7 Best Mayan Ruins In The Yucatan Peninsula You Must See
What are the best Mayan ruins to visit while in Mexico? Each of the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula are without question impressive and in this guide I’ll share the top ones to visit that will leave you speechless.
Although all of the Mayan cities were abandoned years ago, the magnificent structures that still stand are quite remarkable.
Famous for their advanced achievements and knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, architecture, agriculture, and a calendar system way before any other civilization is astounding.
How they were able to do what they did without any modern tools or technology has kept an intense interest and allure for decades.
The dominant and powerful Mayan civilization started as early as 1500 BCE and began to decline around 900 CE.
Although no one knows for certain it is thought that fighting among cities is what brought on the fall and eventually the invasion of the Spanish ultimately decimated the remaining Mayans.
But I was pleasantly surprised to learn there are still Mayan people speaking Mayan and keeping the traditions alive all this time throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.
In fact, one of my guides was Mayan and listening to Mayan being spoken is a treat as it is beautiful language.
Tip: Keep in mind that the Yucatan Peninsula is VERY hot all year round. Locals will say there is a cooler season but personally I think there is a Hot and a VERY Hot season!
For that reason, dress appropriately, bring water, sunscreen, and hat!
Top Mayan Ruins In The Yucatan Peninsula
1. Chichen Itza
The most famous of all the Mayan ruins in Mexico and the Yucatan is Chichen Itza.
It is the one you have likely seen photos of for its status as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It ranks up there with other top must see sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu.
Chichen is such a famous landmark for its architectural achievements, Mayan historical significance, and the level of preservation still remaining.
Many Mayan ruins in Yucatan, Mexico are no longer visible or in poor conditions.
Chichen Itza doesn’t show its age at all with each structure in the condition you would imagine during its peak occupation.
When you realize that the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are estimated to be between 1,500 and 1,600 years old it boggles the mind.
The most popular structure at Chichen Itza is the El Castillo pyramid standing at 78 feet plus another 20 feet with the temple at the top.
Visitors can expect on average to spend 2.5 and 3 hours exploring the magnificent archeological complex.
And of course, you spend even more time if you are into photography.
Chichen Itza makes for the perfect Valladolid day trip as Valladolid is the closest city about 45-55 minutes away.
You can also get there from Cancun, Tulum, and Merida but it will make for a much longer day.
👉 READ MORE: Ultimate Visitor’s Guide To Chichen Itza
2. Ek Balam
Most people that visit the Yucatan Peninsula don’t visit Ek Balam and have even heard of it.
But don’t let that be you! Ek Balam (Black Jaguar) is 30 minutes from Valladolid and one of the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Located near the town of Temozon, Ek Balam makes for a great day trip from Valladolid in combination with visiting Las Coloradas and Ria Lagartos along the Caribbean Sea.
It’s untouched beauty is what makes it stand out as each Mayan structure within the Ek Balam complex is surrounded by a lush jungle.
Ek Balam is older and historically considered more powerful than Chichen Itza as one of the main political and spiritual hubs in the Yucatan.
From 100 BC to 800 AD, the community of Ek Balam flourished but for no reason anyone knows for sure, the civilization here was eventually abandoned.
Although each structure you see in Ek Balam is pretty impressive, the biggest and awe-inspiring is at the far back end of the grounds.
As you walk beyond the trees, your eyes will glimpse the base of the majestic Acropolis.
When you reach the base and gaze up you’ll be stunned at the sheer size of it standing 480 feet tall.
You can climb up the main set of stairs but make sure you go slow, have good balance, and aren’t scared of heights!
If you make it to the top, the views are incredible overlooking the ruins peaking out amongst the dense green blanket the jungle creates.
👉 Book Now: Ek Balam, Las Coloradas & Ria Lagartos Tour!
Tip: One of the best ways to learn about the Mayans is to sample some of the best dishes from the Yucatan!
3. Coba
Another stunning ancient Mayan ruin is Coba in the state of Quintana Roo with a peak population of 50,000 people.
The civilization of Coba flourished between 600 AD and 800 AD but after 1000 AD the once powerful city began its decline with Chichen Itza dominating.
With a dwindling presence Coba ultimately fell victim to the Spanish conquistadors in the 14th century.
Back when I visited the Coba ruins it was one of the lesser known Mayan ruins in the Yucatan to visit.
Even today, you won’t see the same level of crowds in comparison to Chichen Itza and Tulum which is a bonus.
Visit Coba from either Tulum or Valladolid with about a 50 minute drive or from Cancun which is 2 to 2.5 hours away.
