwhile, the nearby site of Loma Alta featured five Guachimontones, a ball court, and a main plaza.
The Guachimontones were circular pyramidal structures with quadrangular platforms ranging from four to sixteen in number, leading up to a central altar.
Various interpretations of these structures suggest that a large pole might have been placed at the top for the “volador ceremony,” a ritual still practiced in Mexico today.
Other theories propose that the structures symbolized the sun, an artificial mountain (a concept often associated with deities and the underworld in Mesoamerican beliefs), or served as significant ceremonial spaces for events such as banquets.
By the Late Classic Period, monumental construction ceased, and the population of Los Guachimontones began to decline.
Ceremonial buildings were abandoned during the Postclassic Period (A.D. 900 to A.D. 1400).
The remaining inhabitants lived in small clusters of houses atop or near the deserted ceremonial structures.
What to See in Guachimontones Jalisco
Upon arrival, you have two options: start your tour at the Phil Weigand Guachimontones Interpretation Center or head directly to the pyramids.
At both locations, friendly and knowledgeable guides are available to share insights into the history and culture of the area.
I recommend beginning with the pyramids and then visiting the Interpretation Center to enhance your understanding of the remarkable achievements of the region’s ancestors.
To reach the pyramids, turn left from the information module at the entrance.
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Taking an excursion to Guachimontones offers a journey back in time, allowing you to explore one of Jalisco’s most renowned archaeological sites, famous for its unique circular pyramids.
The Pyramids
Again, the first stop should be the pyramids, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guachimontones was one of the earliest settlements in western Mexico, a complete city with ceremonial spaces, a ball court, an obsidian workshop, and more.
Visitors can explore areas such as “El Guachimontón,” “La Iguana,” and “El Azquelite.”
This archaeological site stands out for its circular structures, which serve astrological and ceremonial purposes.
Rangers and guides are available to assist you during your visit.
For a breathtaking view of the pyramids and their surroundings, head to the Guachimonton viewpoint, where you can enjoy stunning panoramas of the valley and the Tequila volcano.
The Great Guachi
The Great Guachi, also known as Circle 1, is the largest Guachimontón not only at the archaeological site but also within the entire Teuchitlán tradition.
It is the most monumental structure of the tradition, although it has suffered significant damage due to looting.
With a diameter of 124 meters, the Great Guachi features 12 rectangular pedestals, of which only five have been excavated.
The central altar spans over 52 meters in diameter, surrounded by a patio measuring 22 meters around the altar.
The original height of the central altar remains uncertain because the top of the pyramid has been damaged, but it is estimated to have been at least 3 meters higher than its current state.
It is also unclear whether there was an altar at the top, as seen in the structure known as the Iguana. The exact number of steps is unknown.
The Iguana
The Iguana, or Circle 2, is the second-largest Guachimonton in the area and the only one that has been fully explored to date.
Residents of Teuchitlán have referred to it as “La Iguana” for many years, though the origin of this name is unknown.
Circle 2 has a diameter of 115 meters, with a central altar measuring 38.5 meters in diameter and standing 10 meters high.
The altar features 13 concentric steps and an additional altar atop four steps, on which a pole is erected.
This circle includes 10 rectangular platforms. The central structure has 13 steps leading to a small pedestal, with four more steps ascending to the top.
These numbers are significant as they form the basis of the Mesoamerican agricultural calendar.
At the top, archaeologists discovered a pole marker used for the volador ritual, in which participants climb the pole and perform daring jumps.
Today, La Iguana exhibits various degrees of wear due to the passage of time.
Circle 4
Circle 4 stands out for its unique square-shaped central altar, making it the only of the Guachimontones with a quadrangular design.
However, this structure has not been fully explored, as parts of it remain buried underground.
The Ball Game
The ball game associated with the Guachimontones is a distinctive cultural and architectural feature.
It is believed to have been a celebratory event fostering cultural unity and agreements.
These traditions were vital to the survival of the community and contributed to the uniqueness of the site’s round pyramids, which are unparalleled works of art.
The Guachimontones pyramids are thought to predate those of Teotihuacan.
The ball game itself was played on an I-shaped court, using a ball approximately the size of an orange and weighing about 6.6 lbs.
Players used their forearms and hips to pass the ball through rings placed along the court’s substructure.
The game lasted from sunrise to sunset, often serving as a way to resolve ceremonial disputes.
Phil Weigand Guachimontones Interpretive Center
After exploring the site, you can head to the Phil Weigand Interpretive Center in Guachimontones.
This space, adorned with paintings by Jorge Monroy, offers insights into the natural and cultural history of the settlement.
The center features engaging activities, including a video presentation that answers questions about the origins, purpose, and timeline of the site.
Visitors can also view temporary exhibits, participate in educational programs, and explore a replica of a pre-Hispanic house to learn about the daily lives of ancient Teuchitlán inhabitants.
Hours and Admission:
- General admission: 50 Pesos (3 USD)
- Free admission for school teachers, students, children under 13, and Seniors.
- Open Thursday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit the Town of Teuchitlán
After visiting Guachimontones, tourists can explore the nearby town of Teuchitlán.
While much of the pottery and treasures near the pyramids were looted before the archaeological community discovered the site, some original artifacts and reproductions are on display at the Guachimontones Museum in Teuchitlán.
The museum also features a fascinating collection of obsidian blades, a valuable commodity in the region’s ancient history.
Teuchitlán boasts elegant houses, historic churches, and quaint inns, offering a peaceful retreat from more crowded tourist areas.
Getting to Guachimontones Jalisco
Guachimontones is about an hour’s drive from Guadalajara, with picturesque roads lined by blue agave fields. You can join an organized tour or opt to explore independently.
To reach the site, take Highway 15 west of Guadalajara. At the intersection with Federal Highway 70, head southwest towards Tala, then take a detour onto State Highway 27 to Teuchitlán.
The site is about a kilometer northeast of the town, accessible via Hilarión Romero Gil Street, Zaragoza, and Benito Juárez.
Buses and cabs typically drop visitors at the town entrance.
From there, signs guide the way to the site and the interpretive center, located northeast of town.
Be prepared for a long hike with some steep inclines.
Final thoughts
Guachimontones stands as a testament to the ingenuity and mystique of ancient civilizations.
Its unique circular pyramids, serene landscape, and the stories etched into its stones invite us to explore, wonder, and connect with a piece of history that’s both unique and profound.
Guachimontones is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Mexico’s archaeological treasures.
Located in the vibrant state of Jalisco, this hidden gem offers a rare glimpse into the captivating history and culture of a bygone civilization.
