Mexico is a prime vacation spot for visiting Mayan ruins & archeological websites. Earlier than 1,000 BC, historic Mesoamerican civilizations, together with the Maya, Aztecs and Zapotecs, constructed magnificent cities all throughout Mexico.
Amazingly, many of those websites are nonetheless extremely well-preserved, making for a very memorable journey expertise!
The Mayan ruins and different archaeological websites have distinctive settings (from coastal perches to jungle hideaways), and irrespective of which ruins in Mexico you resolve to go to, you’ll acquire perception into these historic civilizations, whereas being in awe of the structure.
Particularly, the Yucatan has a wealth of Mayan websites to go to.
Along with my husband, we travelled extensively round this area of Mexico, visiting many of those unbelievable websites alongside the best way — our favourites being Coba, Tulum, and Chichen-Itza.
However, there are various extra Mayan ruins in Mexico and different historic archaeological websites to find.
Throughout your journey to Mexico, depart the beautiful Yucatan beaches behind and luxuriate in a day of exploration!
Listed here are the highest 10 Mayan ruins and archeological websites in Mexico you gained’t need to miss.
1. Tulum Ruins
The Tulum ruins have a spectacular and extremely photogenic cliff-top setting overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Curiously, Tulum is the one Mayan metropolis constructed on the coast. The title Tulum means “wall” and these ruins are additionally a uncommon instance of a walled Mayan metropolis.
Historical past and Significance of Tulum Ruins
Traditionally, Tulum was constructed as a fortress to guard its function as a seaport.
Through the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, this Mayan metropolis served as a strong buying and selling submit. It linked close by communities through sea and land with these additional afield in Central America.
The principle pyramid in Tulum (El Castillo) was a lighthouse that safely guided small boats by the coral reef barrier with their valuable cargoes of obsidian and jade.
Why Go to Tulum Ruins?
Along with its gorgeous coastal location, huge iguanas roam freely across the historic Mayan ruins. This makes excellent photograph alternatives in opposition to the tantalizing backdrop of the Caribbean Sea.
When you’ve completed exploring, climb all the way down to Paradise Seashore and luxuriate in a refreshing swim! This is without doubt one of the prime locations to see in Mexico, and for good purpose.
Transportation and Entrance Charges to the Tulum Ruins
The Tulum ruins are discovered alongside the Riviera Maya on the jap coast of the Yucatan peninsula within the state of Quintana Roo.
The ruins are positioned simply outdoors the small city of Tulum which is roughly 130 km (1h 40 minutes) south of Cancun. You possibly can attain the ruins simply by automotive from Cancun or Playa del Carmen through Freeway 307 which runs alongside the Riviera Maya.
You possibly can take public transport through the use of both the first-class ADO bus service or the second-class Mayeb buses. Our most popular alternative was travelling by shared colectivo.
An alternative choice is to go to on a tour, which incorporates transportation, entrance charges, and information. This eco-friendly tour additionally features a go to to Dos Ojos, which is without doubt one of the prime cenotes within the space. Click here for particulars.
The Tulum ruins are open each day from 08:00-17:00.
The doorway charge is 80 Mexican Pesos ($3.20) for adults and youngsters underneath 13 are free. There’s a small cost if you wish to use your digital camera.
From the doorway, it’s a 10-15 minute stroll to the ruins, or you possibly can take a small practice for those who desire. Click here to seek out the Tulum Ruins on the map.
☞ Study extra about these ruins in our full Information to Visiting the Tulum Ruins in Mexico.
2. Uxmal Ruins
The Mayan ruins at Uxmal are maybe a few of the most engaging to go to. This UNESCO World Heritage Site additionally has far fewer guests than different Mayan ruins in Mexico.
A spotlight is you could nonetheless climb a few of the historic constructions at Uxmal. This provides an actual sense of journey to your go to!