What Coba is most famous for is its main pyramid tower Nohoch Mul, which is the tallest pyramid structure in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Nohoch Mul stands at 138 feet (42 meters) tall and a huge draw for that fact you used to be able to climb to the top.
I was fortunate to climb it before they stopped allowing climbers a few years back but it is still a beautiful Mayan ruin to see even from the base.
The grounds at Coba are covered in a pact jungle with small clearings around the various Mayan ruins.
This is a huge benefit in my opinion as it provides a break from the intense sun and heat!
There are countless ruins across the Coba complex so you can walk it (takes ~ 2.5 – 3 hrs), rent a bike, or hop in a “Mayan taxi” (bike cart).
If you are short on time, focus on visiting the areas of the Coba Group, The Nohoch Mul Group, and Macanxoc Group (known for stelae – large stone slabs).
Coba Tours
Book Now: A Coba & Cenote Tour From Cancun
From Tulum: Explore Coba, Tulum & Cenote Tour
4. Tulum
The ruins of Tulum have the most unique and dramatic setting with its Mayan ruins perched on a cliff directly above the ocean.
As far as views go, the image of ancient ruins framed with the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and swaying palm trees is a breathtaking sight!
The Tulum ruins are one of the last great Mayan cities in Mexico with its peak between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Tulum meaning “wall” for its surrounding wall fortress was an important and dominant trading city for the Mayans with its coastal access.
Jade and turquoise were some of the more valued items traded here.
You can imagine it was a bustling hub between ships coming in and entry into the Yucatan Peninsula.
But not long after the Spanish arrived in the 1500s the ancient Mayan city of Tulum collapsed and remained rather hidden by vegetation for 300 years.
When you first enter via the north entrance, view the structures along the waterfront then make your way through the site and exit on the south side.
The main structures to take note of are:
- Templo del Dios Vientos (Temple of the Wind God)
- Templo del Dios Descendente
- El Castillo (the Castle)
- Templo de las Pinturas (Temple of Paintings)
You can expect to spend 2 – 3 hours exploring the Tulum ruins and easily more if you spend time at the stunning beach below.
Since the ruins of Tulum are easy to reach from Tulum and Cancun, it can get pretty crowded here.
If you can try to get there first thing to avoid the crowds and the intense sun as there is no shade here.
Book Today: Tulum Ruins Tour From Cancun
From Tulum: Explore The Ruins Of Tulum & Coba
5. Uxmal
Of all the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, Uxmal is my favorite. It has the grandness of Chichen Itza but with only a fraction of the visitors.
Uxmal (pronounced “oosh mal”) is a unique and majestic Mayan civilization that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located 1 hour south of Merida in the Puuc region, it makes for an easy day trip in combination with Kabah (next on the list).
With its impressive Puuc style architecture the Mayan city of Uxmal was designed using Astronomy.
They used astronomy centered around the rise and setting of Venus. In contrast, many other Mayan ruins were designed using Geometry.
In this area, hills are abundant and why it is called the Puuc region (puuc means “hills”).
The Mayans used the hills in the design of Uxmal which adds to its beauty and the magical feeling that is imminent upon arrival.
The largest structure is the Pyramid of the Magician (or Pyramid of the Dwarf) with its smooth, oval shaped pyramid that stands 93 feet tall (28 meters).
After you circle around the Pyramid of the Magician, you’ll come across the House of Birds before entering the four-sided Nunnery Quadrangle.
Standing in the center of the Nunnery Quadrangle, you can view each building with intricate carvings many of which are Chaac masks.
Chaac was the rain god and as you can imagine a very important focus for the Mayans as water was the source of all life.
Next, you’ll walk down a series of steps to a valley where the ball courts are.
As you continue, you can climb the steps up to the platform where the Governors Palace is. From here, the views of the pyramid are breathtaking.
Note: Expect to spend 2 – 3 hours here.
👉 Book Tour Now: Uxmal & Kabah From Merida
6. Kabah
If you plan to visit Uxmal, make a point to visit the Mayan ruins of Kabah, just 20 minutes south of Uxmal.
At first glance, the grounds of Kabah seem much smaller in comparison to the other Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula.
But what it may lack in size it more than impresses for its incredible architecture and unique touches that you don’t see elsewhere.
Located along the Puuc Route (Ruta Puuc), a causeway that also connects to Uxmal you’ll get the chance to walk the ruins without any crowds.
