Mayan Ruins & Archaeological Sites

Dig Into The Mayan Past

Take a trip into the past. Follow the footsteps of Mayan priests, brave Spanish conquistadors, and 19th century adventurers who climbed the very same steps. Deep in the Yucatan jungle lie the remains of ancient Mayan cities that many call the “Egypt of the Americas.” The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan are awe-inspiring and provide a deeper understanding of Mexican history.

Feel the Allure of Ancient Times

Mexico’s rich and mysterious past is still visible in the amazing ancient ruins scattered throughout the country. From impressive towering pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula to elaborate ancient cities found in Coba, the Mayan heritage continues to draw millions of tourists from across the globe. To help you extend your travels beyond the Yucatan and Riviera Maya, we have shared our experience in the remote Mayan ruin sites in southern and western locations. When traveling to the Riviera Maya, you will have a wealth of INAH ruins to visit, ranging from the Tulum ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea to Chichen Itza, the 8th wonders of the world!

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Aké Ruins - Near Merida

The Aké Ruins located just 40 kms (22 miles) east of Merida, reflects the complicated history that defines the Yucatan Peninsula.

Balamkú Ruins - Campeche

Balamkú, located just a few miles from Calakmul in the state of Campeche, has the largest surviving stucco frieze found at any of the excavated Mayan settlements.

Becán Ruins - Campeche

The name Becán means “ravine formed by water, a contemporary name that Ruppert and Denison selected for the site.

Bonampak Ruins - Chiapas

The preserved murals in Bonampak, date back to 790 A.D. Archaeologists believe that Bonampak has the finest classic Mayan frescoes.

Calakmul Ruins - Campeche

A remote and beautiful UNESCO site, Calakmul Ruins deserves an award for its cultural and environmental importance.

Chacchoben Ruins - Costa Maya

Chacchoben is mystical with towering mahogany trees, enormous cohune palms, strangler figs & banyan trees.

Chac Mool Ruins - Sian Ka'an

In the Sian Ka’an Biosphere at the Santa Rosa peninsula , Chac Mool Ruins need to be accessed by boat and a guide.

Chicanná Ruins - Campeche

The Mayan Ruins of Chicanná were rediscovered & named in 1966 by Jack D. Eaton during his Yucatan exploration.

Chichen Itza Ruins - Yucatan

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the #2 most visited Maya archaeological site in Mexico.

Cobá Ruins - Tulum

Archaeologists believe Cobá is one of the most important sites on the Yucatan Peninsula as this city had a very different purpose.

Dzibanche & Kinichna - Costa Maya

Dzibanche and Kinichna is a unique off the beaten path experience in the heart of local villages. The cities were discovered by Thomas Gann.

Dzibilchaltun Ruins - Merida

Dzibilchaltun Ruins are located near the colonial city of Merida, Yucatan that was occupied when the Spanish arrived during the 1500s.

El Meco Ruins - Cancun

El Meco, a small but influential Mayan Archaeological site located in Cancun, is well preserved and just recently opened to the public.

El Rey Ruins - Cancun

This site located in Cancun is part of an ancient Maya trade route – a post-classic city with an interesting botanical garden.

Edzná Ruins - Campeche

Archaeologists believe this Mayan city was influenced by the Itzá long before they founded Chichen Itzá.

Ek Balam Ruins - Valladolid

Ek Balam’s most important cultural period was during the Late Classic Period 700 – 1000 A.D It was mapped in the 1980’s.

Kohunlich Ruins - Costa Maya

This Mayan city in the jungle is in the south and home to Howler monkeys heard, but not seen on the site.

Mayapan Ruins - Yucatan

Uxmal and Chichen Itza can overshadow the Mayapan Ruins, but include this ruin on your list as Mayapán is worth seeing.

Muyil -Chunyaxché Ruins - Tulum

Located at the boundaries of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, Muyil Ruins is small, lush, has few visitors, and feels magical.

Oxtankah Ruins - Chetumal Bay

This Classic Period Mayan City is located on Chetumal Bay, the most southern tip of Quintana Roo, just a few kilometers from the Belize border.

Palenque Ruins - Chiapas

Palenque is as important as Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tikal in architectural magnificence and historical significance.

Playacar Ruins - Playa del Carmen

The Playacar Ruins were one of three launching points for Maya women to honor the Goddess Ixchel on Cozumel.

San Miguelito Ruins - Cancun

San Miguelito Ruins is on the property of the Cancun Mayan Museum, a great combination that deepens an understanding of the Maya.

Sayil, Labna, Kabáh Ruins - Yucatan

Few visit these small sites as Uxmal towers over the area. Don’t miss these three archaeological gems that enhance knowledge of the Maya.