Historical past and Significance of Uxmal Ruins
Traditionally, Uxmal was essentially the most well-known and highly effective of all of the Mayan cities with 20,000 inhabitants at its peak.
It served as an essential non secular centre in addition to being the financial and political headquarters of the whole area.
The title of town means “thrice constructed” alluding to Uxmal’s growth between the seventh and ninth centuries. In-built Puuc style, the traditional buildings of Uxmal have been designed by astronomy slightly than geometry.
Nonetheless, legend has it {that a} magic dwarf constructed the 35 meter excessive Pyramid of the Magician! Regardless of the fact, this pyramid is a well-preserved instance of the sleek, curved Puuc design.
Why Go to Uxmal Ruins?
Though you can’t climb the Pyramid of the Magician, don’t miss out on climbing the Nice Pyramid.
From the highest, you’ll get pleasure from gorgeous views of the world and get an excellent sense of the structure of this Mayan metropolis.
At Uxmal, you can even marvel on the ball court docket the place the Mayan performed the standard sport of tlachtli — which frequently resulted in human sacrifice for the dropping crew!
Transportation and Entrance Charges
If you wish to go to Uxmal, it’s best to stay in Merida.
Should you’re driving, the ruins are positioned 80 km (1 hour) south of this metropolis simply off Freeway 261. You may as well attain Uxmal through a second-class bus from Merida.
The Uxmal ruins are open each day from 08:00-17:00 and the doorway charge is 418 Mexican Pesos ($16.75). Click here to seek out the Uxmal ruins on the map.
3. Coba Ruins (Mayan ruins in Mexico you possibly can climb)
Surely, the Coba ruins are my private favorite. The untouched jungle setting immediately transports you again hundreds of years.
As you whizz alongside the white stone sacbes (paths) on rented bicycles, hidden Mayan ruins all of the sudden rise out of the undergrowth.
Historical past and Significance of Coba Ruins
The Coba ruins are the least excavated of the Mayan ruins of Mexico with over 5,000 mounds nonetheless undiscovered.
If you go to Coba, you possibly can positively sense the deep historical past and age of the Peten type buildings which have been first inhabited in 100 AD.
At its peak, 50,000 folks lived on this huge metropolis. It sprawled over 80 sq. kilometers and had over 6,500 temples.
Coba means “waters stirred by wind” which refers back to the metropolis’s location subsequent to 4 pure lakes (a uncommon phenomenon within the Yucatan).
Over time, Coba grew to become a major agricultural and commerce centre because of its uncommon community of 45 roads (sacbes).
One street found was 100 km lengthy (linking Coba to Yaxuna close to Chichen-Itza) which enabled the transport of products over lengthy distances.
Why Go to Coba Ruins?
No go to to Coba is full with out renting a bicycle and exploring this untamed website through the 16 sacbes open to the general public.
Nonetheless, one other spotlight for guests is climbing the stays of Nohoch Mul, one of many highest temples within the Mayan world!
At 42 m excessive, Nohoch Mul dominates the encircling panorama.
The view from the highest over the jungle cover is actually breathtaking! Take care when climbing the 120 worn and uneven steps and use the rope to descend as this is more difficult than the ascent.
Along with its crumbling temples, Coba has two well-preserved ball courts.
The positioning can also be significantly much less touristic than a few of the different Mayan ruins. A go to to Coba is actually an genuine journey in a pure setting surrounded by the sounds of the wild!
Transportation and Entrance Charges
Coba is positioned within the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan peninsula. It may be accessed by street from most main resorts within the area.
It’s 132 km (2.5 hours) from Cancun, 109 km (1.5 hours) from Playa del Carmen, 110 km (1.5 hours) from Chichen-Itza and 48 km (45 minutes) from Tulum.
ADO buses additionally serve Coba from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
You possibly can ebook a day journey to go to the Coba ruins from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Every of these excursions typically consists of the identical issues — spherical journey transportation, entrance charges, and information. A few of them embody lunch as effectively. Click here to see the varied excursions on provide (together with critiques and prices).
