I wanna run on the sacred dunes/Through the ancient ruins–Lord Huron (2012)

You won’t find world-famous Machu Picchu in North America. Still, the continent includes an exceptional array of other ancient ruins. Be it olden Viking settlements in Canada or Mayan ruins in Mexico, there is much to see here too. So join us now, then, as we explore some of the awesome ancient ruins of North America.

Awesome Ancient Ruins of North America

Montezuma Castle National Monument, USA

Ensconced between Flagstaff and Phoenix in Camp Verde, Arizona, this less-famous place features one of North America’s preserved ancient cliff dwellings. Its namesake building stands five stories tall and is actually carved into a limestone cliff. It has approximately 60 rooms that were probably built over a period of many years, starting about 1,100 AD.  

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Kinishba Ruins, USA

These ancient ruins are situated in the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona and cared for by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. The impressive Native American site has 600 rooms and is 5,000 feet high. This was probably a mansion or “great house” somewhere between the 1100s and the 1300s.

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Wupatki National Monument, USA

Roughly 30 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, in the desert there are high rock outcroppings. Here the rich red hues create a stunning landscape highlighted by five ancient Pueblo structures. This historical site was reportedly first inhabited sometime around 500 AD. The word “Wupatki” is actually Hopi for “tall house.” The Wupatki Ruin has 100 rooms and a ballcourt as well.

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Mesa Verde National Park, USA

Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park is said to be one of the country’s “best-preserved native Ancestral Puebloan sites.” It was first settled approximately 7500 BC. Here you will discover over 5,000 separate sites and 600 cliff dwellings.  

Mesa Verde is arguably most well-known for Cliff Palace. It is one of North America’s largest cliff dwellings. Be sure to see Long House and Balcony House too.

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Lapakahi State Historical Park, USA

Travel to the edge of Hawaii’s Big Island. Here on these remote beaches, you will discover more than the waves lapping the shore. Here you will find a mix of thatched huts and the random ruins of an ancient fishing village amidst a 262-acre coastal historical park. This partially restored village is over 600 years old.

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Taos Pueblo, USA

Take in the view of this ancient adobe structure backdropped by the towering Taos Mountains here in the state of New Mexico. It is situated only a mile out of Taos and is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Considered one of the country’s “oldest continuously inhabited communities”, it is more than 1,000 years old. 

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Bandelier National Monument, USA 

 
This remote national monument is situated near Los Alamos, New Mexico, in the majestic Jemez Mountains. Here you will find an interesting assortment of ancient artifacts, ceremonial structures, dwellings, and even rock paintings that indicate the presence of human beings harking back over 11,000 years. Veteran visitors suggest seeing the popular Alcove House, and the informative and educational Bandelier Museum in the visitor’s center.

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park, USA

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in New Mexico. Arguably less famous than Mesa Verde, this is one of the nation’s most significant Ancestral Puebloan sites. Experts say it was once a major cultural center between 849 AD and 1251 AD. Be sure to explore the complexes known as Casa Chiquita, Pueblo Pintado, and Pueblo Bonito. 

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The River House Ruins, USA

You need to travel deep inside the alcoves and caves of the lesser-known Bears Ears National Monument located in southeastern Utah to see these ancient ruins. This old Pueblo home was actually hand-carved into the rough-hewn red rock of the landscape. The site features ancient pictographs and petroglyphs and is thought to have been inhabited from about 900 to the 1290s.

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The Bighorn Medicine Wheel, USA

Located close to the border of Montana and northern Wyoming, this odd, remote site is sure something people simply don’t see every day in the US. Specifically situated in Bighorn National Forest near Medicine Mountain’s summit, this mysterious limestone wheel has a diameter of 80 feet. It has seven stone circles and 28 spokes and is between 300 to 800 years old.

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L’Anse aux Meadows, Canada

The UNESCO World Heritage Site L’Anse aux Meadows overlooks the great Gulf of St. Lawrence on the island of Newfoundland. Those in the know state this is North America’s sole officially confirmed Viking or Norse site. It is reported to have been founded about 1000 A.D. Here in a grass meadow, you can see the ruins of eight homes and workshops.

