During your trip, visiting the Mayan temples in Mexico is definitely a must! Mayans are surely the most well-known native Mexican people. They left an impressive heritage with temples straight from Indiana Jones. Some are still very well preserved and contribute to the influence of the region. So if you like ancient civilizations and archaeology, Mexico will be a little paradise.
We had already done an article on 3 essential pyramids of Mexico. In this article we will talk about the Mayan temples of the Yucatan Peninsula with our favourites and informations to know to best prepare your visit!
Short introduction about the Mayans
Mayans were people who spread to Central America for more than 3,500 years, from their first colonies in the 20th century B.C. until their last city which fell into the Spanish invasion in the 16th century.
Good to know: Many think that Mayans have disappeared. Yet they are still present in Yucatan that has kept its traditions, its culture and its language.
Although they have made extraordinary progress in various fields (cultural, social, religious, architectural, in the development of sciences such as mathematics, astrology or medicine…), they have never really been considered an Empire, since they were organized in independent city-states.
There are different groups of Mayan villages: the Tutul Xiues (of which the most important cities were Uxmal or Mani), the Itzaes (with the all-powerful Chichén Itzá or Edzná), or the Cocomes (with the city of Mayapán as the largest centre). These three groups founded «Mayapan League», which dominated the Yucatan Peninsula for several centuries.
In the rest of Mesoamerica, there were other civilizations which, in one way or another, had links with the Mayans and influenced their development. We speak for example of the Olmecs, considered as the «mother culture» of the rest of the Mesoamerican civilizations, the Toltecs, with the cult of Kukulkan, or the Aztecs, their main enemies, whose main city was Tenochtitlan.
The most beautiful Mayan temples
A few tips and things to know:
- – All temples are open every day of the week, from 8am to 6pm.
- – Chichen Itza and Uxmal offer sound and light shows in the evening.
- – Provide water as many temples are in full sun.
- – Read this article if you decide to rent a car in Cancun for your stay, it is easy to visit the temples by car.
- – If you are not driving, visit the ADO bus site. You can also go to the colectivo stations in your city.
- You are now ready to visit and learn more about the most beautiful temples of the Peninsula!
1- Chichén Itzá, the most famous of the Mayan temples
The former pre-Hispanic city of Chichen Itza, chosen as one of the seven new wonders of the world, is the most visited and known site in the region. This sacred site was one of the largest and most prosperous Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. In nearly 1000 years of history, different peoples have left their traces on the city. The vision of the world and the universe of the Mayans and Toltecs is revealed in the various monuments of the site.
How to get there?
From Valladolid > 45 Min
From Tulum > 2H
From Playa Del Carmen > 2H15
From Cancun > 2H30
If you want to know more about the history of Chichen Itza and its practical information you can see our complete guide. We also offer an excursion in private groupe to Chichen Itza with a certified guide from Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.
Price: 571 pesos for foreign travellers. 85 pesos for children – 13 years.
2- Tulum, the temple with the most beautiful view
Localized in the south-east of Cancun, the port town of Tulum flourished between 12th and 14th centuries. It is the only Mayan city by the sea, which has allowed it to dominate maritime trade. When the Spaniards arrived in 1518, it was still inhabited by the Mayans. Due to its sublime location with its ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and its proximity to Tulum, this site is very popular with tourists and is a visit not to be missed.
How to get there?
From Valladolid > 1H-2H
From Tulum > 20min
From Playa Del Carmen > 1H-1H30
From Cancun > 2H-3H
We also offer an excursion to the ruins of Tulum with a certified guide from Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.
Price: 80 pesos
3- Coba, the most mysterious
Halfway between Tulum and Chichén Itzá is another Mayan city of inestimable value: Cobá. Here is the monumental Pyramid of Nohoch Mul, which is 45 metres high and one of the most imposing of all the Mayan temples in Mexico.
The visit of the site under the vegetation is very pleasant and can be done by bike. At the end of the route of about 1.5 km is the great pyramid. Along the way, you can make several stops to visit the Ball Games field, a small pyramid with oval-shaped steps, and some steles, stone headstones where important facts of the city were carved.
Good to know:
Coba was ruled by a woman in her most important era. The excavations revealed that it played a major role in the city’s influence. A powerful ruler, Lady Yopaat would have reigned for 40 years at the beginning of the 7th century, reinforcing Cobá’s domination of the region.
How to get there?
From Valladolid > 45min-1H
From Tulum > 45min
From Playa Del Carmen > 1H30
From Cancun > 2H-2H30
You can find our excursion to Coba combined with the observation of monkeys in the reserve of Punta Laguna, departing from Cancun, Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.
Price: 100 pesos
Attention, it is no longer possible to climb the pyramid for conservation reasons.
4- Ek’ Balam, or the Black Jaguar
Ek Balam in Mayan means «black jaguar» and was probably the name of the chief founder of the city. It is one of the last archaeological sites discovered in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the most important.
