Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Step Off the Beaten Path and Into the Past
Anyone who loves history will fall in love with this itinerary with the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. Forget the tourist-packed beaches and kitschy dining halls . . You’ll immerse yourself in the real Mexico, as the Maya once saw it. This packed itinerary takes you from one Mayan city to another, with each one more impressive than the last. You’ll have the chance to see ancient cities that few people ever visit, as they’re hidden away from the most common tourist routes.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of those who walked thousands of years before us, this is the perfect vacation for you. Our guides will not only deliver you to the destinations, but also ensure you learn the history of each ruin. From cities overrun by pirates to incredible tombs and stelae, there’s no two ways about it, you’ll be impressed.
Edzna Ruins
Where history lives
Calakmul Mayan City
Witness to the Maya’s Legacy
Kabah
Mayan ruins in the ‘Puuc Route’
Uxmal
Where the stone speaks
Highlights
Ready for the Mayan adventure of a lifetime? We’re hitting the ground in Cancun and heading for one stunning ruin after another, many of which are off the beaten path. From Ek-Balam and Chichen Itza to Uxmal and Calakmul, we’ll see all the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We’ll see the lesser-known ruins, too, from Becan and Chicanna to the stunning Edzna and Dzibanche.
There’s a good mix of modern cities on this vacation in Mexico, too. You’ll visit Valladolid, walk the bright streets of Merida, and explore the nature reserve of Calakmul. And what would a Mexican vacation be if you didn’t get a chance to swim in a cenote or underground sinkhole? We’ll visit Cenote Saamal and Yokdzonot Cenote so you can experience Mexico in all its glory.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will greet you and take you to the hotel so you can settle in and rest up for your adventures.
- One night in Cancun.
For your first full day in Mexico, you’ll leap straight into the history of this beautiful country. We’ll start with a trip to Ek-Balam, or Black Jaguar. This Mayan city peaked around 770-800 AD, under the rule of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’. He was the one who built the city’s impressive culture and had a hand in its architecture, as well.
You’ll walk through the city and see many of the 45 remaining structures here. These include the Acropolis, which many believe is where Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ is buried, the Entrance Arch, and the Oval Palace. Around the city, the people built defensive walls that end in sinkholes that provide natural protection. One of the nearby cenotes is Cenote Saamal, where we’re going next.
This cenote has a manmade waterfall pouring into it and is quite deep. You’ll need to climb down the many steps to reach the bottom, where crystalline water awaits. The refreshing dip is welcome after a day of exploring ruins.
Next, we’ll visit Valladolid, a more modern town founded in 1543 by Francisco de Montejo the Younger, a Spanish conquistador. This Pueblo Magico was built atop the ruins of a Mayan town called Zaci, with the stones being reused to create the fresh structures. It was also a key part of the Caste War of 1847, when the indigenous Maya fought against the Spanish. Today, it’s a picturesque town with a rich history.
- One night in Valladolid.
After breakfast, we’ll drive to the nearby Mayan ruin, Chichen Itza. It’s famous for the many cenotes or sinkholes around it and the well-preserved buildings that still stand throughout. You’ll see the Pyramid of Kukulkan or El Castillo, Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory, and the Thousand Columns. You can also check out the Sacred Cenote, where the Maya people once sacrificed humans to Chaac, the rain god.
Millions of tourists visit Chichen Itza each year, so we’ll head there early to beat the crowds. If you’re here for the spring (March 20-23) or fall (September 21-23) equinoxes, you may get to see the amazing phenomenon planned by the architects who built this place. In the setting sun, the staircase of El Castillo creates a unique shadow of the serpent god, Kukulcan, which appears to slither down the pyramid.
Once you’ve thoroughly explored, it’s time to take a dip in the Yokdzonot Cenote, found in the village of the same name. This freshwater sinkhole looks like a tropical paradise, with rich turquoise waters and lush jungle all around. You can relax in the shade around the upper levels or take the stairs down and swim or snorkel. The cenote is managed by a women-dominant cooperative from the local community.