The doorway charge to the Coba ruins is 80 Mexican Pesos ($3.20) with a parking cost of fifty Mexican Pesos ($2). You possibly can rent a bicycle for 50 Mexican Pesos ($2) or sit again and let a information do all of the laborious work in a shared bicycle taxi!
Coba ruins are open each day from 08:00-17:00. Should you plan to remain in a single day (as we did), book in advance as lodging is proscribed.
Click here to seek out Coba Ruins on the map. Learn Extra: Full Information to Visiting the Coba Ruins
4. Chichen-Itza Ruins
Amongst the extremely well-preserved, spectacular ruins of Chichen-Itza, is without doubt one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. That is the awe-inspiring El Castillo or Kukulkan Pyramid.
You may as well marvel on the largest surviving tlachtli ball court docket which is a powerful 168 meters in size. Shut your eyes and attempt to think about the scene 1,000 years in the past!
Historical past and Significance of Chichen-Itza Ruins
Based within the sixth century, this Mayan metropolis inbuilt Puuc type flourished between 900-1300 AD.
The town’s title means “on the mouth of the effectively of Itza”, which refers back to the underground rivers and two cenotes discovered throughout the complicated.
Chichen-Itza was completely positioned by the Maya round a recent provide of water.
Chichen-Itza grew to become one of many largest cities within the Mayan world protecting roughly 5 sq. kilometers with 50,000 inhabitants.
It was an essential political and financial centre and ultimately grew to become a strong regional capital.
Its Mayan rulers managed a lot of the Yucatan peninsula, buying and selling gold and different valuable items through town’s port at Isla Cerritos on the northern coast.
Why Go to Chichen-Itza Ruins?
The UNESCO World Heritage Website of Chichen-Itza is undoubtedly one of many best-preserved examples of Mayan ruins that we visited.
Though you can’t climb the 24 meter excessive El Castillo (or every other constructions), it’s an interesting piece of structure that offers you perception into Mayan beliefs.
Constructed as a square-based pyramid going through the cardinal factors of the compass, El Castillo has 4 sides.
All sides has 91 stairs, however together with the crowning platform, there are 365 steps in complete.
These precisely match the variety of days in a photo voltaic calendar 12 months!
Should you time your go to proper, chances are you’ll even see the descending shadow of the feathered serpent deity of Kukulkan.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
Though Chichen-Itza is extraordinarily widespread with vacationers and has an intensive variety of on-site distributors, no go to to the Yucatan can be full and not using a go to right here.
The positioning is located within the jap a part of the state of Yucatan, 120 km (2 hours) west of Cancun, 120 km (2 hours) east of Uxmal and 120 km (1.5 hours) east of Merida.
This highly-rated day tour to Chichen Itza consists of round-trip transportation (choose up out of your lodge), lunch, a go to to Valladolid and swimming on the Ik Kil cenote. Click here for particulars.
An alternative choice to travelling by automotive or bus is to fly by small aircraft or helicopter from Cancun.
Chichen-Itza is open each day from 08:00-17:00 and the doorway charge is 486 Mexican Pesos ($20.50).
Once we visited, tripods and drones have been forbidden. Nonetheless, there are lockers the place you possibly can depart your tools. While you’re visiting Chichen-Itza, we additionally extremely advocate a refreshing swim within the close by stunning cenote, Ik Kil.
Click here to seek out Chichen Itza on the map.
☞ Study extra about this unbelievable website in our full information to visiting Chichen Itza.
5. Ek Balam Ruins
If you wish to escape the crowds, the dense jungle setting of the Ek Balam ruins might be the proper alternative for you.
Found within the Eighties, these ruins are lesser-known than Chichen-Itza so are uncrowded and may be explored in peace.
Like Coba and Uxmal, you can even nonetheless climb a few of the historic constructions.
