Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Not only is the Yucatan Peninsula one of the most stunning parts of Mexico and home to amazing cities like Cancun and Merida, it also has some of the most spectacular ancient ruins in the world! Take a look to this post and discover the best mayan ruins in Mexico.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is the most famous site in the Yucatan, and for good reason. The ruins sprawl across vast green grounds, and as you enter deeper into the site you’ll quickly come across its gem, El Castillo. This pyramid castle stands at around a hundred feet tall, it’s a magnificent structure that has certainly stood the test of time. Be sure to listen to your guides’ encapsulating description Chichen Itza’s history. Watch out for the glory accounts about human sacrifice on the Skull Wall!
Fun fact: all of the steps of El Castillo add up to the same number of the days in the year, 365! You can see why the Mayans are known for their amazing calendars!
We recommend visiting Chichen Itza in the morning followed by a visit to the nearby Yokdzonot cenote for a refreshing dip!
Uxmal
Another hugely impressive Mayan site, a tour around Uxmal is incredible. This ancient city was established in 700 A.D and it was home to 25,000 inhabitants! Popular buildings that you can look around include the Nunnery Quadrangle, the graveyard and even pyramids that you’re allowed to climb!
Uxmal’s pride and joy is a 35 metre tall pyramid that dominates the centre of the grounds- making it one of the best mayan ruins in Mexico.
When the Spanish conquerors landed in Mexico in the 1800’s they referred to the central monument as the Pyramid of the Magician. This will come to no surprise to you as the magic of the place becomes apparent. The charms and motifs carved into the rock are full of stories and history- and they’re so well preserved that you’ll be transported to another world.
Before you leave, we recommend that you see the ceremony in honour of Chaac the rain god, the traditional Mayan drink prepared with cocoa and spices is delicious!
Uxmal is also home to picturesque botanical gardens and cocoa tree plantations, so be sure to check these out when you’re in the area, they’re the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll!
Tulum
If you’re staying in Cancun, a visit to Tulum is a must. It’s an amazing site with excellent transport links from hotels like Sunset Marina and Krystal Cancun.
The ruins of Tulum are perched atop of a knoll that overlooks its own private beach and the endless Gulf of Mexico. A day trip here can include exploring the ruins, hanging out on the beach and swimming in the warm South American waters.
However, it’s not just the amazing location that makes it stand out; the whole ruins are enclosed by a wall that’s seven metres thick! In front of the largest building, Castillo, is the Temple of the Frescoes. Inside the temple you’ll be able to gaze upon a mural with depictions of the world of the dead, the world of the living and the world of the gods. It’s an amazing glimpse into the beliefs of the Mayan people. Wandering the ruins can take several hours, so make sure you go for a dip in the sea to cool off afterwards!
After all of the exploring and swimming at the beach you’re sure to have worked up an appetite! we recommend visiting the town for some traditional Mexican cuisine, there are plenty of spots to have the best nachos, tapas and tequila! We recommend the Tuna Tower with fish tacos from Sabor De Mar.
If you’re intrigued by the mysteries of Mayan culture, then the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect travel destination. The fact that these ruins are perfectly placed near charming towns and out-of-this-world cenotes further highlights just how incredible this region is. We can’t recommend paying a visit to the best mayan ruins in Mexico enough!
Comments (0)