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Tulum, Mexico

This Mayan walled city dates back to the 1200s. It is a breathtaking, beautiful seaside spot just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula roughly two hours out of Cancun. Experts confirm this is one of the Mayan civilization’s best-preserved sites. When you visit Tulum’s archeological zone, the most important structures to visit are the Temple of the Frescoes, and El Castillo.

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Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is one of the most-visited and largest Mayan cities on the continent. Nestled in the Yucatan amidst a verdant tropical forest, it harkens back to 600 A.D. Perhaps the most popular place here is the towering Temple of Kukulcan which truly dominates the place. Be sure to see the great Group of a Thousand Columns and the popular Great Ball Court.

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Yaxchilan, Mexico

Found in the state of Chiapas along the Usumacinta River, this special Mayan metropolis is referred to by some as “an archeological Shangri-La.” It is highlighted by ancient temples, palaces, stairways, and interesting stone blocks that display a variety of hieroglyphic etchings. This ancient city was built sometime in 350 AD. Be sure to venture into the mysterious Labyrinth where you will see a number of distinctive sculptures.

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Edzna, Mexico

Edzna is another one of Mexico’s less-famous Mayan cities. It is situated roughly one hour out of the city of Campeche in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was reportedly most active between 400 AD and 1000 AD. This ancient place was once the home of approximately 25,000 citizens. Hike through the property and see the main temple and the ball court.

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Palenque, Mexico

Deep in the lush jungle of the state of Chiapas, you will discover this medium-sized Mayan metropolis. It’s home to some critically-acclaimed architecture and carving and sculpting from the Mayan civilization. These ancient ruins were erected between roughly 200 B.C. to 800 A.D. Veteran visitors say the must-see attractions here are the popular Palace and the noteworthy Temple of the Inscriptions.

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Monte Alban, Mexico

Founded circa 500 BC, the city of Monte Alban was reportedly the very “center of the Zapotec civilization” for almost a century. Located on a plateau overlooking the massive mountains about six miles out of the city of Oaxaca, this esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Mesoamerica’s oldest cities. Visit the Main Plaza and see the assortment of well-preserved stone monuments.

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Teotihuacan, Mexico

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is both the most significant and the largest pre-Columbian city in the country. Located 25 miles out of Mexico City, it was built around 100 BC and grew to be the home of more than 125,000 people. It includes residential complexes and many murals. The main attractions here are the Avenue of the Dead and the Pyramid of the Moon.

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El Rey, Mexico

Unlike many remote ancient ruins, this particular Mayan site is actually in the hotel zone of the tourist district just outside of the popular, bustling city of Cancun. It is over 1,000 years old. Close to the Caribbean Sea, these ancient ruins include almost four dozen structures and feature ancient burial sites and murals.    

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 Chacchoben, Mexico

In the language of the Mayans, this is known as “the place of red corn.” It can be found less than 100 miles out of Tulum in the state of Quintana Roo. The ruins of this relatively small site harken back to 700 AD. Stroll the walking path into the surrounding jungle but first check out all the pyramids, staircases, and walls here.  

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Calakmul, Mexico

Travel deep into the heart of the Mexican jungle in the state of Campeche. It is here, less than 22 miles from the border of Guatemala, you will find a rich, expansive, eight-square-mile archeological site known as Calakmul. Explore the 6,750 structures that include monuments, pyramids, and tombs. Don’t miss the impressive pyramid, Structure 2, too. This city dates back to about 500 BC.

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Ek’ Balam, Mexico

The archeological site of Ek’ Balam is roughly two hours out of Cancun in the state of Yucatan. It was once the home of a well-known Mayan kingdom. It includes 45 different structures and was populated between 769 and 841 AD. Be sure to see the Acropolis, the Oval Palace, the Steam Bath, and the Tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok.

