To take a tour to an ancient Mayan ruin is a cultural ‘must-do’ of each Yucatan travel. There are almost 200 Mayan ruins sites that you can explore in Mexico. Visiting the Yucatan Peninsula you should definitely visit one of the Mayan ruins and immerse into the Mayan culture, as the Mayas were the most advanced civilization of Mesoamerica. One of the most famous places is for sure Chichen Itza, which got declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. But there are many other beautiful archaeological sites that are worth a visit, each one has its own charme.
Here are the TOP 7 Maya Ruins you should see when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
1. Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins are located on a Cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean See. In mayan times it was a seaport, tradin mainly turquoise and jade. Tulum was the only Mayan city built on a coast and the only one protected by a Wall to help preserve the seaport.
2. Dzibilchaltun Ruins
Dzibilchaltun Ruins are located near the colonial city of Merida, Yucatan. Main attraction is the Temple of the Seven Dolls also known as Temple of the Sun. Those Mayan Ruins show us the understanding of astronomy and the wisdom possessed by this ancient civilisation. Twice a year you can be part of a spectacular at sunrise, when the rising sun shines through the portal in the Temple of the Seven Dolls.
3. Uxmal
Uxmal is one of the most visited and most attractive archaeological sites, located halfway between Campeche and Merida, surrounded by jungle and nature. It is home of the massive Magician’s Pyramid, its height and rounded sides make it one of the Mayas most unique structure.
4. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities and the city had the most diverse population in the Maya world. It features the Kukulkan Pyramid, named one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.
5. Coba
Coba has the tallest Mayan Pyramid in the Peninsula de Yucatan. So if you visit this archaeological site make sure to climb up the pyramd as you will have a beautiful view over the remote mayan jungle that surrounds this pyramid.
6. Ek Balam
Ek Balam or translated “the black jaguar” is located near the colonial city of Valladolid in Yucatan, Mexico. Thousand years ago Ek Balam, as well as the other mayan sites, has been a thriving city. Ek Balam is covering about 12 square kilometers and it was the largest regional center from 600 to 900 A.D. If you are looking for mayan ruins without crowded toursit mass and something more intimate and original you have to visit Ek Balam for sure!
7. Muyil
Muyil ruins are located 22 km south of Tulum. This archaeological site is very attractive due to its location within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. After visiting the site you can walk along a beautiful path through the mexican jungle that takes you to the magical lagoon of Muyil. From there take a boat that takes you to the floating river where you gonna float through a mangroove forest. A Must-Do for nature lovers! Contact us if you want to book this Tour!
Contact us if you want to book a tour to the Mayan Ruins!
