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Located in the state of Veracruz, El Tajín (pronounced 'el taheen') is one of Mexico's many important archaeological sites. Most of the site is still unexcavated. The site is filled with many mysterious and fascinating ruins. Reaching its height from the early 9th to the early 13th century, the cultural influence of Tajín was felt all along the Gulf of Mexico and into central Mexico. El Tajín has survived as an outstanding example of the grandeur and importance of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Mexico.

The word "Tajín" means thunderbolt in the ancient Totonac language. "El Tajín" may therefore have been a god of thunder, lightning or hurricanes. The El Tajín archaeological site was probably a place to worship this god.

The most famous of all El Tajín buildings is the Pyramid of the Niches, a masterpiece of ancient mesoamerican architecture. This pyramid is believed to be an ancient calendar. The 365 niches, or alcoves, which used to be painted bright blue and red, probably represented the days of the year.