It houses several majestic buildings surrounded by a dense forest. Over time, the city grew in importance, becoming the capital of the Tah Empire and the commercial center of eastern Yucatan. From there were built several saddlebags, sacred paths, connecting other peoples and allowing the exchange of goods.
Its most prosperous period was between 700 and 1000, but its foundation dates back to 300 B.C. It was later abandoned when the Spanish settlers arrived.
Bonus: You can still climb the steps of his temple and admire from above the different buildings around.
How to get there?
From Valladolid > 35min
From Tulum > 2H
From Playa Del Carmen > 2H
From Cancun > 2H-3H
A private tour to Ek Balam with a guide is available.
Price: 494 pesos.
5- Uxmal, an architectural wonder
Uxmal was an important Mayan city in Yucatan, was founded around the year 700 and housed up to 25,000 inhabitants. Its various buildings are arranged according to astronomical data and archaeological excavations have shown several occupations by different Mayan groups. This is THE site to see in Puuc style. The Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the name given by the Spanish, is surrounded by ceremonial architectural buildings richly decorated with many symbolic motifs. One can see for example sculptures depicting Chaac, the god of Rain. Uxmal shows Mayan art and architecture at its peak.
How to get there?
From Mérida > 1h-1h30
From Campeche > 2H
Price: 234 pesos
6- Calakmul, the sunken city
The Mayan city of Calakmul began its decline before being definitively abandoned and engulfed by the jungle. It was forgotten before being rediscovered by explorers of the last century and offered the world one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological areas.
Its beauty lies in its pyramids that reach up to 50 meters high surrounded by an infinite green sea. You will walk through the jungle through the ruins accompanied by a background noise of howler monkeys.
How to get there?
The archaeological area of Calakmul is immersed in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, in the south-east of the state of Campeche, about 30 kilometres from the border with Guatemala. At kilometre 95 of Federal Road 186, there is the entrance to the road that leads to the archaeological area of Calakmul.
From Bacalar > 2H15
From Campeche > 4H
From Xpujil > 40min
Price: 245 pesos (entrance fee to the biosphere + site)
Specific recommendations for this site:
– The archaeological area is very large and we recommend you to call a guide at the entrance of the road that leads to the archaeological area or beforehand.
– Leaving your hotel early in the morning to observe wildlife on the way, they are more active in the morning. Your guide will help you identify them.
– It is important to know that there is no telephone network, no Internet, no ATMs.
– Remember to bring enough water and snacks, as there are no shops in the archaeological area. The nearest store is 1:30 in the community of Conhuas.
– It is important to get gas in Escárcega or Xpujil, depending on where you come from, as you will not find a gas station near the archaeological area.
7- Mayapán, the little Chichen Itza
Mayapán can be considered as “Small Chichén Itzá”. It houses a good number of buildings in excellent condition within its walls, smaller than Chichen. Mayapán in its time was one of the most important Mayan cities. In fact, it is considered the last great Mayan capital, and of this ancient splendor still remains its ruins. You can climb his pyramid, a fact that is increasingly rare on the peninsula.
One of the good things is that there are usually not many tourists. In fact, it is not uncommon for you to be alone on the site!
How to get there?
From Mérida > 40min
From Izamal > 1H10
From Valladolid > 2h30
From Campeche > 2H40
Price: 60 pesos
8- Edzná, the most ingenious
The Mayan ruins of Edzna owe their name to the word Ytzná, which referred to the Mayan people “Itzas”. At its peak, it had about 25,000 inhabitants, probably thanks to an ingenious channelling system that gave it total power over water control and helped it develop one of the most prosperous cities of Mayan civilization.
Its essential structures are the Casa Grande Nohochná in the form of steps 135 metres long, the Temple of Mascarones, where two stucco masks painted in red are preserved, the Small and Large Acropolis and, of course, the Temple of the Five Floors, The jewel of Edzna’s crown. Almost 32 meters high, divided into 5 levels, each with 27 vaulted rooms.
How to get there?
From Campeche > 45min
From Tekax >
From Mérida > 2H30
From Xpujil > 3H30
Price: 65 pesos.
9- Dzibilchaltún, the door to the sun
Located to the north of the city of Mérida, is the Mayan city of Dzibilchaltún, which means «the place where there is writing in stone». This town of 20,000 people was specialize in salt and tools production, in addition to planting corn, the main food of the Mesoamerican peoples.
It is best known for its Clock and the Templo de las Siete Muñecas. Indeed, a phenomenon occurs when the ray of sunlight during the equinox reaches the center of the gate of the Templo de las Siete Muñecas, thanks to the mathematical perfection achieved by the Mayans. They believed then that the god of the Sun appeared with his plumage colored by the door of the temple.
How to get there?
