Mexico is such a beautiful country, from the beaches to the jungles. We try to visit at least once a year. There are so many archaeological sites with so much history it is hard to choose which of the many Mayan Ruins to see while you are there. These are some of my favorite.

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Ek Balam

An impressive archaeological site. Ek Balam, meaning Black Jaguar, are what remains of a Mayan Village dating back to 100 BC – 300 AD. A more recent excavation, started in 1994. There are over forty structures hidden inside the walls.

The main building, the Acropolis, where archaeologists discovered the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, once ruler of Ek Balam. You’ll also find the Oval Palace. This site contained burial artifacts so it is believed it was used in burial ceremonies.

You can still climb the Acropolis and enjoy the views. My husband did, I did not, my fear of heights. Ek Balam is easy to get to. You can rent a car, a little over 2 hours from Cancun, or choose to take a tour like we did. The tour also combined the ruins with a swim in a cenote. If you choose to go on your own you’ll pay around 90 pesos. Visit https://inah.gob.mx/zonas/21-zona-arqueologica-ek-balam for more up to date info.

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Tulum

Not far from Cancun, just 90 minutes south, you’ll find the archaeological site of Tulum. This is one of our favorite Mayan Ruins. I loved how everywhere I turned I saw little iguanas running around. Tulum sits cliffside overlooking the ocean. This was the perfect location for this ancient Mayan port. It is one of the most well preserved Mayan sites, also not too big. You’ll find El Castillo, once the lighthouse to guide the ships. The House of Columns, also known as the Palace. This once served as the home of Mayan rulers. After you have explored the ruins make sure to head down to the beach, cool off, and take in the views from below.

Tulum is open 7 days a week and is easy to get to from Cancun by car or bus. Entrance fee is 90 pesos. Visit https://inah.gob.mx/zonas/99-zona-arqueologica-de-tulum for more up to date information.

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Coba

Waters stirred by the wind…Coba. Here you’ll find the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan, Nohoc Mul, reaching 137 ft. It is estimated Coba had some 50,000 people in its population at its peak. Coba was very big into trade and traded with others as far away as Honduras and as close as Tulum.

This archaeological site has 3 different settlements for the public to see, a church area, ballcourts, and a main pyramid. The site is lined with shaded walkways (Sacbe) which were once roadways used by the Mayans. You can walk, rent bicycles or hire a bicycle taxi to take you to the main sites. We chose to rent bicycles which was fun. Afterwards make sure to visit the nearby cenote. Our tour included a trip to swim. Visit https://inah.gob.mx/zonas/515-zona-arqueologica-de-coba for more up to date information.

Book a tour of Tulum and Coba here

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Chichen Itza

The most popular and famous of all the Mayan ruins. One of the new Seven Wonders of the World is definitely an amazing archaeological site. We have been several times. Both during the day and in the evening. I recommend the evening tour by far. You get there just before closing so you can avoid the crowds (and some of the heat). You’ll have time to see everything before nightfall then prepare to be amazed by the Kukulkan Night Light and Sound Show. Visit Chichén Itzá for all the details on this tour!

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