Tulum Ruins - Tulum

The greatest attraction at the Tulum Ruins is its location. The Caribbean views continue to be described as spectacular and breath-taking.

Uxmal Ruins - Yucatan

This UNESCO Mayan ruin site is less crowded than others and with an overnight stay at local hotels, you can fully enjoy the Uxmal experience

Xel Ha Ruins - Tulum

Xel-Ha Ruins seems to be overshadowed by Tulum Ruins and Xel-Ha Eco-park. This site has some great murals not found in Tulum or Muyil Ruin sites.

Yaxchilan Ruins - Chiapas

Our journey to Yaxchilan Ruins had us heading down the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, a journey no one forgets and treasures a part of this trip.

Stay Close By

Nah Yaxche Beach House

Soliman Bay – Tulum| 3 Beds | 2 Bath
Enjoy paradise found in this wonderful beach house with 2 bedrooms (1 king and 1 queen), 2 bathrooms, full kitchen and a large open living space. Great beach with a private shade palapa and kayaks for cruising the bay. Sleeps 5
Villa Palmeras

South Akumal – Jade Bay| 5 Beds | 4 Bath
If you are looking for a relaxing and tranquil family beach vacation, Villa Palmeras may become your new favorite tropical getaway. This beach villa has 3,500 sq.ft. including 4 bedrooms w/ AC, pool, roof top deck, dining area, full kitchen, 2 floor ocean side balcony, wet bar, gas grill and kayaks.
Casa Gray

South Akumal| 5 Beds | 5 Bath
Enjoy this beach villa with 5 air-conditioned bedrooms, all facing the beach & Caribbean. Amenities include a full kitchen, oceanside patio with grill, sandy private tanning area, loungers & hammocks and a beach view living room.
The Reef Condos – Condo C

North Akumal| 1 Beds | 1 Bath
Beach level condos on Half Moon Bay w/ AC, full kitchens, living rooms, and patios or balconies overlooking the sea. Good snorkeling either in the bay or nearby Yalku Lagoon. Restaurants nearby.
Tropical Evergreens Casita

Soliman Bay – Tulum| 3 Beds | 1 Bath
This cheap vacation rental bi-level guest house is an ideal alternative for a couple or a family of 4. Each level has a separate entrance and comes with a kitchenette, a living area, a private bathroom, AC, Wi-Fi and an outdoor BBQ. Explore Soliman Bay beach which is just a short walk away.
La Joya Condos #2

North Akumal| 1 to 3 Beds | 1 to 2 Bath
Right on Half Moon Bay beach, condo #2 is a nice little one bedroom with a second lock-off bedroom #3 if you need a little more space. Pool front, w/ AC, kitchen, living room, etc. Each condo has a view of the sea from a patio or balcony. 3 restaurants are nearby.
Casa Alux

North Akumal| 5 Beds | 3 Bath
This 3 bedroom oceanfront house with pool, a wide elevated view out to sea and spacious private grounds. 2 adjoining buildings house the living room, dining area, full kitchen and 3 bedrooms with a covered party patio between. Sleeps 7
Casa Akumal Sunrise

South Akumal| 4 Beds | 2 Bath
This cozy beach level unit of a duplex villa is just right for those who want sand, sun and snorkeling followed by central AC. It has 2 bedrooms, entertainment room, living room, Satellite TV, full kitchen, beach patio. Sleeps 6
The Reef Condos – Condo E

North Akumal| 3 Beds | 2 Bath
These Akumal beach vacation rentals on Half Moon Bay have 2 bedrooms all w/ AC, full kitchens, living rooms, and patios or balconies overlooking the sea. Good snorkeling either in the bay or nearby Yalku Lagoon. Restaurants nearby.
U Nah Kin Condominiums

South Akumal| 1 to 2 Beds | 1 to 2 Bath
1 bedroom Condos $99/night, plus tax, for stays in September and October! Enjoy these 1 & 2 beach front bedroom condos with AC, full kitchens, spacious living rooms, Sat TV, DVD & Wifi. All units have king beds and patios or balconies on the beach. Great view. This is a wide sandy beach, great for beach lovers!
La Joya Condos #7

North Akumal| 3 Beds | 2 Bath
Right on Half Moon Bay beach, these condos are a great value. Take your choice of either 1 or 2 bedrooms w/ AC, kitchen, living room, etc. This condo rental #7 is on the top floor. Each condo has a view of the sea from a patio or balcony. 3 restaurants are nearby.
La Joya Condos #4

North Akumal| 1 Bed | 1 Bath
Right on Half Moon Bay beach, condo #4 is a nice second floor, one-bedroom. Affordably priced Pool front, w/ AC, kitchen, living room, etc. Each condo has a view of the sea from a patio or balcony. 3 restaurants are nearby.

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