Pachucan Mines *Day 5*

Just when we all thought nothing could top our trip to the top of the Pyramids of the sun and moon at Teotihuacan, we were pleasantly surprised. Thursday morning we left our hotel at 8am by bus and headed to Pachuca, stopping at Alejandro's hotel for an amazing breakfast and then continuing on to the Obsidian mines in Pachuca. Once we arrived we were put into 3 groups of 5-6 people and the first group was given helmets, flashlights, and were led into the modern mine that intersected with prehispanic obsidian mine shafts which were believed to be the shafts created by the Teotihuacaneans and later, the Aztecs.

After exploring the obsidian mine, we made multiple stops along the Pachuca hills as we neared Alejandro's archeological base. When we stopped, Alejandro would lead us through the woods and right to the compound remains of the Teotihuacan obsidian workshops. There were also remnants of a Catholic chapel found among the workshops, believed to be the influence of the Conquest.

Trekking through the mine and all over the hillside only meant one thing, we had 17 very hungry and tired people. Luckily, Alejandro and his partner
Sylvia had a huge meal planned for us at the camp site. We ate like kings and queens. There was a huge table full of bread with different spreads, salad, steak, duck, and pork. We also were able to try Pulque which is fermented from the Maguey plant, the same plant which is used to make agave nectar.

What a fantastic two days! It was so amazing to not only see the ancient city of Teotihuacan, 80% of the obsidian found at Teotihuacan was green obsidian which originated at the Pachuca mines which we were able to hike into! Talk about cultural connection!!