18 Beautiful Ruins in Yucatán You Need To See in Mexico
Mexico is rich in culture and history, with ruins dating back to the Maya civilization. The ruins in Yucatán are some of the most impressive ruins in Mexico.
Including Chichen Itza, the Mayan ruins of Coba, and Tulum!
We spent over three months exploring Mexico on mini-motorcycles. We covered a lot of ground and experienced a lot of beautiful ancient ruins during our time there. During our adventures, we found some of the best Mayan ruins in Yucatán.
Each of these beautiful Mayan ruins has its unique story to tell, and they are all well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or archaeology.
A Brief History of the Yucatán
By the time of their mysterious disappearance, the ancient Mayans had flourished as one of Earth’s most impressive indigenous cultures.
The Mayans developed advanced ancient civilizations after migrating to the Yucatán peninsula around 2500 B.C. The ruins in Yucatán from these civilizations are widely appreciated by tourists and travelers all over the world today.
Between 300 and 900 A.D., astonishing cities such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal sprouted up in the Yucatán region along with Mayan pyramids.
But just like that- the rich civilizations vanished without any solid explanation or answer for why.
Had it not been for the Spanish destruction of much of what was written about this great empire, we may still hold some answers today.
The Mayan ruins left behind by these ancient civilizations are a significant part of Yucatán history and culture.
The ruins in Yucatán can be found among some of the safest places in Mexico. Because it was relatively isolated until the mid-1900s, the Yucatán peninsula has maintained its unique and distinct culture compared to the rest of Mexico.
18 Beautiful Ancient Ruins in Yucátan
Though largely lost today due to destruction by Spanish forces, relics of the ancient Mayan ruins remain as remarkable testaments towards this mysterious culture’s legacy, alive through time.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a beautiful part of Mexico steeped in history. It is the home of many ancient ruins that provide insight into life hundreds and thousands of years ago.
Some of these ruins are accessible to the public, while others are only visible from afar. Read on to discover some of the most beautiful Mayan ruins in Yucatan.
Tulum
Location: Tulum, Mexico
Period: Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Tulum Ruins Tours Here
While Tulum is currently known as a popular modern tourism destination on the coast of Mexico, it has a long history many tourists may not know. The Tulum ruins were originally a walled Mayan ancient city.
The city’s history is unknown, but it was probably built around 1300 CE. Tulum’s residents fled the city when the Spanish invaded in the 15th century.
This site is a popular place for tourists and is easily accessible by tour bus.
Tulum has some standard architectural features with Chichén Itzá. The wide step at the base of some buildings and narrow doorways are common Mayan architectural features.
When you visit the Tulum Mayan ruins, look for the well-executed seawall overlooking beautiful white sand beaches that defended the ancient Mayan city from intruders!
There are also a few well-known buildings worth looking out for. Those buildings include the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, and El Castillo.
Chichén Itzá
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Period: Late Classic to Early Postclassic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Chichen Itza Tours Here
Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most well-known ruins you can visit in Yucatan. It may well be the most famous Mayan ruin. And was the site of one of the largest Mayan cities, starting around 400 CE.
Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins contain a range of architectural styles, demonstrating the city’s diversity. The city’s center consists of a little under two square miles with some surrounding residential spaces.
The city started to decline around 1100 CE. When the Spanish invaded Mexico in the 1520s, they established a capital in Chichén Itzá. The Maya did not take well to that goal and drove the Spanish out of Chichén Itzá by 1535 before the Spanish returned in the 1580s.
Explorers developed a renewed interest in the city in the late 1800s. In the early 20th century, the area was an archelogy site, and the Mexican government started a restoration of Chichén Itzá.
If you visit Chichén Itzá ruins today, the buildings may look neutral and like plain stone. However, they were painted with bright reds, purples, blues, and greens when originally built!
Some buildings include mosaics, ornate facades, sculpted hieroglyphs, and carved figures. There are a few Chichén Itzá tours.
I strongly recommend getting a guided tour because the tour guides can show you the amazing sound effects built into these ancient structures.
One example of these mysterious echoes can be heard by standing at the steps of El Castillo, the great pyramid, at Chichén Itzá and clapping your hands. The echo will sound like a chirping bird!