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Uxmal, Mexico

Some sources report that Uxmal is one of the most beautiful and most important sites in Mayan culture. This ancient city in Yucatan is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 500 AD. Some of the buildings are still joined by ancient roads. The top attractions are the expansive Governor’s Palace and the five-story Pyramid of the Magician.

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Dzibanche, Mexico

This secluded site is nestled amidst swampland in Quintana Roo. It was reportedly a major Mayan metropolis and, in 500 AD, was even made a dynastic capital. It includes an assortment of intriguing and attractive temples such as the Temple of the Captives, the Temple of the Lintels, and the Temple of the Owl.

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Xunantunich, Belize

Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan ceremonial site found under a mile from the border of Guatemala. Dating back to 800 AD, it includes 26 temples, burial chambers, and palaces over an area of nearly one square mile. The most popular structure here is the El Castillo. It is 130 feet high and is one of Belize’s tallest ancient structures.

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Caracol, Belize

This massive metropolis is located deep in the foothills of the majestic Maya Mountains. Once a significant political center, it was also the largest Mayan city. Much of what remains, dates back to 400 AD. There are 267 buildings per square kilometer spanning an area of 200 square kilometers or 77 square miles). Check out the monuments, the ball court, and residential complexes.

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Lamanai, Belize

Located in the northern part of the country, this ancient Mayan city was occupied and active from roughly 1500 BC through 900 AD. Oddly enough, the name means “submerged crocodile” in English. It is most famous for such buildings as the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and an exceptional assortment of copper artifacts as well.

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Tazumal, El Salvador

Visit this memorable Mayan site in the town of Chalchuapa. Here archaeologists have uncovered metal artifacts dating back to 700 AD. They also found gorgeous gold ornaments that are displayed in the museum there. You should see the popular Temple of the Columns, the numerous sculptures, and the burial sites as well.

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Tikal, Guatemala

This large city is highly significant in terms of Mayan history. Today it is a major part of the Tikal National Park nestled in a rainforest in Guatemala. There are thousands of structures including altars, burial sites, and temples from as far back as 300 AD. Must-see sites include the Great Plaza, the Lost World Pyramid, and, of course, the 154-foot-tall Tikal Temple.

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Copan, Honduras

Last but certainly not least, Copan. This was once an important center of the Mayan civilization. This massive metropolis is found near the border of Guatemala.  

It was occupied for over 2,000 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was reportedly once the home of as many as 20,000 people at its peak sometime during the 700s. Must-see sites here include the Great Plaza of the Stelae, the Acropolis, and the fascinating Hieroglyphic Stairway. 

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Rugged Royal Ruins Of Castles

You’ve seen beautiful castles from around the world.  Sadly, while many of these former royal residences still stand, many have become little more than royal ruins.  If these hauntingly beautiful remains interest you, then read on to discover 11 of the most beautiful abandoned castles in the world.

11 Abandoned Castles

1.  Corfe Castle, England

The ruins of Corfe Castle are located in Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck.  William the Conqueror erected it in the early 1100s.  Queen Elizabeth I sold the castle to a private party in 1572.  

Sir John Bankes purchased it in 1635 and it was destroyed in a war 10 years later.  When Charles II regained the throne, the property was returned to the Bankes family.  The castle was never restored an in 1982 the ruins were donated to the National Trust.

2.  Ogrodzieniec Castle, Poland

Situated in Podzamcze, the Ogrodzieniec Castle was constructed in the 13 and 1400s.  It was destroyed and rebuilt numerous times.  In 1702 it was torched and trashed during the war between Poland and Sweden.

After WWII the Polish government took charge to restore and preserve it.  It was officially opened to the public in 1973.  If you’re ever in Krakow, it’s only an hour out of town and worth the visit.  The castle is currently featured in the Netflix television series “The Witcher.” 

3.  Ha Ha Tonka, USA

Missouri-based entrepreneur Robert Snyder wanted his own castle.  In 1905 construction began on Ha Ha Tonka.  Unfortunately, he died in one of Missouri’s first auto accidents a year later.