Historical past and Significance of Ek Balam Ruins
The Maya lived within the metropolis of Ek Balam between 600 BC and 1600 AD.
Though the location covers 15 sq. kilometers, solely the walled metropolis centre has been excavated which is the half you possibly can go to in the present day.
Two concentric partitions (2 meters tall and three meters vast) encompass the 40 constructions of Ek Balam.
At its peak (700 to 900 AD), Ek Balam was a strong metropolis of 18,000 inhabitants that managed a lot of the northern Yucatan.
In reality, the title Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” which is a Mayan image of energy, fierceness and bravado.
The positioning incorporates many temples (confirming its function as a non secular centre), two enormous palaces and the Acropolis often known as La Torre (the Tower).
Why Go to Ek Balam Ruins?
The principle attraction for guests to Ek Balam is certainly the Acropolis Pyramid which is 31 meters excessive, 160 meters lengthy and 70 meters vast.
After climbing the 106 steps to the highest, you can be rewarded with a dizzying 360-degree panoramic view over the thick jungle cover and will even see Coba and Chichen-Itza on a transparent day!
At Ek Balam, additionally, you will discover well-preserved Mayan sculptures of jaguars and winged warriors.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
The Ek Balam ruins are positioned within the state of Yucatan simply 30 km (half-hour) north of Valladolid, 68 km (1 hour) northeast of Chichen-Itza and 170 km (2 hours) southwest of Cancun.
It’s finest to base your self in Valladolid, however many individuals go to Ek Balam on a day journey from the coastal cities.
From Valladolid, you possibly can attain the Ek Balam ruins by automotive or by sharing a colectivo which you will discover parked alongside Calle 44 between Calles 35 and 37.
Should you’re based mostly in Cancun, try this tour which incorporates Chichen-Itza as effectively. Plus, spherical journey transport, breakfast, lunch, and a information are all included.
The doorway charge is 413 Mexican Pesos ($16.50). Click here to seek out Ek Balam on the map.
6. Palenque Ruins
Palenque is probably essentially the most studied and documented of all of the Mayan archaeological ruins.
Undoubtedly, a go to to the Palenque ruins is a wealthy architectural and historic expertise. The tranquil location of those ruins additionally overlooks the dense jungle within the foothills of the Tumbala mountains.
Historical past and Significance of Palenque Ruins
Palenque was smaller than different Mayan cities with 6,220 inhabitants at its peak. Nonetheless, it was as essential as Chichen-Itza.
The town dates again to 226 BC and has 1,400 buildings.
Hieroglyphics and inscriptions discovered within the Temple of Inscriptions and elsewhere on the location have revealed misplaced Mayan tales and new historic info.
Lower than 10% of Palenque has been excavated, however archaeological findings present that it was an essential inland commerce and political centre for the Maya.
Cedar, Mahogany and Sapodilla timber surrounded Palenque which was constructed close to the Usumacinta River.
This grew to become an integral a part of the settlement. Pressurized canals of as much as 50 meters in size fed water into town and served as a method of transport for the inhabitants of Palenque.
Why Go to Palenque Ruins?
The architectural and historic magnificence of Palenque is acknowledged by UNESCO. In fact, most World Heritage Websites are a must-see on any customer’s bucket record.
The pure setting of Palenque nestled above misty jungles provides to its distinctive ambiance.
At Palenque, you’ll actually expertise the concord of nature, structure, and historical past.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
Palenque is located within the northern a part of the Chiapas state in southern Mexico. You possibly can attain Palenque by street through automotive or bus and the doorway charge is 80 Mexican Pesos ($3.20).
Nonetheless, these ruins are comparatively distant so you will have to plan your route rigorously.
The Palenque ruins are positioned 360 km (4.5 hours) south of Campeche and 144 km (2 hours) east of Villahermosa which has a global airport. Alternatively, there are flights from Mexico Metropolis airport to Palenque airport.