We’ll have a tasty lunch provided by local chefs in the community and meet some of the women who run the cooperative. Then it’s off to Merida, where you’ll spend the night. Merida is often called the White City, due to the extensive use of limestone in the mixed Maya-Spanish colonial architecture here. As you walk along the streets, you’ll notice that the beauty of the area is partly due to the old-style buildings around you. The lovely gardens and flowers also attract the eye and make it a great place to get some photos.
- One night in Merida.
As we leave Merida today, you’ll see some nice scenery on our way to the Mayan city of Uxmal. The name means “thrice built” and refers to the multiple building stages that the city went through. Unlike many Mayan cities, Uxmal features Puuc architecture. The famous Pyramid of the Magician is perhaps one of the best examples of this, with its smooth, rounded walls. The pyramid, as well as the House of the Governor and other structures, were all built with astronomical alignment, showcasing the Mayan love of astronomy. In fact, during the summer solstice (around June 20-22), the sun shines exactly through a door to the right of the Governor’s Palace entrance. The sunlight illuminates the interior wall to create a unique lighting effect. You’ll have ample time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site before we move on to Kabah.
As part of the Uxmal UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kabah is considered a vassal city under Uxmal. Though it thrived on its own, the city didn’t reach its peak until after 600 CE. Like other cities in this area, the architecture is distinctly Puuc-style with smooth lower walls. The upper walls are heavily decorated and Kabah’s most famous structure is the Codz Poop or Palace of the Masks. The exterior features stone masks of the rain god Chaac; hundreds of them cover the facade.
We’ll finish up the day in Campeche, a colonial city built atop the pre-existing Maya city, Can Pech.
- Two nights in Campeche.
We’ll start the day off with a tour of Campeche. As you walk through the colorful streets, you’re bound to be fascinated by the bright colors and the array of unique architecture. Originally, Spanish conquistadores settled this city. It was the main port for Spain on the Yucatan Peninsula, enjoying a monopoly on many of the local trades, including rice, sugarcane, tobacco, and tropical fruits.
Today, the city is a vibrant cultural hub where tourists congregate. The pirate attacks are long over, but the unique atmosphere here is still prevalent.
The ruins of Edzna are next on our itinerary for the day. You can expect to visit the towering temple that stands 39 meters high, the Pyramid of the Five Floors. More than 200 structures make up the remarkably well-preserved city. While the original inhabitants appeared around 400 BC, the city didn’t become a big city until much later, in 400 AD.
The architecture here is fascinating, with the giant ball court and Platform of Knives and the Temple of Mascarones still standing. However, what really sets Edzna apart is its hydraulic system. The residents of this ancient city built a surprisingly efficient network of canals, embankments, and dams to keep their crops well watered, even in the dry season. You definitely won’t want to miss seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Site for yourself.
Once we return to Campeche, you have the rest of the day to explore as you wish.
Not far from Campeche you’ll find Becan, a Mayan city known to have been occupied since around 550 BCE. It was once a powerful trade city and shows evidence of attacks. As a result, the city’s residents built massive 12-meter ramparts and a moat as protection. You can still see these protective measures in place, but the city also features Rio Bec architecture. This architecture style includes very steep stairways, twin towers, and faux temples atop towers. You’ll see the methods of construction firsthand as you walk the ruins.
Next up, we have Chicanna, in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. The name Chicanna means “House of the Serpent Mouth,” referring to the monster mouth facade on the city’s most famous building. Like Becan, this city features Rio Bec architecture, but blends in some Puuc and Chenes styles, as well. Here you’ll find several large structures, including ones with large entrances designed to look like monster mouths. These represent the connection between the spirit world and the human world and are one of the few places you can see this type of design.
Finally, we’ll make our way to Calakmul where you’ll stay in a jungle lodge and rest up for tomorrow’s exploration.
- Two nights in Calakmul.