Your local guide knows how and where to produce these sounds. So don’t miss out on experiencing the hidden secrets at Chichén Itzá, and get a guided tour.
Ek Balam
Location: Temozón, Yucatan, Mexico
Period: Middle Preclassic to Postclassic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Ek Balam Tours Here
Ek Balam is a ruin that tends to make a quieter trip since it is less popular with tourists than in other areas.
Unlike more popular ruins, Ek Balam allows visitors to climb some structures. The site is easily accessible to visitors via road.
Mayans started building the city around 100 to 300 BCE and stopped at its height around 800 CE. After a while, the population started declining and was eventually abandoned.
This ruin is one of the most recently explored sites on the Yucatan Peninsula since excavation and restoration only began in the 1980s.
This site is popular for its stucco figural depictions, white stone causeways, and surrounding defensive walls.
While the city includes several structures, the most famous is the Acropolis, a large building that contains numerous examples of Mayan art. It also has a well-preserved stucco facade and a ruler’s tomb.
Uxmal
Location: Yucatan, Mexico
Period: Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
Uxmal is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Sayil and Labna. It is part of the Puuc area and known for the Pyramid of the Magician.
This site requires an entrance fee, and you can pay more if you want to visit the on-site museum. Uxmal Mayan ruins are accessible via car or foot.
There is evidence to suggest people lived in Uxmal dating back to 800 BCE. Any habitation from the city’s origin is likely not visible. Instead, the ruins consist of the remains of structures from the Maya Classic era.
The architecture in this area is in the Puuc style. Look for walls with plain bottom halves and decorated top halves in the Uxmal ruins.
Aside from the ovular Pyramid of the Magician, there are a few different well-known structures within the Uxmal ruins, including the Courtyard of the Birds, Nunnery Quadrangle,
After a tumultuous history during which many groups lived in Uxmal, the Mexican government began excavation and restoration in the 1920s. Much of the city’s history is still unknown.
Mayapan
Location: Tecoh Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico
Period: Late Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Mayapan Tours Here
Mayapan was the capital of the Mayan empire during the Late Post-Classic period. This period lasted between the 1220s to 1440s.
The ruins include over 4,000 individual structures, both inside and outside the city walls.
This site started undergoing excavations in the 1930s, and they continue to this day. Some popular features of this site include major gates, temples, shrines, altars, and individual dwellings.
The number of dwellings helps researchers estimate the total population to be around 16,000.
While this site is accessible to visitors, it is one of the less popular destinations. So, it is a good choice if you want a quieter experience as you visit a ruin.
There are no onsite guides for this ruin, but you can find and book a tour here.
Also, there are restrooms on-site.
Cobá
Location: Quintana Roo
Period: Late Preclassic to Late Postclassic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Coba Ruins Tours Here
Cobá was a Mayan city at its height in the late classic period with 50,000 inhabitants after its beginnings in the pre-classic era.
The city existed until around the 14th century. Cobá had some power struggles with Chichén Itzá after the emergence of the later city. The city was abandoned before the invasion by the Spanish.
Some of the most popular features of Coba Mayan ruins are the Ancient Pyramid, the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Conjunto de Pinturas, Coba Group, and Coba Stelae.
It is also known as a great example of sacbes, which are roads made of white limestone. To me, the Coba ruins were the best ruins to visit because the beautiful trees and greenery gave us cool shade.
Since Cobá is one of the more active ruin sites in terms of tourists, there is a designated visitor entrance. There are also many accommodations nearby, including a campsite, hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Yaxchilán
Location: Chiapas, Mexico
Period: Late Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Yaxchilan Tours Here
Located along the Usumacinta River, Yaxchilán traces its first history to 350 CE. It played an essential role in trade routes for a few hundred years before its abandonment around 800 CE.
The city was on the small side in its early years before some expansion.
Explorers rediscovered the ruins in the late 1800s, and excavations started in the 1930s. Those excavations continue today. The structures, lintels, and other monuments are all thoroughly researched.
Yaxchilán is home to a range of structures and art. There are many lintels left by the former occupants that detail the Mayan history of the area, including prominent rulers.