Click here to seek out Palenque on the map. See Additionally: Full Information to Visiting the Palenque Ruins
7. Monte Alban
In case you are eager to find out about a distinct historic civilization, take into account a go to to the Monte Alban ruins.
As a substitute of studying in regards to the Mayan world, this UNESCO World Heritage Website will immerse you within the tradition of the Zapotecs — one other historic Mesoamerican civilization based mostly within the Mexican valley of Oaxaca.
Historical past and Significance of Monte Alban Ruins
The Monte Alban ruins are one of many oldest Mexican cities courting again to 500 BC.
Though solely 10% of the location has been excavated up to now, roughly 35,000 folks lived right here through the metropolis’s peak between 200-600 AD.
Extremely, town of Monte Alban was inhabited for over 1,500 years. For a lot of that point, Monte Alban was an essential political and financial centre and ultimately, it grew to become the capital of the area.
As one of many largest and most essential cities in Mesoamerica, Monte Alban had a type of authorities with far-reaching political affect.
Why Go to Monte Alban Ruins?
For travellers, this is without doubt one of the finest archaeological websites in Mexico for a lot of causes.
The town of Monte Alban was carved out of a low mountain vary that sits 400 meters above a valley. From the location, you possibly can get pleasure from stunning views of the encircling panorama.
Monte Alban is much less widespread than different ruins in Mexico, which means it’s much less crowded. Nonetheless, there are various constructions to discover.
These embody the imposing Gran Plaza measuring 300 x 200 meters, truncated pyramids, a ball court docket, observatory, underground passageways, and 170 tombs.
As well as, you will see that a whole lot of petroglyphs (rock carvings) hidden among the many stones.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
The Monte Alban ruins are located in Oaxaca state which is in southern Mexico. The best solution to attain the location is by automotive, taxi or a vacationer shuttle bus (45-minute drive) from Oaxaca Metropolis (10 km east of Monte Alban).
The closest bus cease to Monte Alban remains to be a 45-minute stroll from the ruins.
Alternatively, you possibly can be a part of a half-day journey from Oaxaca Metropolis, which can take you to the Monte Alban ruins and features a educated information, entrance charges, spherical journey transport out of your lodge and drinks. Click here for particulars.
Monte Alban is open from 08:00 to 16:30. The doorway charge is 70 Mexican Pesos ($2.80).
Click here to seek out Monte Alban ruins on the map.
8. Teotihuacan
Even in the present day, the identification of the traditional builders of Teotihuacan stays unknown. This historic Mesoamerican metropolis was enormous with an estimated inhabitants of 200,000 folks!
A go to to this mysterious website will depart you marveling at its huge constructions as you climb within the historic footsteps of previous residents.
Historical past and Significance of Teotihuacan Ruins
Though Teotihuacan dates again to 400 BC, the Aztecs discovered this deserted metropolis in 1400 AD and named it “the place the place the gods have been created”.
The town sprawls over 20 sq. kilometers and has a grid structure of single-story buildings, pyramids, plazas, temples, and palaces.
Though the origins, historical past, and tradition of Teotihuacan are nonetheless primarily shrouded in thriller, archaeologists found that town was a rich commerce centre.
It exported finely crafted obsidian instruments and ceramics, and in reality, Teotihuacan had an enormous affect on artwork and structure all through Mesoamerica.
Ritual sacrifices of animals and folks have been additionally extensively practiced right here.
Why Go to Teotihuacan Ruins?
Like lots of the finest ruins in Mexico, Teotihuacan is a UNESCO World Heritage Website with many desirable and well-preserved constructions to discover.
The significance of astronomy and geometry is seen within the structure at Teotihuacan.
Intriguingly, The Avenue of the Useless is a 2.4 km lengthy street that factors on to the sacred peak of an extinct volcano, Cerro Gordo.
You possibly can nonetheless climb the 250 steps to the highest of the 66 m excessive Pyramid of the Solar. That is the tallest construction on the location and one of many tallest in Mexico.
