6 Best Mayan Ruins to Visit in Yucatan Peninsula

Exploring the Mayan ruins is one of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula. From the world-famous Chichen Itza to the Uxmal ruins, learning about the ancient Mayans can make your Yucatan tour incredibly exciting, as it’s a journey back in time. But there are several Mayan attractions, so where do you start? Come along as we introduce you to the best Mayan ruins in Yucatan.

1. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is the most famous of all Mayan ruins and, as such, is a must-see during your Yucatan tour. What makes it even more interesting is, it is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Chichen Itza is an expansive Mayan city stretching for thousands, but the focal point for tourists is the El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. You might want to visit during the Spring or Autumn Equinox when the sun is directly overhead, as the sun creates an illusion of a snake descending or ascending the pyramid. A captivating sight to behold.

Aside from the temple, this Mayan city is also home to the Sacred Cenote and the Temple of Warriors, where you’ll find a complex of temples with hundreds of columns resembling warriors.

2. Mayapan

What makes Mayapan one of the best Mayan ruins to visit is that it’s not as popular as Chichen Itza and is, therefore, less crowded. And unlike Chichen Itza, tourists are allowed to climb to the pyramid’s top. It usually takes 1.5 hours to fully explore Mayapan, which gives you an idea of ​​how extensive this Mayan ruin is.

Explore and climb as you will; visiting the Mayapan ruins is truly one of the most fun things to do in Yucatan.

3. Tulum

Resting right at the cliff’s edge and looking down at the bright blue Caribbean, Tulum makes for a visual spectacle that never ceases to captivate tourists. It was the last city the Mayans built, serving as an honor to the planet Venus.

You’ll want to explore The Castle, the Temple of the Descending God, and the Temple of the Frescoes.

To cap off your visit to this Mayan ruin, walk down the stairs towards the Caribbean and bask in Paradise Beach ( Playa Paraiso).

4. Coba Ruins

Coba is one of the best Mayan ruins in Yucatan, given that it’s home to the tallest Mayan architecture in the Northern part of the peninsula. Make the most of your excursion by renting a bike with your loved ones to see the Ixmoja pyramid, standing at a staggering 42 meters (138 ft).

The ruins are pretty expansive, so trekking is usually a little tiring for most tourists. As a result, not many tourists walk this path, so you’ll find a smaller crowd at the pyramid, making it a hidden gem in Yucatan.

You can rent a bike for only $2 or have a local guide take you there.

5. Ek Balam

If architecture gets your juices flowing, the Ek Balam is a must-visit Mayan ruin. It’s arguably the best-preserved ruin in the peninsula, and the stucco and limestone surface still offers a striking visual.

The 95-ft Acropolis pyramid, the highlight of this Mayan ruin, makes for a good climb, and you’ll want to have your camera handy for the picturesque views at the top. What’s more, the Cenote Maya Park is near El Balam, so you can combine the two sites for a day tour.

6. Uxmal

As a provincial capital of the Mayan Empire, Uxmal is one of the most visited Mayan ruins in Yucatan and the whole of Mexico.

It offers several sites to explore, including the famous Pyramid of the Magician , comprising five temples built upon one another. Although you can’t climb to the top of this pyramid, it’s still a joy to behold. It’s even more fascinating to know that this pyramid is over a thousand years old and is believed to have been built overnight by a dwarf.

Apart from this pyramid, visit the Governor’s Palace, which is considered the most iconic example of Puuc architecture, given its extraordinary stone carvings. Just have your camera handy, as the views are nothing short of picturesque.

Elevate Your Mayan Adventure

So, there you have it: 6 of the most enchanting Mayan ruins to explore in Yucatan.

To make your Yucatan tour more wholesome, book Mayan Excursions . Get a professional tour guide who will map out your itinerary, provide transportation, and explain the wonderful history behind each archeological site. Book now.