entrances to which only the religious and civil authorities could enter. A way to describe and learn what their use was is by observing the type of materials used associated with the temples. In relation to the ample platform, it had on top two wooden rooms with roofs made of perishable materials, it is possible they used “sahumerios” and small incense dispensers. It is therefore probable, that the place was visited with the purpose of burning incense such as Copal, and render individual and simple tributes to the Gods. Plaza del Tiempo The “Time Plaza” contains the most impressive site buildings: structures 1 and 3. Structure 1 Structure 2 Composed by two bodies in the west side and three in the east. Plaza del Agua The “Water Plaza” is made up of a series of low platforms with inner patios, corridors and open plazas. Patio alto The “High Patio” corresponds to the residential housing area of the site. Plaza del Altar The round “Altar Plaza” visually dominates the plazas of Altars and Time. How to get there The El Chanal archaeological site is located at the present day town of El Chanal, north of the City of Colima via a dirt road. Visits are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 hrs. Notes References Página sobre El Chanal en el sitio del Instituto Nacional de antropología e Historia Introducción a la Arqueología del Occidente de México. INAH-Universidad de Colima. Beatriz Braniff Cornejo. 2004 External links El Chanal en Manzanillo. El Universal.com: Zona de El Chanal, en labores de conservación Conaculta.gob.mx: El Chanal Atractivos Turísticos de México: Zona Arqueológica El Chanal Mesoamerican sites Archaeological sites in Colima Former populated places in Mexico