As you possibly can think about, the view from the highest is magnificent!
Different highlights for guests embody The Pyramid of the Moon (43 m excessive), The Citadel and The Temple of Quetzalcoatl —a truncated pyramid inbuilt honour of the feathered serpent deity.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
Teotihuacan is positioned 50 km (50 minutes) northeast of the capital. You possibly can attain this archaeological website by automotive, taxi, or day tour from Mexico Metropolis.
This tour permits for early entry to the location, which means you’ll have Teotihuacan mainly to your self. A information and transport. (from the assembly level, not your lodge) are additionally included. At $35/particular person, it’s an inexpensive possibility.
Alternatively, this full-day tour of Teotihuacan consists of stops at Tres Culturas and the Shrine of Guadalupe. Lunch just isn’t included, however pick-up from most lodges are. At $33.60/particular person, it’s one other inexpensive tour possibility.
You may as well use public transport by taking the metro to the Autobuses del Norte metro station, then a bus to Teotihuacan.
The ruins are open from 09:00-17:00 and the doorway charge is 80 Mexican Pesos ($3.20). That is positively probably the greatest archaeological websites in Mexico, don’t miss it!
Click here to seek out these Aztec ruins in Mexico on the map. See Additionally: Full Information to Visiting the Ruins of Teotihuacan
9. Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Though there are not any massive pyramids right here, the Dzibilchaltun ruins provide an interesting perception into the Maya’s understanding of astronomy and arithmetic.
Right here, you can even swim within the lily-covered crystal-clear waters of the Cenote Xlacah positioned throughout the archaeological website. It’s 44 meters deep and options an underground cave.
Historical past and Significance of Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Dzibilchaltun was first inhabited round 500 BC and is without doubt one of the oldest Mayan cities on the Yucatan peninsula.
Over time, it grew to become a major Mayan metropolis with 40,000 inhabitants and eight,400 buildings!
The title Dzibilchaltun means “place the place there’s writing on the stones”. This pertains to the various commemorative tombstones (stelae) discovered on the location.
For the Maya, Dzibilchaltun was a rich port and an essential centre for coastal commerce.
The town’s shut proximity to the Gulf of Mexico enabled commerce to flourish in marine merchandise together with salt and fish. Nonetheless, Dzibilchaltun additionally benefited from agricultural commerce.
Why Go to Dzibilchaltun Ruins?
The principle attraction on the Dzibilchaltun ruins is the Temple of the Seven Dolls (or Temple of the Solar) which is a hanging constructing with a tower on a pyramid base.
The title of the temple is from the providing of human-form clay figures discovered buried right here.
Through the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, the solar aligns exactly with the temple door and illuminates the opening.
This archaeological website additionally has a big plaza, 12 sacbes, and The Open Chapel which unusually survived Spanish occupation.
There’s additionally a museum that paperwork the attention-grabbing Maya and Spanish historical past of Dzibilchaltun.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
The Dzibilchaltun ruins are positioned on the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula about 28 km (half-hour) north of Merida.
You possibly can entry them by automotive, taxi, public transport, or day journey from Merida.
Alternatively, colectivos provide a less expensive possibility. You possibly can wait at Calle 69 between 62 and 64 San Juan Park in Merida.
Entrance to this archaeological website prices 227 Mexican Pesos ($9.60) and opening occasions are 08:00-17:00.
Click here to seek out Dzibilchaltun ruins on the map.
10. Calakmul Ruins
A go to to the Calakmul ruins won’t disappoint.
Like Coba and Palenque, this misplaced historic metropolis is ready within the distant seclusion of a deep dense jungle. A go to to Calakmul is actually an journey!
Historical past and Significance of Calakmul Ruins
Calakmul is one other early instance of an unlimited Mayan metropolis. Between 500 BC and 900 AD, 50,000 inhabitants lived on this website which measures 70 sq. kilometers.
Archaeologists have found 6,700 constructions in Peten style and plenty of sacbes.
