ZONA ARQUEOLÓGICA TANCAMA

This surprising archaeological area was an important outpost and astronomical center associated with the Huastec culture, as evidenced by the clues found in one of the tombs uncovered. Its exploration began in the late 1990s. In Huastec language, "Tancama" means the hill of fire. The name is said to come from the fact that during the winter solstice, the sun aligns with the top of one of the hills at the site, making it appear to be on fire. Occupied for at least the Early Classic period (200 AD), the site reached its peak during the Late Classic period (700-900 AD) and has important similarities with the sites of Ranas and Toluquilla, located further south. Excavations have revealed objects from as far away as the Pacific coast, suggesting that this city was also a regional trading centre, as well as a frontier zone between the Central and Gulf of Mexico cultures, also in contact with nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes who were also important players in continental trade. The rugged terrain prompted the inhabitants to build terraces and platforms to construct the many complexes on the site; the three main plazas, which are uneven with respect to each other, are built along a north-south axis. The remains of circular buildings and the panoramic views of the area are worth a visit.