When it comes to exploring archeology sites, some travelers like to really dig in. But if you prefer to stand back and observe, try anthropology travel instead—you’ll get the history lesson without getting your hands dirty.

In Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, you can visit sandstone cliff dwellings inhabited by the Pueblo people for 700 years.

You can either take a one-hour ranger-guided tour, or sit back on a bus tour of the entire park.

The nearby Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum will help you put everything into context.

About 32 miles northeast of El Paso, Texas is the Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site. There are more than 2,000 rock paintings scattered over 860 acres.

These pictographs were made by ancient hunters and gatherers for thousands of years.

The best way to see it is with a guide, who can help you navigate the terrain and explain the significance of the symbols.

At the Mammoth Site research facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota, you can tour an active paleontological dig site and view the remains of these Ice Age creatures.

And if you prefer anthropology with an international flair, head to central France to areas like Lascaux or Chauvet to tour caves that contain incredibly detailed paintings made by prehistoric man over 15,000 years ago.

For more tips, check out our Eco-Travel section.

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