Calakmul was one of many largest and strongest Maya settlements and was often known as the Kingdom of the Snake.
Given its energy, town was in frequent battle with Tikal (positioned in modern-day Guatemala) and its allies. The positioning of Calakmul is simply 35 km from the Guatemalan border.
Why Go to Calakmul Ruins?
Along with Calakmul being a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the encircling tropical forests of Tierras Bajas are a protected UNESCO Biosphere.
This distant setting is positioned 60 km from the freeway. A go to to Calakmul will immerse you in Mayan tradition, historical past and nature.
Calakmul’s peaceable and distant setting affords guests a singular alternative to benefit from the sights and sounds of the jungle. Toucans, howlers and spider monkeys may be steadily sighted right here — you would possibly even spot a jaguar!
The title Calakmul means “metropolis of the 2 adjoining pyramids”. One other spotlight of visiting Calakmul is you could nonetheless climb the 45-meter-high Nice Pyramid.
The view from the highest over the jungle cover is gorgeous. Take your time and benefit from the symphony beneath you.
Transportation and Entrance Charges
Calakmul is positioned within the Yucatan state of Campeche. Nonetheless, it’s 303 km (5 hours) south of town of Campeche.
place to interrupt your journey by street is Xpujil which is 116 km (2 hours) from the location of Calakmul. ADO buses join Campeche to Xpujil as soon as a day.
The Calakmul ruins open each day from 08:00-17:00 and value 188 Mexican Pesos ($7.50) to go to.
Be able to pay your entrance charge in 3 components: 50 Mexican Pesos by the principle street, 68 Mexican Pesos on the gates to the Nationwide Park and 70 Mexican Pesos on the archaeological website. Click here to seek out Calakmul on the map.
11. Mayapan
The Mayapan ruins are positioned round 40 km Southeast of Mérida and have been constructed between 1200-1542 AD.
If you wish to keep away from the crowds of Chichen Itza, whereas nonetheless having fun with an analogous type of Mayan damage, chances are you’ll need to come to Mayapan as a result of the principle construction right here was modeled after Chichen Itza’s famed pyramid.
Mayapan is 4.2 sq. kilometers and has over 4000 constructions to discover, so give your self a lot of time. Most of the buildings have been residences, packed into the compound throughout the metropolis partitions.
Constructed-up areas lengthen about 500 meters past town partitions in all instructions. The stone perimeter wall has 12 gates, together with seven vital ones with stunning vaulted entrances. In Mayapan’s peak intervals there have been between 15,000 and 17,000 folks residing throughout the metropolis partitions.
The principle temple right here and the one which was modeled after Chichen Itza is called the Temple of Kukulcan (aka Castillo by the Spanish) and it’s positioned east of the Cenote Ch’en Mul, which you can even plan to swim at throughout your go to. Discover Mayapan on the map, here.
Ideas for Visiting the Mayan Ruins Archeological Websites in Mexico
To take advantage of your go to to any of the ruins, I counsel you to reach early within the morning or later within the afternoon to keep away from the crowds.
Attempt to keep away from visiting on Sundays, as there’s free entry to many archaeological websites for Mexican residents — which means the websites might be packed.
The warmth at a few of the websites (particularly Chichen-Itza and Tulum) may be intense and there’s little or no shade. Be sure to cowl your shoulders and take a hat, small fan, water, and loads of sunscreen.
Different ruins are positioned in dense jungle, so it’s price contemplating carrying lengthy trousers and making use of mosquito repellent. Within the moist season, a raincoat can also be a good suggestion.
Given the dimensions and nature of those finest archaeological websites, ensure you put on sensible footwear for consolation and help if climbing uneven and worn steps.
One remaining tip is to obtain a map onto your smartphone earlier than you arrive on the ruins of your alternative in an effort to discover your method round. Alternatively, take a photograph on the website entrance.
Get pleasure from your journey!
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