Mexico is a premier destination for exploring Mayan ruins and archaeological sites. Before 1,000 BC, ancient Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya, Aztecs, and Zapotecs built magnificent cities across Mexico. Many of these sites are still incredibly well-preserved, offering a memorable travel experience.
The Mayan ruins feature diverse settings, from coastal areas to jungle hideaways. No matter which ruins you decide to visit in Mexico, you’ll gain insights into ancient civilizations while marveling at their architecture. The Yucatan Peninsula, in particular, has a wealth of Mayan sites to explore.
During your trip, take a break from the beautiful Yucatan beaches for a day of exploration. My husband and I toured many of these amazing sites, with our favorites being Coba, Tulum, and Chichen-Itza. However, there are many other ruins and sites worth visiting.
The Tulum ruins are set on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is the only coastal Mayan city, and the name means “wall.” Historically, it served as a fortress and a seaport between the 13th and 15th centuries. The main pyramid, El Castillo, functioned as a lighthouse guiding boats through the coral reef. Giant iguanas roam freely around the ruins, making for great photo opportunities. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim at Paradise Beach after exploring. The Tulum ruins are located along the Riviera Maya, 130 km south of Cancun. You can reach them easily by car or public transport. The entrance fee is 80 Mexican Pesos, and they are open daily from 08:00-17:00.
Uxmal, another notable site, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and less crowded than other ruins. Known for its Puuc-style architecture, you can still climb some ancient structures here, which adds a sense of adventure. Uxmal was an important religious, economic, and political center with a peak population of 20,000 residents. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Magician and the Great Pyramid. The entrance fee is 418 Mexican Pesos, and the site is open daily from 08:00-17:00. It is best accessed from Merida, 80 km away.
Coba is one of my personal favorites due to its jungle setting. It’s the least excavated of the Mayan ruins in Mexico, with over 5,000 mounds still undiscovered. At its peak, Coba had a population of 50,000. The city’s extensive network of roads made it a significant agricultural and trade center. You can rent a bicycle to explore, and climbing the Nohoch Mul pyramid is a highlight. The entrance fee is 80 Mexican Pesos, and the site is open daily from 08:00-17:00. Coba is accessible from various major resorts and towns like Cancun and Tulum.
Chichen-Itza, one of the New Wonders of the World, features the famous El Castillo pyramid. This Mayan city flourished from 900-1300 AD and was a major political and economic hub. The site spans approximately 5 square kilometers and housed 50,000 residents at its peak. Chichen-Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its entrance fee is 486 Mexican Pesos. The site is open daily from 08:00-17:00.
The Ek Balam ruins offer a more peaceful experience and feature well-preserved sculptures and structures. The city had a peak population of 18,000 and was surrounded by concentric walls. The Acropolis Pyramid is a main attraction, offering a panoramic view over the jungle. The entrance fee is 413 Mexican Pesos, and the site is open from 08:00 to 17:00.
Palenque is another must-visit, known for its rich architecture and historical significance. This site contains 1,400 buildings and dates back to 226 BC. Palenque offers a harmony of nature, architecture, and history, and the entrance fee is 80 Mexican Pesos. The ruins are located in Chiapas and are best accessed from Villahermosa or Campeche.
Monte Alban, a Zapotec site, offers insights into another ancient Mesoamerican civilization. This site dates back to 500 BC and features an array of structures, including pyramids, an observatory, and 170 tombs. It is located near Oaxaca City, and the entrance fee is 70 Mexican Pesos for a visit.
Teotihuacan, a large and mysterious ancient city, boasts a population of 200,000 at its peak. Key sites include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. The entrance fee is 80 Mexican Pesos, and the site is accessible from Mexico City.
Dzibilchaltun offers a unique insight into Mayan astronomy and mathematics, featuring the Temple of the Seven Dolls and a cenote. The site is located near Merida, and the entrance fee is 227 Mexican Pesos.
Calakmul, a vast and remote Mayan city, offers a unique jungle experience. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the impressive Great Pyramid. Entrance fees total 188 Mexican Pesos, and the site is best accessed from Xpujil.
Mayapan offers a less crowded alternative to Chichen-Itza, with similar architectural styles. The site features over 4000 structures and is located near Merida.
To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to arrive early or later in the day to avoid crowds. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and practical footwear. Consider downloading a site map to navigate around the ruins easily. Enjoy your trip!