His sons completed the castle in the 1920s.  The family business was hit hard during the Depression.  So when the castle was totally gutted by a fire in 1942, it was simply abandoned.  The state bought the property “as is” in the 1970s and the ruin is now a popular tourist attraction.

4.  Golconda Fort, India

You’ll find this citadel from the 1500s in southern India west of Hyderabad.   in southern India, became rich as the heart of the diamond industry.  This fortified fortress is high atop a 120-meter-(394-foot)-high hill.  When it was newly-built, it featured state of the art architecture.  

It actually was cool in the summer because of its built-in natural air conditioning.  In 1687 the fort was destroyed by the mighty Mughal army.  Although it was never repaired, it remains a testament to the architect’s ingenuity.

5.  Old Wardour Castle, England

These castle ruins are ensconced in the Wiltshire countryside. Nevertheless, back in the 1300s, it was a fantastic French-style castle.  Constructed by John Lovell, it would later frequently change owners until the Arundell family bought it in the 1500s.

In 1643 the castle would be left to rot after an attack during the Civil War.  The family built a new house nearby and abandoned the ruins.  It would later become an English Heritage property and is now open to the public.

6.  Poenari Castle, Romania

You’ll have to climb almost 1500 steps to see Poenari Castle in Wallachia, in central Romania.  Erected in the 1200s, it was once the home of the infamous Romanian king Vlad III Dracula, a.k.a. Vlad the Impaler.  The structure has an altitude of 800 meters.

Following Vlad’s demise, the stronghold was abandoned and in ruins by 1600.  It was further damaged in 1888 by a landslide and in 1913 by an earthquake.  Repairs were later made and today it’s a tourist attraction.

7.  Castle of Montearagón, Spain

This castle in Aragon, northern Spain harkens back to the 11th-century.  It overlooks the plains of Huesca.  It was constructed to aid in conquering the Muslims in Huesca.  

Later, Augustine monks used it for 700 years.  In the 1800s, the structure was a storage area for gunpowder and unfortunately destroyed by an unintentional explosion.  The empty bell tower and chapel and the crumbled walls are all that is left.  Some say the remaining ruins cast “a ghostly shadow” over the entire area.

8.  Dunamase Castle, Ireland

The ruins of Dunamase stand high on a rugged outcrop in County Laois, west of Dublin.  The original castle was erected in the 1100s by the Normans.  This stronghold belonged to the well-known O’Moore family of Laois from 1325 to 1609.  It was later owned by the Earl of Thomond.  In 1650 after the invasion of Cromwell, the castle was left in ruins.  It was never rebuilt and yet visitors may still get a sense of its former majesty today.   

9,  Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers, France

Ensconced in the lovely Les Trois-Moutiers region of western France, the famous Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers harkens back to the 1200s.  It was ransacked during the infamous French revolution.  Nevertheless, Edgard Lejeune began renovations prior to 1870.

Unfortunately, there was a terrible fire in 1932.  Furniture, paintings, rare books, and tapestries were lost in the blaze.  7,400 charitable donors contributed to a crowdfunding campaign and saved it from demolition in 2017.  Hopefully, it will someday be fully restored.   

10.  Spiš Castle, Slovakia

Popular Spiš Castle Žehra is located in eastern Slovakia.  It’s one of the biggest castles in Central Europe.  It was built sometime in the 1100s when the region was part of the feudal state of Old Hungary.  

The castle, which covered over four hectares, fell into ruin following a fire in 1780.  It was taken over by the state after WWII.  In the 1970s restoration effort began.  The castle was added to the official UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.  It’s now a big tourist attraction.

11.  Kilchurn Castle, Scotland

Kilchurn Castle, found in Lochawe, was erected in the mid-1400s by the famous Campbells of Glenorchy.  The castle was built on an island not much larger than the building itself and could only be accessed by a single causeway.  In the late 1600s, it was made a garrison during the Jacobite uprising.  It was struck by lightning during a storm in 1760, horribly damaged, and abandoned.  It eventually was taken over by Historic Environment Scotland and has since been preserved.

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