Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico

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Annually drawing over 20 million tourists, Mexico ranks among the world’s top destinations. Catering to diverse interests, from tequila and the Aztecs and Mayas to Salma Hayek, the Day of the Dead, Lucha Libre, and Corona beer, plus beach resorts on both coasts. Discover our guide to the “Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico” for an exploration of captivating ancient civilizations.

Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Mayapan

Mayapan ancient ruins in Yucatan, Mexico.

AMAZING VACATION SPOTS IN MEXICO, Located to the south of the Yucatan Peninsula’s capital, Merida, lies the city of Mayapan. As the last viable Mayan community in Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish, these remains tell an important story. Mayapan is slightly over a thousand years old, and at its height, more than seventeen thousand people called it home, according to historians.

Mayapan has a wall around it now, and within that wall are around 4,000 buildings. There are limestone pyramids, temples, shrines, and homes. This is also a working archaeological site, so there will be constant excavations as researchers sift through the soil in search of new information about this interesting location.

11. Yaxchilan

Yaxchilan archeological site, Chiapas, Mexico.

DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL (MEXICO), Yaxchilan, a Mayan site, can be found in the Mexican state of Chiapas, not far from the border with Guatemala. This town’s strategic position on the Usumacinta River made it a major political and commercial hub in Mayan society. Yaxchilan’s over 120 buildings span three distinct areas: the Grand Acropolis, the Small Acropolis, and the Great Plaza.

Take a boat from Frontera Corozal to Yaxchilan, and while there, see the city’s ball courts and architecture. The engraved hieroglyphic staircases depicting Maya history are particularly noteworthy.

10. Ek Balam

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN MEXICO, Ek Balam is widely regarded as one of Mexico’s top archaeological sites. More than 20,000 Mayans lived in the area about 1,200 years ago. It is now much simpler to visualize how Ek Balam may have appeared when it was first built thanks to recent reconstruction efforts. The statues and monuments at Ek Balam are exceptionally well preserved, unlike those at many other Mayan sites.

Some of the hieroglyphic writings on the buildings and statues are still legible today. Take a rickshaw for five minutes from Ek Balam to a neighboring cenote, an underground cave worth exploring.

Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Becan

TOP CITIES TO VISIT IN MEXICO, Many Mayan sites can be found between the Yucatan Peninsula cities of Chetumal and Escárcega. Visiting Becan is a must if you’re in the area. Most of the wall has collapsed, but the Mayan site is still surrounded by a moat, making it rather unique. Becan, which dates back more than 2,50 years, was a residential area and a location of ceremonial significance.

Visits to the archeological site often take at least two hours as guests explore the park’s 20 buildings, which include public plazas, collapsing stairs, underground tunnels, and pyramids.

8. Edzna

BEST BEAUTIFUL NATIONAL PARKS IN MEXICO, Edzna, a significant Mayan site, is located within an hour’s drive of Campeche. A possible forerunner of the more well-known Chichen Itzá, the site’s name indicates the building was the House of the Itzás.

Without much of a backstory, the mysterious abandonment of the settlement in the 15th century gives Edzna an enigmatic vibe. Don’t miss out on seeing the Gran Acropolis, Temple of the Masks, and the Palace. It’s also worth seeing the Small Acropolis because of the great photo ops afforded by its elevated vantage point over the city.

7. Coba

Coba, one of Mexico’s biggest and most interesting Mayan ruins, is located in the heart of the Quintana Roo jungles. Coba, which at its height housed more than 50,000 people, played a crucial role in Mayan society and culture. Coba is a massive site, and only a fraction of the ruins have been excavated; the remainder are still buried in jungle growth.

At Coba, climb the Nohuch Mul pyramid for breathtaking views of the area. See the elevated routes that lead out of the settlement to surrounding Mayan attractions and the ball court built specifically for its inhabitants’ use.

Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Bonampak

Mayan Mural Painting from Bonampak in Chiapas, Mexico

It should come as no surprise that this Mayan site, whose name translates as “Painted Wall” in English, features a wide variety of artistic murals because its very name suggests as much. Located in Chiapas, only a short drive from Yaxchilan, Bonampak is located in the jungle off a branch of the Usumacinta River.

Visitors find the surrounding jungle and its abundant fauna equally as intriguing as the Mayan ruins themselves. In the heart of Bonampak, the Temple of the Murals has some of the most impressive Mayan paintings ever created.

5. Tulum

Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Tulum is another well-known Mayan site in Mexico. While not very large, the ruins’ location on the Caribbean coast makes for breathtaking views. Tulum is made up of three distinct areas: the beach, the old town, and the ruins.

Tulum’s Spanish name, Tulum Ruinas, refers to the ruins’ location on cliffs overlooking the sea. The Temple of the Frescoes is open for tours, so visitors can explore the fortifications that formerly defended the settlement and are still standing today, as well as appreciate the famous shrine. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Tulum can get crowded, although arriving early might help you avoid the majority of the visitors.

4. Uxmal

Pyramid of the Magician in Uxmal, Mexico

Uxmal translates to “Built Three Times” in Mayan. The Mayan site of Uxmal has been meticulously rebuilt at great cost, and it is now widely considered to be among the best preserved in all of Mexico. Multiple architectural styles can be seen in Uxmal, suggesting that building took place over a long period of time.

It is said that the House of the Magician, Uxmal’s tallest and most spectacular structure, was constructed in a single night. Uxmal is also home to one of the largest intact Mayan ball courts. The Nunnery, the Governor’s Palace, and the House of Turtles should all be on your must-see list before you leave.

Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Calakmul

View of Calakmul pyramid in the rainforest, Mexico

The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is home to the massive site known as Calakmul. A large number of structures can be found here, although most of them are little more than mounds, hidden from view by soil and growing vegetation. The greatest of the Mayan pyramids, the Great Pyramid, has been discovered and is now a popular tourist destination.

Visit the palace atop the pyramid for a panoramic view of the jungle and the border with Guatemala. The sheer expanse of the site might make it difficult to know where to begin exploring; in this case, it’s best to focus on appreciating the jungle’s abundant flora and fauna as a separate destination.

2. Palenque

Ruin of Mayan Palace at Palenque Archaeological site, Mexico

Palenque is another important Maya site in Chiapas. There are two key reasons to visit this specific site over others. First, it is known for some of the best architecture and sculptures the Maya ever made. Additionally, it is home to a massive national park that is a hotspot for ecotourists.

Palenque features a number of excavated tombs, many of which include historic artifacts. You can examine the stone hieroglyphic panels discovered inside the Templo do las Inscripciones, view the exquisite sculptures within El Palacio, and tour various groups of smaller temples.

Top Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan city in Mexico, was just named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, which means it will likely continue to get a large number of tourists every year. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, whether you want to explore on your own or join a guided tour. El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, is the most famous structure in Chichen Itza.

Unbelievably, El Castillo is home to an even older temple—the Interior Temple—built inside its walls. The Great Ballcourt, the Temple of the Jaguars, and the Cenote of Sacrifice are must-sees for every visitor to Chichen Itza.

Conclusion

Mexico City, the country’s capital, is one of the world’s biggest cities and home to a teeming nightlife, fantastic shopping, key financial institutions, museums, and ancient architecture. Cancun and Acapulco are two more well-liked locations, as spring breakers go there every year to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and lively nightlife. While Los Cabos is known as the sport fishing center of Mexico, Cozumel is known as the best diving site on the Yucatan Peninsula.

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Visit Mexico: The official tourism website of Mexico offers information on destinations, attractions, and travel tips.
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