Las Pilas Archaeological Ruins
Jonacatepec, Morelos, Mexico
Travel Pictures And Photos

George And Audrey DeLange

Las Pilas Archaeological Ruins Located In The Public Swimming Pool Enclosure Of North Jonacatepec, Mexico

Las Pilas Archaeological Ruins: Las Pilas Archaeological Ruins is next to the public swimming pool in the Northern part of the town of Jonacatepec (ho-nah-KAH-te-pek). Jonacatepec is about 32 mi/51 km ESE of Cuernavaca; 18°41'N 98°48'W. Neighbouring Chalcatzingo entered its period of decline about 500BC, then the city of Las Pilas was established and it developed trading links with Teotihuacan. Las Pilas declined in power but it remained a religious and ceremonial center into the Post-Classic Era. We enter the site by going onto the swimming pool sidewalks and by walking past the pool. We then find a worn sign pointing the way into the archaeological site. We first enter into Plaza A, which is the site's main feature. Here we see the remains of walls and rooms composing a complex which could have been a palace. The West side of the plaza was destroyed to make way for the swimming pool, but to the North we see a platform known as Structure Three, while to the West in front of us is the larger, stepped Structure Two. A lower platform with a partial stair-way is found on the south of Plaza A and it is called Structure One. On the other side of Structure Two we find Plaza B which is smaller and near Structure One on the West and by another stepped platform to the East known as Structure Four. Just in front of the stairs to this building are two small altars; one of which may have been used to cast metals. Originally a canal surrounded the site but it is difficult to see now. Some of the small figures found at Las Pilas are at the Anthropological Museum in Mexico City. To get to Las Pilas, drive towards Izucar de Matamoros by using route 160 and turn to the right toward Jonacatepec. You will pass through an arch that covers the road and drive for a short distance. You will then see a sign saying "Balneario Las Pilas" on the left. Drive about two blocks down the street and you will see the arch shown in the picture above. You can park by the entrance. You can see the whole place in about one hour. Don't expect much. The entrance fee is overpriced for what you see. Only plan to visit the site if you are already visiting Chalcatzingo. Then it may worth the short drive.