Mayan Ruins

At hundreds of points around the region stand majestic Mayan ruins which speak eloquently of the grandeur of this imposing culture. There are even several archeological sites right within Cancun's hotel zone. The most frequently visited Mayan ruin sites (with the exception of Tikal in Guatemala) are all in Mexico, and can be reached by bus or car from Cancun.

Chichen Itza  Chichen Itza Hotels

Only two and a half hours away from Cancun is one of the most impressive of all Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza   This is perhaps the most famous Mayan cultural site in the world, and one of the richest and largest archeological remnants of that civilization. Founded in 445 B.C., and inhabited until 1204 A.D. when it was mysteriously abandoned, Chichen Itza lies about 120 miles west of Cancun.

The site's most impressive structure is the 75-foot pyramid, the Temple of Kukulcan, whose stairs lead to two large serpent heads. In an impressive display of ancient Mayan science, the temple accurately predicts the Spring (March 20 or 21) and Fall (September 21 or 22) equinoxes in a spectacle of light and shadow. Thousands gather at this time to see the snakelike shadow of Kukulcan, the greatest of the Mayan gods, descend the main pyramid.

Another outstanding feature of the place is the Ball Court, where ancient Mayans played a mysterious and complicated game that is still the subject of debate. The Ball Court's history is no less intriguing than its acoustics: you can hear someone talking from the far side of the field, even though it is over a football field long. 

Buildings are not the only interesting features of Chichen Itza Highly important in this Mayan society was the Sacred Cenote, that gave the city its name. Human skeletons of men, women and children, possibly sacrificed to appease the rain god Chac, have been found. Apart from that, a large number of artifacts have been found, such as idols, jewelry and jade. Some object are from other parts of Mexico, leading archaeologists to believe that pilgrimages were made to the Sacred Cenote long after Chichen Itza was abandoned. 

Tulum  Tulum Hotels

Tulum, just over 80 miles to the south of Cancun, is the only major Mayan archeological site to overlook the Caribbean.  This archeological zone dates from the post-Classic era, and was inhabited after 1200 BC. It contains more than 60 structures. 

Tulum is believed by archeologists to be one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Mayan people. Dating back more than 17 centuries, the remains show what was once a massive walled city by the sea, with roads, homes and businesses.  Its geographical location right on the Caribbean Sea enabled Tulum to become a major Mayan trade center. Thousands of canoes traveled there from other points around the region. 

One of the highlights of Tulum is El Castillo (The Castle), an impressive pyramid perched on a 40-foot cliff and thought be one of a series of lighthouses that guided seafarers in the area. 

Here too is the Temple of the Dios Descendente, built as a way station for descending gods, and the Temple of the Frescos, which still bears traces of color from ancient palettes. 

Coba

Three hours south of Cancun is Coba, an early Mayan site yet to be fully reclaimed from the jungle.  Begun in 600 A.D., Coba is a combination of the leading attractions of Uxmal and Chichen Itza but its geographical location, 100 km from Cancun, provides an added sense of adventure, as it was built in the heart of the jungle. 

These ruins are all that is left of what could have been the largest Mayan city. There are estimated to be over 6,500 structures spread out over 50 square kilometers. During its peak around 750 A.D. there may have lived as many as 50,000 Maya in Coba.

The outstanding feature is the Pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the highest of its kind on the Yucatan Peninsula. With 120 steps, Nohoch Mul is worth the climb. This site also includes a well restored pelota court (ball court), and 20 some stelae that have been well preserved.

Archeologists have found many links between Coba and the Guatemalan city of Tikal, including similar architecture and carvings or stelae. They believe that the royal females of Tikal may have married the Coba royalty and formed a relationship between the Guatemala Maya and those of the Yucatan.  The archaeology resembles Tikal hundreds of miles away, and there is one of the most advanced systems of raised roads, or sacbeob, in the Yucatan. One of these perfectly straight sacbeob travels 60 miles to a Mayan village of Yaxuna. 

For some unknown reason the people of Coba left town around the year 900 AD. All these mysteries are being explored right now, and if you see Coba soon, you will have the experience of seeing archaeologists at work. This site is in complete contrast with Chichen Itza's well restored, well landscaped clean surroundings (so bring your bug spray).

Uxmal   Uxmal Hotels

In area, the site is fairly compact, though you should allow at least half a day for a first visit, after which you'll probably want to return to go over the site in more detail. There has been much renovation work and the grounds are well tended, but wear good shoes if you intend to do any climbing. It is permitted to climb the largest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the view from the top is well worth the effort, though the steps are extremely steep.

From Merida, follow 261 in the direction of Campeche. The site is about 70 miles (110 km) from Merida and it should take about an hour by car. Otherwise, take a tour from Merida. There's a minimal admission fee and a further fee for the sound and light show.

