The Guachimontones Interactive Center of Interpretation is buzzing with activity these days as archaeologists, museographers, artists, designers and a new corps of “Dynamic Trail Interpreters” gear up for the museum’s imminent Grand Opening.
It had been expected that the impressive building, designed by architect Francisco Perez Arellano, would open its doors a year ago upon completion of the stunning mural by artist Jorge Monroy which now graces its 30-meter long, curving inner wall. However, expected funds “failed to materialize,” according to administrator Leticia Aguirre.
At the same time, a project to widen the two-lane highway connecting Tala to Teuchitlán was mysteriously halted, meaning some unlucky tourists will still be forced to creep along the 13-kilometer stretch while stuck behind slow moving trucks piled high with sugar cane bound for Tala’s huge ingenio (sugar refinery).
Inside the museum, however, hammers are banging, welding arcs are flashing and paint is flying as the displays began to take shape in the Main Hall whose glass-enclosed curved outer wall offers a dramatic view of Lake La Vega and the town of Teuchitlán, framed by the looming Ameca Mountain Range in the distance. According to the archaeologist in charge, Jorge Herrejón, every three to six months the display in this hall will be changed, presenting most people with something new every time they visit the museum.
Another part of the building takes visitors on a walking tour of the Underworld along a narrow passage shrouded in darkness, where they will come upon realistic representations of tombs and burials found among the circular pyramids. Many of the displays in the Underworld as well as in the Main Hall will be interactive, with plenty of buttons to push, levers to pull and problems to solve.
Although the inauguration is coming “soon,” (sorry, no date has been set yet), you don’t have to wait until the museum doors open to enjoy interactive experiences at the Guachimontones.
Archaeologist Erika Blanco was recently appointed Head of Educational Projects at Teuchitlán and, well in advance of the museum’s opening, has already launched a new program of Interactive Thematic walks in which visitors can participate any day of the week. “We felt we needed something special to bring the amazing story of the ancient Teuchitlán Nation to life,” she told me. “Archaeological jargon is notoriously obscure to ordinary people and our aim is to turn these ideas and discoveries into something everyone can understand and enjoy. Our answer to this problem is in the hands of a group of youths you will see as you drive into the museum parking lot. All of them are wearing white shirts with the word Interprete on the back and each of them is ready to lead small groups on one of four Interactive Thematic Walks among the many rebuilt structures left to us by the people who once lived here.”
What are these walks like? Well, they took me on one and I discovered that Blanco’s team and the young Interpreters have worked out imaginative games, challenges and activities that both adults and children will find illuminating and entertaining at the same time. These will acquaint you with the flora and fauna of the area as well as the archaeology and in many cases have been inspired by techniques used by guides in the U.S. National Parks.
So, rather than waiting for the Interactive Museum to open, I suggest you head for Teuchitlán right now while the crowds are thin. Look for one of those Interpretes (several of whom speak English) and discover several new groups of ruins that were never open to the public before. You’ll also experience a new stillness around the Guachimontones, thanks to the closing of the old upper parking area which had been causing all kinds of congestion problems. Now there’s a shuttle bus carrying people up and down the steep cobblestone road all day long. This service, by the way, is free of charge, as are the interpretive walks. “The Mexican government feels that the nation’s archaeological ruins are the patrimony of all the people, so we don’t charge an entrance fee,” says Erika Blanco.
How to get there
To reach Teuchitlan from Guadalajara, take Highway 15 west (toward Nogales) for 25 kilometers and turn right onto Highway 70 heading southwest toward Ameca. After 17 kilometers you’ll pass the large sugar refinery at Tala. One and a half kilometers later, turn right onto a road signposted Ahualulco. After 14 kilometers you’ll come to Teuchitlán. Turn right at the Pemex station and drive straight to the plaza. Take the first right after the plaza and you’ll quickly come to a road signposted Guachimontones. Turn left and drive up to the parking lot.
From Lake Chapala, take the airport road north. Drive 4.4 kilometers past the famous Burritos de Moyahua Restaurant and make a u-turn to go towards Cajititlán. Pass Tlajomulco and Tala and you’ll come straight to the Ameca road and the sugar refinery. Now turn left and follow the directions above. Driving time either from Guadalajara or the lake is about one hour.