Latin America has more than 4,400 Maya places, and a lot of them are in Mexico. Mexico has so many ruins that it would be easy to spend a lifetime visiting them all. Okay, so you probably don’t have a lot of time on vacation in Mexico. So, here are some of the best Aztec and Mayan sites there are.
1. Teotihuacan
Teotihuacan was once one of the most powerful cities in Mesoamerica, but no one knows where it came from specifically. The huge pyramids called the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of the Moon”) are what the huge site is most famous for.
2. Monte Alban
Many different kinds of artifacts and cultural information can be found at Monte Albán, which was also used as a fort. Besides a ball court and an observatory, it has palaces and churches. Beautiful views of the city, mountains, and rivers can be seen from all sides because it is 400 meters above the valley floor.
3. Tulum
Others in Mexico may look more impressive than Tulum’s Mayan sites, but the city’s beautiful Caribbean coastline more than makes up for it. The most famous building in Tulum is El Castillo, a stone structure built into a cliff that looks out over the beach and water. Tulum has a beautiful beach right inside the ruins, as well as ruins and the three main buildings that we talked about earlier.
4. Calakmul
There is one of the tallest Mayan temples in Mexico in Calakmul, and the best part is that there aren’t many people there. Here, 6,750 old buildings have been found, but the thrill-seekers are set on climbing the 45-meter pyramid. Although it is only 35 kilometers from the border with Guatemala and deep in the jungles of the greater Petén Basin area, Calakmul is well worth the trip.
5. Palenque
Palenque is regularly rated as one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. Its setting in the jungle is beautiful, and the buildings are very impressive. When you walk through the limestone pyramid tombs and temples, the sounds of birds and monkeys will greet you. The Palace of the Inscriptions, which holds the tomb of the ruler Pacal, is its main jewel. Read our full guide to Palenque to learn more.
6. Chichen Itza
Located on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichen Itza is one of the most popular archaeological places in all of Mexico. Many people think of the 30-meter-tall step pyramid El Castillo when they think of the Mayan pyramids in Mexico. You can easily spend a day visiting Chichen Itza, which is one of the Mexican sites close to Cancun. Our in-depth guide to Chichen Itza has more details.
7. Coba
Coba had the largest network of stone causeways, also known as scabies or white roads, in the old Mayan world. This is why these ruins are so well-known. Anyone can climb the 130 steps to the top of Coba’s Ancient Pyramid. Even though it’s a busy tourist spot, it’s not too crowded with people, so you can still feel like you’re in the forest because it hasn’t been dug up as much as some other Mayan cities.
8. Ek Balam
Ek’ Balam is a new attraction for tourists, but it quickly became one of the best ruins in Mexico. There are 45 buildings in the walled city, and you can even climb the main tower to get a great view. A lot of people know Ek’ Balam for keeping the plaster on King Ukit Kan Lek Tok’s tomb in good shape. King Ukit Kan Lek Tok’ is buried in the biggest pyramid.
9. Bonampak
Many people know the ruins in Bonampak as the most famous in Mexico because of the murals that were drawn on them. You can see history come to life in Structure 1 or the Temple of Murals. King Chan Muwan and his wife, Lady Rabbit, were Bonampak’s last dynastic family. These paintings tell the story of their rise to power and celebrations, as well as acts of selflessness and war.
10. Yaxchilan
Yaxchilan was a very important and powerful Mayan city in the past. It even competed with Tikal, which is the biggest Mayan city and is in Guatemala. It was on the bank of the Usumacinta River, which gave it power over river trade and many alliances. A lot of people are interested in Yaxchilan’s archeology because of its decorated roof combs, walls, and carved stone lintels.
FAQ’s
Q1. Why explore ruins in Mexico's cultural landscape?
In Mexico, exploring ruins is a one-of-a-kind way to learn about the country's rich past and cultural heritage. The ancient sites show amazing building works and artistic creations that give us a glimpse into the societies that used to be so successful.
Q2. Which are the top ruins to explore in Mexico?
Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, Palenque, Uxmal, Tulum, Coba, Monte Alban, Ek Balam, Yaxchilan, and Calakmul are some of the best ruins in Mexico. Each place is unique and has its own historical importance.
Q3. Are these ruins easily accessible for visitors?
Yes, many of these sites are easy for tourists to get to because they have well-kept paths and signs with useful information. Some sites may require you to move around a bit, so it's best to wear clothes and shoes that are easy on your feet.