Mayan Ruins in Cancun

Ruinas El Rey  Dating back to the Mayan post-classical period, its name is derived from the skeleton discovered on the upper part of the larger mound. The ruins of El Rey are located in front of Playa Delfines in Cancun's hotel zone. Any taxi or bus on Kukulcan Boulevard can take you there easily. The visit won't take you more than an hour. It is an ideal site to relax, become familiar with Maya culture, and to witness the numerous iguanas that chose these ancient temples as their home.

El Meco  Found just north of Cancun, on the avenue leading to Punta Sam, is the archeological zone of El Meco. From the top of one of its pyramids - the tallest archeological structure in the north of the state - there is a breathtaking view of the Chacmochuc Lagoon, near the area known as Isla Blanca (the name is misleading since it is not an island). To get there, we suggest taking a taxi, since this site, recently open to the public, still does not receive many visitors. 

Explore Mayan Ruins and Mayan Culture

The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau held the inauguration of Cancun's Museo Maya, and Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon, officiated over the ceremony on Nov. 1, 2012. With an investment of approximately $15 million, 70 percent of which was contributed by the federal government through the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Cancun’s Maya Museum includes 350 archeological artifacts that includes relics that have never been shown as well as others that were discovered in recent excavations. Cancun’s Maya Museum boasts three exhibition halls, two permanent and one temporary venue for national and international exhibitions.

Next to the Maya Museum, the San Miguelito archeological site recently opened as well. The Maya Museum and San Miguelito are located at Km 16 on Kukulkan Boulevard in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Thursday (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Tickets cost around $5 USD for access to both the museum and San Miguelito site. Children under 13 and adults over 60 years old receive free admission. On Sunday, admission is free to local residents with official identification.

Other Noteworthy Mayan Sites in Yucatan

Dzibilchaltun  Located only 22 kms. from Merida, Dzibilchaltun holds an incredible amount of stone constructions. One of these, the House of the Seven Dolls, is the site of a beautiful light show every equinox.

Ek-Balam  Near the colonial city of Valladolid is one of the newest sites to open to the public, Ek-Balam, home to remarkably well-preserved Mayan ruins.  This little gem of a Mayan city is rarely visited and you may very well end up strolling around all by yourself among temples and jungle.  It's a bit off the beaten path since it's located about 20 minutes north of Valladolid, and is best handled by car. It is not difficult to find. Go to Valladolid, go through the main square (El Zocalo) and then follow the signs to Tizimin. The exit to Ek Balaam is well marked. 

Kabah  Open daily 8am - 5pm. Located about 1.5 hours south of Merida on Highway #261 The city can be found just south of Uxmal, and is directly off the main highway.  In a similar Puuc style that can be found in Sayil, Labna and Xlapak, Kabah is another example of this construction style that flourished in the eighth and ninth centuries throughout the Yucatan. The best known site south of Uxmal, its popularity with tourists is largely due to the existence of the Wall of Masks, which is a wall made up over 260 Chaak masks, stacked on top of one another in an almost fanatic configuration.

Kohunlich  Discovered less than three decades ago, Kohunlich is one of the finest sites in the south of Quintana Roo, especially for the enormous gargoyles on the main pyramid which are supposed to represent the Gods of the Underworld, rather like the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  It is 80 km from Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, and can be reached from Cancun by air - the flight takes 50 minutes - or by road, a distance of 360 km.

Labna  Open daily 8am - 5pm. Located about 20 minutes south of Uxmal on Highway #261.  This site is 120 Kms. from Merida with easy access by highway. Labna which means "Old or abandoned house", was thus named at the time of its discovery and exploration. Along with Uxmal, Sayil and Kabah, it forms the jewels of northern Maya architecture and sculpture. This site has attracted worldwide attention for its well-formed and finely ornamented arch, which must have been the entrance to an area dedicated to great celebrations.

Muyil / Chanyaxche  Only a short drive south of Tulum, there's a nice little site with very few visitors. This site goes under two names, Muyil and Chanyaxche. It is not big, but there are a few interesting buildings and the historical significance is apparent. Your visit will probably last about half an hour. Parking is free.  Continue south about 15 minutes (22km) after passing the village of Tulum and you'll find it on the left hand side.

Sayil  Located about 1.5 hour south of Merida on Highway #261. Sayil was constructed and inhabited at the end of the classic period of the Maya (roughly 950 AD) and is built in the similar Puuc style that can be found in Kabah, Labna and Xlapak.  As with other Mayan sites, Sayil had a key ceremonial center surrounded by smaller towns, villages and residential centers and was believed at its peak to hold a population of ten thousand people at its core and seven thousand more in the outlying "suburbs."