Top 5 Mayan Ruins in Cancun

Top 5 Mayan Ruins in Cancun That You Should Go Visit!

Why sit on a beach all day when you can see some Mayan ruins in Cancun? All of the ruins listed below are easily accessible by tour except for El Rey but it’s so close that you won’t need a tour to see it. Keep in mind that there are two types of Mayan pyramids. The Toltecs built pyramids with a staircase on each side, whereas Mayans from Tikal built pyramids with only one staircase on one side. Another important fact is that only the Toltecs performed human sacrifice. in contrast, the Mayas from Tikal only performed sacrifices on animals. Nonetheless, I highly recommend seeing both types when you visit. They are quite different and will broaden your view of the Mayan culture.

5. El Rey Archaeological Zone

El Rey may be a small Mayan ruin but it’s in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. What’s interesting about this site is that they did not have limestone or sandstone, so all the structures are built out of corral.

Why you should visit

Because it is easily accessible from any hotel in the Cancun hotel zone by bus. They will drop you off in front. You do not have to leave the Cancun hotel zone to see it. If you prefer, you may even be able to walk there from your hotel. The best part about El Rey is this site doesn’t get a lot of visitors so it’s not uncommon to have the entire place to yourself and a few iguanas.

4. Tulum, The Walled City

Tulum was the great walled Mayan city. It is on the edge of the sea, it used to be a port. It is known for it’s walls that are up to 16 ft. (5 meters) high and 26 ft. (8 meters) thick. Although this site is absolutely gorgeous, it only ranks as number four because it was overly commercialized. The place now feels like Disney which is not the type of experience I am looking for when I visit archaeological sites. However it’s still worth seeing at least once in your lifetime and if you want to visit a site that has a Starbuck, this is the one for you!

Does that mean I shouldn’t go?

Of course not! Even though it’s highly commercialized, it’s still a must see when in the Cancun region! The site itself is so pristine that it’s almost magical. All of the jungle has been cleared away. Also there is plenty of wildlife and the site itself sits on a cliff overlooking a clear blue sea. If you prefer to sit on a beach all day, why not come sit on the beach at Tulum instead? The view is amazing!

Easiest Way To Visit Tulum

This is the tour I took to visit Tulum and Coba on the same day. Out of all the tours available, I highly recommend taking this one. Not only will you ride on a mini bus but you will also be treated like royalty with a wet towel to wash off and drinks for the ride. By far, this is the best tour you can get!

Tulum

Private Tour Tulum & Coba

From USD$169.00

Duration:

8 hours
Departs:

Coba, Mexico
Full archaeological day: first you will be visiting the Mayan ruins of …

More info ›

3. Coba Archaeological Site

Come to Coba and climb the highest Mayan pyramid that you can climb in the area. It’s even taller than Chichen Itza! Chichen Itza is 98 ft (30 meters) tall and the pyramid at Coba is 137 ft (41 meters) tall! Coba is the second largest site in the Mayan civilization. The largest is not Chichen Itza, it is actually Tikal in Guatemala.

Why you want to see Coba

Who doesn’t want to climb the largest pyramid in the Mayan empire? Also, this site does not get as many visitors as Chichen Itza or Tulum and since it’s so large, you won’t see as many people on site just because they are able to spread out better than at the other sites. After-all, there’s no better way to get a real feel of what Mayan life was like than to wonder through Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle and wildlife!

Easiest Way To Visit Coba

I took this tour to visit Coba and Tulum on the same day and I absolutely loved it! Out of all the tours available, I highly recommend taking this one. Not only will you ride on a mini bus but you will also be treated like royalty with a wet towel to wash off. As well as plenty of drinks on the ride. In conclusion, this is the best tour you can get. Try it out for yourself!

Coba

Private Tour Tulum & Coba

From USD$169.00

Duration:

8 hours
Departs:

Coba, Mexico
Full archaeological day: first you will be visiting the Mayan ruins of …

More info ›

2. Chichen Itza – One of the Seven New Wonders Of the World!

The most popular of all Mayan sites. Everyone has to see Chichen Itza at least once in their lifetime. It’s a world heritage site and to be honest, Kukulkan pyramid is quite impressive! It’s huge and wonderfully constructed. Unbelievable that the Mayans were able to build something so big without machines or animal power. Since it’s the most popular, it does get extremely crowded. Best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon.

Why everyone should see Chichen Itza

The fact that this site is one of the 7 new wonders of the world should be enough reason to come see it for yourself. If not, come here to check out all the cool sound phenomena. The pyramid chirps like the quetzal bird when you clap in front of it and in the ball court, you can hear an echo bounce off the walls.

Best Chichen Itza Tour

Since there are so many tours to Chichen Itza, it seems like it’s hard to choose the right one. If you don’t want to have to worry about food or drinks. I recommend this tour. Above all the guides were awesome and we had refreshments the whole way. Even though the line to get in Chichen Itza is horribly long, the guides got us in before everyone else.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Plus

From USD$77.65

Duration:

8 to 10 hours
Departs:

Tulum, Mexico
Discover one of the NEWEST wonders of the world and the mysteries of the …

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1. Ek Balam Archaeological Zone

If you want to see the best of what the Mayan world has to offer near Cancun you must go visit Ek Balam. It has a gorgeous Mayan façade all made out of stucco. The façade is like nothing you will ever see in any of the other Mayan sites. It’s absolutely awe-inspiring! I can’t believe they were able to make such an elaborate sculpture with only basic tools. After-all, this one is the most artistic site and it quickly became my favorite Mayan ruin near Cancun!

Don’t wait to go visit Ek Balam! Here’s why

Not only is this the most beautiful Mayan site but it’s also one of the lesser known ones. Which means there will be very few tourists when you go. I don’t like crowds when I travel and if you don’t either. This is a site that you absolutely must visit! You will see a gorgeous façade unlike any other Mayan site. As a bonus you can still climb this pyramid. It’s one of the few that you can still climb. I suggest going as soon as possible if you want to climb it because eventually someone gets injured and they have prohibit climbing. Don’t be stupid if you go, please use the rope on your way down. The rocks are very slippery and it would be a shame if they close it off to others because you fell.

Take a Tour of Ek Balam

Easiest way to get to Ek Balam is by tour. They pick you up at your hotel in a mini bus and drive you to the site. It includes lunch and a swim in one of the best cenotes in the Cancun region! I loved this tour. Try it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!

EK Balam

Ek Balam and Cenote Private & All Inclusive Tour

From USD$147.68

Duration:

8 to 12 hours
Departs:

Cancun, Mexico
This 8-12 hours activity is ideal for families and small groups. You’ll …

More info ›

Insurance

Climbing Mayan pyramids and visiting ruins is a lot of fun but please make sure that you have insurance. You never know when an accident will happen and you are at higher risk when you are exploring ruins. I really like Allianz, they have great rates and better protection than most other companies. Check them out below!