Ópata Paquimé means "Place of Great Houses." Cultural Importance is understood that the prehistoric settlement of Paquimé was part of the calls Cultures Desert Southwest of the United States and about its development two theories arise: the first places it as a indigenous development in the context of the Salado Culture of Oasis America, and share features with the Mogollon culture; and the second sees it as a result of the invasion of an elite from Central Mexico.

The curious ruins of Paquimé are the most significant, and certainly the most thought-provoking, remains of a sophisticated civilization in northern Mexico. Originally home to an agricultural community and comprising simple adobe houses (similar to those found in Arizona and New Mexico), it became heavily influenced by Mesoamerican, probably Toltec, culture. Whether this was the result of conquest or, more likely, trade, is uncertain, but from around 1000 to 1200 AD, Paquimé flourished.

Pyramids and ball-courts were constructed, and the surrounding land was irrigated by an advanced system of canals. At the same time local craftsmen were trading with points both south and north, producing a wide variety of elaborate ornaments and pottery. Among the finds at the site (many of them are now in the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City), have been cages that held exotic imported birds, whose feathers were used in making ornaments; necklaces made from turquoise, semiprecious stones and shells obtained from the Sea of Cortés; and other objects of copper, bone, jade and mother-of-pearl.

Much must have been destroyed when the site was attacked, burned and abandoned around 1340 – either by a marauding nomadic tribe, such as the Apache, or in the course of a more local rebellion. Either way, Paquimé was not inhabited again, its people leaving their already depleted trade for the greater safety of the sierras. When excavation began in the late 1950s, there were only a few low hills and banks where walls had been, but by piecing together evidence archeologists have partly reconstructed the adobe houses – the largest of which have as many as fifty interconnecting rooms around an open courtyard or ceremonial center. The foundations of the houses, which were originally two or three stores high, have been reconstructed to waist-height, with an occasional standing wall giving some idea of scale.

To fully appreciate the sophistication of this civilization, first visit the Museo de las Culturas del Norte (same hours; free with main site entry), a beautifully laid-out, if thinly stocked museum, architecturally designed to mimic the ruins of the defense towers that once stood on the site. Inside you’ll find a large model of how Paquimé must have looked, interactive touch-screen consoles with commentary in Spanish and English and intelligent displays of artefacts. Modern examples of finds from the surrounding area – drums, dolls in native costume, ceramics and ceremonial masks – compete with Paquimé objects, notably striking pottery, often anthropomorphic vessels decorated in geometric patterns of red, black and brown on a white or cream background.

If you’ve trekked out all the way to Casa Grandes, you should also check out MATA ORTIZ, some 27km south of Nuevo Casas Grandes, a flourishing artisanal pottery community inhabited by artists from all over the world. It’s a tranquil, appealing little village of adobe houses, and the best thing to do is just wander the streets soaking up the atmosphere and visiting any galleries you like the look of – most artists will be happy to introduce their work and sell you some pieces.

Services available in the area: It has space for educational facilities, auditorium, cafeteria , souvenir shop, playgrounds for artistic and cultural events parking.

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hours.

Contact: Archaeological Zone Paquimé 01 (636) 6 92 41 40 80 03.

Cost: $ 57.00 pesos per person. Includes admission to the Museum and Archaeological Site.

Recommendations: The extreme climate and changing. In the winter you can reach 15 ° C below zero and in the summer to 48 ° C. however the average is more benign. Still, you need to come prepared for extremes, as even in summer the mornings are usually very fresh. For travel in the archaeological zone is advisable to go prepared with water to hydrate, low and comfortable shoes and umbrella or hat for sun.

There are two main roads. One part of Ciudad Juarez and meets the road out of Agua Prieta, Sonora. The total distance for this route is 280 km. The second option is for toll road on the Chihuahua-Cd road. Juarez should take diversion at kilometer 103, leading to the town itself Ricardo Flores Magon, where the road to Buenaventura resumes. Both roads converge in Nuevo Casas Grandes, which is 8 kilometers of Casas Grandes. From the historical center, will walk towards the south by Calle Allende, on foot or by vehicle 1 km, where you will come to this majestic city of Paquimé.