Los Toriles' different structures are open to visitors

Did the Nayarit archeological site of Los Toriles once play host to people who would go on to become synonymous with pre-Hispanic Mexico?

Well, that is unclear but local tour guide Valentin Fuentes says there’s no question that the ancient site was created by an incredibly sophisticated civilization that built still-standing structures that visiting tourists can explore.

And, says Fuentes, among those who may have shaped Los Toriles were the storied Aztecs, commonly associated with the Mexico City area but who some archeologists believe may have originated in the region facing Mexico’s Pacific coast and then worked their way to what is now central Mexico.

Some believe that the story of the eagle catching the snake – hugely symbolic of Mexico and Aztec culture, and an image seen on Mexico’s flag – may have actually originated in Nayarit, rather than the more widely accepted Mexico City area.

Those visiting Los Toriles – found in southern Nayarit – can see one of the few circular pre-Hispanic temples built in Mesoamerica and homes and other structures.

Shaft tombs can also be seen.

“This is not Disneyland, ” Fuentes said of the ancient structures.

Carla Gonzalez Suarez of Nayarit’s government says those vacationing in Nayarit can easily learn about its past.

“The best way of learning about Nayarit’s history is by visiting towns and speaking with locals,” she said.

Fuentes says visits to the likes of Los Toriles are valuable.

“It’s very important to know about history. Maybe that hill is covering a pyramid, ” he said while gesturing to a nearby hill.

Meanwhile, Fuentes said it’s possible that nobody will ever be able to state definitively where the snake-eagle story originated.

“It’s a legend in the end,” he noted.