From Mérida > 30min
From Tekax >
From Izamal > 1H10
From Valladolid > 2h30
From Campeche > 2H40
Price: 70 pesos
10- Becán, the little Calakmul
Close to the village of Xpujil, the archaeological area of Becán is worth a visit if you are on your way to Calakmul. The access is very easy and, although they are not as impressive as these, they are also surrounded by the jungle and its buildings are clearly influenced by nature.
It has several structures, some more than 30 meters high, although its most emblematic feature is the ditch that surrounded the entire city and that indicates the ongoing wars with its neighbors. Being outside the tourist circuit and not part of the most famous ruins, it is likely that you will not find a single other tourist on site.
How to get there?
From Xpujil > 10min
From Bacalar > 1h40
From Campeche > 3H40
Price: 70 pesos
11- Labna, the ornament
Labna means “old house or abandoned house”. This site is particularly beautiful due to the very detailed ornamentation carved in stone. One of the representative elements of this place is undoubtedly the Arc, it is a great example of Mayan architecture. We think it must have been the entrance to major events or celebrations.
La Ruta Puuc
The ruins of Labna are part of the Puuc road with the sites of Sayil and Kabáh and of course Uxmal. This off-the-beaten path allows you to explore temples of the magnificent Puuc style, where tourists are not yet used to go.
How to get there?
From Xpujil > 10min
From Bacalar > 1h40
From Campeche > 3H40
Price: 55 pesos
12- Sayil, landlocked in the valley
Sayil is considered along with Uxmal and Kabáh as one of the largest Mayan cities on the Puuc Road, which was home to about 17,000 people between 800 and 1000 AD.
It was built in a valley formed by lomerios, small mountains. This geographical feature causes the absence of water on the surface and the former inhabitants had to build water reservoirs under the rocky soil. Its size, its demographic concentration and its architecture suggest a great social organization and its craft capacity.
Here again, you can admire Puuc art. Its most representative buildings are the Palace, the Mirador, the South Palace and the Ball Game.
How to get there?
From Mérida > 1H30
From Tekax > 1H
From Campeche > 2H
From Izamal > 2H15
Price: 55 pesos
13- Kabah, the splendid
Kabah, in Mayan, means “Lord of the strong or powerful hand.” It is a place where you can experience the splendour of the Puuc style.
The ruins extend on both sides of the main road and although only a few of the buildings are open to the public, there is much to explore on the site. It is characterized by its strategic location and the quality of the cut stones embellishing its various constructions.
The most famous structure in Kabah is the Palacio de los Mascarones. The facade of the building is covered by nearly 300 masks of Chaac, the god of rain. This repetition of elements is unusual in Mayan art. The detail and work on each piece is amazing.
How to get there?
From Mérida > 1H30
From Tekax > 1H15
From Campeche > 2H
From Izamal > 2H15
Price: 55 pesos
14- Chicanna, the most elitist
Its name means «the house of the snake’s mouth» and is located in the Rio Bec region. Unlike other sites in the region, it does not have buildings with impressive heights, but it is characterized by the elegance and richness of the ornament of its walls. Several researchers consider it an elitist center linked to the Becan metropolis.
All its buildings are richly decorated in the Rio Bec style, including many masks carved on their facades. A huge figure of the god Itzamná, monster of the earth, whose open jaws frame the door of the enclosure, is also sculpted.
The road of the Rio Bec
Its visit can be part of a route called “La route du Rio Bec”. Three archaeological sites are worth visiting: Xpujil, Becán and Chicanná. They are characterized by their wild environment and Rio Bec architectural style. Due to the proximity of the federal road Villahermosa-Chetumal, they are easily accessible.
How to get there?
From Xpujil > 10min
From Bacalar > 1h40
From Campeche > 3H45
Price: 65 pesos
15- Chacmultun, the red
Chacmultún means “red stone heaps,” because of the colour of the stones that cover the walls. This tone is the result of the microorganisms that inhabit the place and whose particles, in contact with water and air, blush the stone.
The old city was built according to a very particular organization. The land was levelled so that each building was elevated and surrounded by artificial terraces or platforms to give an impression of monumentality.
Inside some buildings, you can enjoy pre-Hispanic wall paintings with various motifs and characters that are now studied by experts.
How to get there?
From Mérida > 1H30
From Tekax > 20min
From Izamal > 2H15
Price: 65 pesos
Some Route Ideas
As seen throughout the article, some visits to temples can be coupled. Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba are some of the must-see temples to see in Mexico if you spend your holidays in Yucatan.
The Puuc ruta is also a very recommended route with Labna, Sayil, Kabah and Uxmal. If you have less time I advise you to remember Uxmal. Several small towns offer hotels on the way to the ruta Puuc.
The west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is the least touristic is the wildest. There are few towns and villages. Xpujil is one of the only cities offering tourist services near the temples, it is here that we advise you to stop and explore the surroundings. Many tourists make the trip to see the beautiful Calakmul. But we will recommend, if you have time, to take a look at the different sites of Rio Bec before concluding by Calakmul.
