Fodor's Expert Review Tula

The capital of the Toltecs, Tula is one of the most stunning archaeological sites in central Mexico. Much of the great city—known to its inhabitants as Tollán—was ransacked by the Aztecs. What remains, however, makes it worth the trip. From afar you can spot the stone sentinels standing guard atop its magnificent pyramid.

Tula rose to power about the same time as the fall of Teotihuacán. It is bordered on the north and west by carefully reconstructed ball courts. Between the courts sits the Templo Quemado , or Burned Palace. Its dozens of ruined columns delineate what was once an important governmental building. Directly to the east is the completely restored Templo de Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, or Temple of the Morning Star. Climb up the uneven steps to reach the cresting row of 15-foot-tall atlantes, or warriors. These awe-inspiring figures gaze southward over the main plaza.