Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is peppered with a number of Mayan archeological sites that are located within relatively easy reach from Cancun. It you are staying in a hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya, you can book many comfortable organized tours with your concierge or private tour agencies.

The pre-Columbian Mayan Civilization populated what are now the southern states of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula in addition to Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and northern San Salvador and has left a mystical legacy of temples and pyramids in the form of Mayan ruins. The ancient culture is renowned for having had a fully developed written language as well as advanced mathematical and astrological systems in addition to sophisticated architecture for its time, which makes visiting the remains of these once great cities, all the more fascinating.

The Best of Cancun’s Mayan Ruins

Chichen Itza

It is hard to call this ancient city, “Mayan ruins” as it is still almost completely intact, and it is one of the great wonders of the late classical period Mayan culture (600 CE). Chichen Itza is a large area spanning 1.9 square miles, and there is plenty to see when you come here. Enjoy the splendor and beauty of the Mayan culture of Chichen Itza by exploring the Observatory, the Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), the Ball Court and many more temples.

Uxmal Mayan Ruins

Another well preserved example of the Mayan culture, Uxmal is from the classical period. It is made with connecting roads known as sacbes that were used to connect the city’s villages and to connect the city to neighboring Mayan towns like Chichen Itza. Uxmal’s historical significance as an archaeological wonder has made it a UNESCO world heritage region and one of the least busy of the Mayan ruins.

Tulum

There is probably no other city that has the charm and beauty of the landscape of Tulum Mayan Ruins. This ancient city was established in the late thirteenth century as a seaport for trading valuable jewels like turquoise and jade. You will see a myriad of architecture along the beach overlooking vivid Caribbean hues. Also, check out historical sites like The Castillo and Temple of the Frescoes ruins. You are sure to love the beauty of all these ancient beauties.

El Rey

The city of El Rey was named after the Mayan sun god worship artifacts that were found there. It was built during the period of 900 CE, and it is the location of several Mayan archeological ruins. Some 40 plus ruins can be found in this ancient site housed within Cancun’s hotel zone. There are even remains of an old market place that used to flourish here. Among some of the ancient ruins are sacred temples characteristic of the mystical Mayan culture.

Coba Mayan Ruins

In Northeast Quintana Roo, Mexico, there is an ancient place called Coba that has some of the biggest network of stone causeways from the old Mayan civilization. Mesoamerica is highly represented by the myriad of ceremonies and activities depicted on the various engraved and sculpted stelae constructed between AD 600–900 during the height of the Mayan civilization. Modern-day Coba is a thriving city that sits near the ancient site that has a population of at least 1200.