Nearly hidden in the abundant forest of the Yucatan, Calakmul is one of the most interesting Mayan ruins in the area. In its time, this city was the largest and most powerful Maya city. It ruled the Kingdom of the Snake and was essential in political and military roles for more than 1200 years. While that history has faded, you can still see the huge pyramids that loom in the jungle, including Structure 2, which stands at 148 feet tall. The site also features many stelae and an impressive network of water management features, including canals.
The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, established in 1989, is home to many animals, some of which are endangered. Jaguars, monkeys, and other animals make their home in the reserve. It covers nearly 3,000 square miles near the Guatemalan Border and is part of the much larger Maya Biosphere Reserve, which covers areas of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.
Ready for another day of exploring? We’ll start out after breakfast with a pre-Columbian Maya site in Quintana Roo, Kohunlich. This site still remains only partially discovered, with almost 200 mounds yet to be uncovered. The buildings that have been uncovered are interesting to say the least. The Temple of the Masks is the most famous building and was built around 500 AD. It’s so named by the large central stairway with huge stucco masks on either side. The masks are meant to represent the Maya Sun God. While there were originally eight masks, there are just five left to this day.
Dzibanche is south of our last site, and the name means “writing on wood,” thanks to the Temple of Lintels found here. The temple features carved wooden lintels throughout. As one of the early capitals of the Kaan dynasty, Dzibanche was a powerful city in its time. It covered roughly 25 square miles and is only partially restored. Royal tombs and hieroglyphics are some of the draws of this quieter Mayan ruin.
You can reflect on everything you’ve seen as we drive to Bacalar where we’ll be staying.
- Two nights in Bacalar.
Considered one of the oldest Mayan cities, Ichkabal was likely settled somewhere between 1000-400 BCE. It was continuously inhabited from that time until around 1500 CE and was likely where the Snake dynasty originated. All this means the site is particularly important in understanding the Maya people, but you don’t have to study them to enjoy visiting the city.
Six main building groups form the visible part of Ichkabal and these include massive pyramids and other structures. The main plaza is nearly 1,000 feet long, while the largest pyramid is 131 feet tall. You’ll also see a large water reservoir called Cocodrilos Water Reserve and some rather advanced hydraulic systems designed to manage water sources. However, perhaps the most fascinating part of the city are the two buildings featuring 16-foot masks.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour to Bacalar Lagoon and some of its cenotes. The lagoon itself is roughly 31 miles long and about a mile across. It’s the second largest freshwater body of water in Mexico (after Lake Chapala). The stunning blue tones of the water have given it the nickname of Lagoon of Seven Colors. It’s also surrounded by nine different ecosystems ranging from jungle and savanna to mangroves. Numerous cenotes feed into the lagoon, helping it retain that crystal clear look.
It’s time for a little something different. Today, you’ll transfer to Tulum, a stunning beach town where you can enjoy white sand beaches and gently rolling waves. While still relatively small, Tulum has its own airport and has recently seen quite a bit of development.
We’ll also visit the Mayan walled city of Tulum, set atop a 39-foot cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. This easily defensible position gave the city a foothold in the world of trade and it quickly became a major port city for the Maya people. Obsidian, jade, ceramics, and copper items flowed through the city, often bound for Coba, further inland.
One of the most notable structures in Tulum is El Castillo, a massive temple that overlooks the ocean. On its walls and those of other buildings, you can see murals that show the Diving God. Tulum was also one of the few Mayan cities that remained after the Spanish conquest, with Maya people living here for nearly three-quarters of a century after the Spanish landed.
Hiking through the Coba ruins will have you feeling like you actually live in the past. The area is still relatively untouched, and the jungle closes in on all sides. Roughly 30 square miles make up the city of Coba, which once housed around 50,000 people. Today, it’s a beautiful and often overlooked place to visit.
Coba’s raised stone roads connect the various neighborhoods with little lakes that served as water sources, and the main plaza. You can simply walk the roads to see everything, but we suggest renting a bicycle to ride through the site. Alternatively, you can hire a bici taxi to take you around.
