I had not been to Mexico in over 26 years. Yet, even when I was there I never knew about this…read morehistorical site. My parents and two older siblings were born just minutes away from Zona Arqueologica and yet there was never any discussion or mention about this national treasure that was right in our own backyard. The location is just outside the colorful town of Penjamo, Guanajuato. My cousin, Juan Carlos, mentioned to me that it was an important place to visit and he personally escorted me to Zona Arqueologica and was my thoughtful guide. The site is off a main highway yet you have to be very careful to look for the highway markers indicating which turn off the main road to take. The main highway is paved and the speed on these highways is excessive and dangerous. The road to Zona Arqueogica is not completely paved so you have to be VERY careful as you steer and turn off the main highway onto the partially paved dirt road leading to the site. After that it's just a straight drive forward and you arrive at the Zona Arqueologica. I was very impressed with Zona Arquelogica because the site is massive. There are no guides so it is a self-guided tour. When you arrive you pay an minimal entrance fee and enter the museum which is on an incline. You follow the ramps within the museum while observing the artifacts that were unearthed during the excavation. Each artifact is carefully presented in a display case on the wall with careful lighting. The descriptions of each artifact are on the wall and are entirely in Spanish. The museum is dimly lit yet the display cases are not. (Make sure your camera has flash). Once you exit the small museum you have the opportunity to take some photos on the patio among the agave plants and colorful walls before descending onto the warm green lawns that house the ancient ruins. It is a mammoth site with so much to see. It reminded me of a history book come to life and of the ruins in beautiful Cancun. TIP: The entrance fee is minimal but can only be paid in PESOS. Bring your walking shoes or hiking shoes because there is a great deal of walking among the green lawns. Depending on the time of year it can be warm and humid or wet and muddy. Photos are allowed and I saw not notice prohibiting flash photography. DINING: There is a small kitchen at the end of the outdoor lawns. It's practically hidden away! The food is delicious and freshly prepared and authentic by the local community. It is not a restaurant but more like a taco truck without the truck! Again, bring PESOS not dollars or credit cards. Have a great visit. Viva Mexico!