El Cerrito / El Pueblito

Our little group traveled to El Cerrito (also known as El Pueblito). The name signifies either 'Little Hill' or 'Little Town' and is an archaeological site where they are unearthing and restoring a pyramid within the city of Queretaro, in the Mexican state of Queretaro. This pyramid was built at approximately the same time as Teotihuacán - yet this little pyramid (similar in size to the Temple of the Moon) outlasted the pyramids of Teotihuacán in longevity. It is believed that this pyramid was "one of the most important ruins in the central region of Mexico." (www.wikipedia.com)

It was interesting to see a pyramid in the process of recovery and restoration. The edifice at the top of the pyramid was actually a home built by a Spanish family. The family for some unknown reason decided to build their home on top of a Mexican pyramid and religious worship site... I am sure that didn't engender the Spanish in the hearts of minds of the people of the area at that time.

As we listened to the tour guide and viewed the structure as it was being unearthed it was interesting to see and learn. There was also a small museum with artifacts unearthed during excavation - including a winged serpent and the wings and tail of an eagle. I enjoyed seeing in real form the glyphs we so often see on the Mayan calendars or in the children's movies - such as "El Dorado". Although it was an wonderful experience, it gave us more of a perspective on how magnificent the pyramids at Teotihuacán truly are!