Although tourists flock to the larger and more famous ruins, Kabah see’s fewer visitors and has a very tranquil setting.
The highlight of Kabah is the intricate carvings on Codz Poop (Palace of Masks). As the name implies, there are a series of mask carvings.
All the masks are carvings representing the rain god of Chaac. It’s not until you get closer that you can see the details of each one.
To get up to Codz Poop and the other structures within the complex, you do need to be able to climb up a steep set of stone steps to reach the upper level.
Kabah meaning “powerful hands” is estimated to have been built in the 3rd century BCE and reached its peak between the 7th and 11th centuries.
Unlike most Mayan ruins in Yucatan, Mexico Kabah wasn’t built over or close to a cenote.
Cenotes were sources of water and sustained life for these civilizations. Kabah on the other hand relied on capturing rain and why they cherished Chaac, the rain god.
Note: Kabah became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
👉 Book Now: Visit Ruins of Uxmal & Kabah
7. Kinich Kakmo
Nestled between the cities of Valladolid and Merida is the Yellow City of Izamal and home to Kinich Kakmo.
The entire historic center of Izamal is painted in yellow, which adds to the appeal of visiting.
Izamal is a small town that is easy to walk around with the Mayan ruins of Kinich Kakmo a few blocks from the main plaza.
Originally there were five pyramid structures in Izamal with Kinich Kakmo the largest pyramid and currently the one that is the best preserved.
Sitting up on a hill overlooking the city of Izamal, the views are well worth the slightly strenuous climb up the pyramid steps.
It is estimated that Kinich Kakmo was built between 300 and 600 CE during the Mayan Classic Period.
Kinich Kakmo means “fire macaw with solar face” as the legend says that a macaw on fire would swoop down to the top of the pyramid to accept offerings.
Tip: The climb is steep with uneven stones so avoid if you don’t have good balance.
Note: Free to visit between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Entrance is on Calle 27 between Calle 26 and Calle 28.
👉 Reserve A Spot: Visit Kinich Kakmo From Merida
Top Tours To See Mayan Ruins
Depending on where you are staying, here are the best tours to take you to the best Mayan ruins in the Yucatan!
From Cancun
Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid Day Trip
Explore Ruins Of Tulum, Coba & Cenote Tour
From Tulum
See The Ruins of Tulum, Coba & Swim In A Cenote
Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote & Tequila Tasting
From Valladolid
Explore Chichen Itza, Kinich Kakmo, & Cenote Tour
Discover The Mayan Ruins Of Ek Balam
Visit Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Adventure
From Merida
See Chichen Itza, Kinich Kakmo, & Cenote Tour
Explore Ruins Of Uxmal, Kabah & Cenote Tour
Tips For Visiting The Mayan Ruins In Yucatan, Mexico
- The Yucatan Peninsula is very hot year round so bring plenty of water in a reusable water bottle.
- Most of the ruins have none or limited shade so bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and wear cool clothes.
- Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, and a travel towel as there are a number of cenotes near each of these sites to swim in.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet walking the grounds.
- At some sites you may encounter mosquitos so keep them away with this spray.
- Go early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Mayan Ruins Of Yucatan Map
Got Travel Insurance?
Don’t leave home without travel insurance as you never know what might happen on a trip! It is always when you least expect it that something can go wrong like getting sick, in an accident or cancellation of some sort.
Get a no-obligation quote from two trusted travel insurance companies for peace of mind on your next trip!
Find More Mexico Travel Destinations
19 Tastiest Yucatan Foods To Try That You Don’t Want To Miss
7 Best Things To Do In Izamal, Mexico: Yucatan’s Yellow City
21 Best Things To Do In Valladolid, Yucatan That Are Magical
Taking A Bus From Cancun To Valladolid, An Easy & Safe Way To Travel
Visit Chichen Itza From Valladolid: 3 Best Ways To Get There
7 Best Day Trips From Valladolid, Mexico Not To Miss
25 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca City, Mexico For First Time Visitors
Oaxaca Day of The Dead Celebration: Ultimate Visitor Guide
Is Oaxaca Worth Visiting? 11 Reasons To Visit This Magical City
Oaxaca Mezcal Tour: The Best Guide To Touring A Palenque
55 Top Tips For Traveling To Mexico And What To Know Before You Go
19 Best Oaxaca Tours For Food, Mezcal & History
33 Best Things To Do In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
7 Best Rooftop Bars In San Miguel de Allende Not To Miss
19 Awesome Things To Do In Puebla, Mexico Not To Miss
Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing: How To Use CBX With Ease
Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.