The tallest pyramid in Coba is 137 feet tall, but many of the buildings are still covered in foliage. It’s a unique look at what Mayan cities were like when they were rediscovered.
Finally, we’ll head to Cenote Choo-Ha, a natural sinkhole where you can refresh yourself and cool down with a swim. The beautiful jade-colored waters will make this final stop a truly wonderful way to say goodbye to Mexico.
Are you interested in adding some days to your trip? Take some extra time to relax on the beach, swim in the warm sea, and sunbathe. Or perhaps you’d rather visit some of the nearby lagoons and cenotes for a swim. Either way, let us know if you wish to extend your stay a little, and we’ll make it happen.
Your Mexican adventure has come to an end, so we’ll drop you off at the airport in time for your flight home from Cancun. Feel free to come back any time!
map, expenses & price
Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Eleven nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfast.
Extensions
ADD-ON
Tucked away in Chiapas, Palenque is a stunning Maya city-state that was first settled in 100 BC. It was a powerful political and economic center for years, and the area was built up quite a bit. This extension will take you to visit the ancient city to see what are some of the most impressive Mayan ruins. You’ll see the stunning bas-relief carvings and sculptures that still stand as a testament to the past.
Palenque’s architecture is another good reason to visit. Some of its more elaborate buildings still stand as a tribute to the original builders. The Temple of the Inscriptions holds Pakal the Great’s tomb, complete with hieroglyphs depicting his story. The Palace is a more complicated building that includes multiple courtyards and a four-floor tower. You’ll also want to check out the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross, which still feature stucco reliefs and inscriptions.
add-on
Popping over the border to Guatemala opens up a whole new world of Maya history. This trip will take you to three of the most famous Guatemalan archeological sites, Tikal, El Mirador, and Yaxha. Tikal is perhaps the best-known Mayan ruin in the world, with its famous pyramids set in the jungle. It features plazas, palaces, and temples in addition to the pyramids, but there are around 3,000 buildings here, many still buried in the jungle.
Considered to be one of the oldest and biggest Mayan cities, El Mirador is located in northern Guatemala near Tikal. It covers around 10 square miles and is a stunning display of urban planning. A vast network of sacbeob or causeways connects residential areas, ceremonial plazas, and even connects to other nearby towns. El Mirador is home to one of the largest pyramids in the world, La Danta, as well as El Tigre and Los Monos pyramids.
Yaxha is also close to Tikal and is best known for its stelae. The city is perched above Lake Yaxha and is smaller than Tikal, with around 500 structures. Aside from the stelae, it has 9 temple pyramids, two ball courts, and many altars. Yaxha was a major ceremonial center with close ties to Tikal.
add-on
If you’re interested in seeing even more of the Mayan influence, we’ll head to Belize and take in some of the most impressive sights there. You’ll visit Xunantunich in western Belize, also known as the Maiden of the Rock, thanks to the ghostly legend of a woman haunting the city. This city was once the hub for a massive 200,000-person community and was a ceremonial center for the area. Six carefully aligned plazas are surrounded by more than 25 palaces, temples, and other buildings, including El Castillo, which features stucco friezes.
Your trip will take you to Caracol, the largest Mayan site in Belize. Here, you’ll find multiple ball courts and an astronomical observatory, as well as over 24 stelae. While technology has shown that more than 35,000 structures make up the ancient city, most of them have not been excavated and remain hidden in the jungle. Caracol was a political and military stronghold in its day, and you can still see some evidence of this. It’s also home to the Sky Palace or Caana, the tallest man-made structure in the country at 139 feet tall.
In Lamanai, you’ll have the chance to see the Mask Temple, with its impressive stucco masks of the Mayan sun god, as well as the High Temple and the Jaguar Temple. This city is particularly notable because it was continuously occupied for more than 3,000 years, right up into the 20th century. It may be smaller than the other ruins in Belize, but it’s one of the most interesting.