As a result, this site has some of the most known histories of the nearby ruins. This ruin is also known for its stelae, which are slabs of stone carved with the history of the area.
Chacchoben
Location: Quintana Roo
Period: Pre-Classic to Terminal Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Chacchoben Tours Here
The exact history of this ruin is unknown. However, experts hypothesize the Maya established themselves in this area around 200 BCE. Most of the visible structures in the Chacchoben ruin are from around 700 CE, though.
Unlike many other ruins in the area, this site was not found until the 1940s. As a recent rediscovery, this site only opened to the public in 2002.
At its height, this city was an essential player in trade. This role is visible within the architecture of the city, thanks to the appearance of architectural features from trade partners.
There is a range of structures, including temples, residences, terraces, and plazas.
While visitors are allowed at Chacchoben, it can be somewhat tougher to access than other ruins. Cut through Limones and Pedro Antonio Santos and head towards Merida before turning left and traveling for about five miles.
Dzibilchaltún
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Period: Late Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Dzibilchaltún Tours Here
Dzibilchaltún traces its roots as a settlement back to 500 BCE through to the Spanish conquest. The majority of the buildings were built during the late classic period between 600 and 1150 CE.
Dzibilchaltún is most known for its Temple of the Seven Dolls. This structure is built to allow the sunrise to shine directly through a specific door during the Spring equinox.
Though the existence of the ruin was known for a long time previously, the first excavations occurred in the 1950s. Since then, excavations continue, in addition to restoration work.
In addition to the ruins, you can also learn about the area at the on-site museum and relax at the restaurant.
Thanks to the ruin’s proximity to Merida, it is easy to access from nearby accommodations.
Kohunlich
Location: Quintana Roo
Period: Pre-Classic to Terminal Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Kohunlich Tours Here
Kohunlich is a ruin whose name comes from English origins because the Mayan name was unknown. The site consists of around 200 mounds. Much of this site is still hidden due to a plethora of vegetation.
Evidence suggests people settled in this area around 200 BCE. However, most of the structures at the ruins date back to the Early Classic period, which occurred between 250 to 600 CE.
A popular attraction at this site is the Temple of the Masks, which is a pyramid built in the Early Classic period containing several stucco masks.
Kohunlich is one of the few Mayan sites that allows you to climb the steps in the temple. While the site can be difficult to navigate, it is fairly easy to get to by car or tour bus.
Kabah
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Period: Pre-Classic to Post-Classic eras
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
Kabah is another site visitors can access as part of the Puuc Route near Highway 261. There are guides available at these ruins.
If you want to stay nearby, you may want to try nearby Muna, Ticul, and Santa Elena.
Settlement in the Kabah area dates back to the Middle Pre-Classic era, around 600 to 300 BCE. Most of the buildings that make up the ruins are from the Classic Maya area, close to 600 to 900 CE.
After eventual abandonment, the site was widely unknown until the 1840s. Exploration and renovation started in the 1950s and continue to this day.
A marker of the Puuc style is careful attention to stonework. This skill shows in the site’s intricate mosaics, sculptures, and veneer stones.
Well-known structures include the Palace of the Masks, the Codz Poop Palace, and the Chaac rain god masks that adorn the palace.
Edzná
Location: Campeche, Mexico
Period: Pre-Classic to Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
Edzná is one of the most stunning ruins you can visit on your adventures. It features impressive structures and unique views. Plus, it has one of the longest histories of the ruins. It is easy to access via car or bus.
While evidence suggests people lived in this area as early as 700 BCE, most of the structures visible in the ruins only date back to around 300 BCE to 200 CE.
The area rose in strength around the 6th century and continued to develop through the 1400s. However, the occupants of the site abandoned it by 1500.
Four main areas make up the city and connect via sacbeob walkways. A major feature of this site is the large temple in the plaza.
Another awesome feature is a ball court! Other features include reservoirs, a hieroglyphic stairway, and irrigation canals.
Explorers looked at the site throughout the first half of the 20th century before excavations and restorations occurred.
Bonampak
Location: Chiapas, Mexico
Period: Early Classic to Late Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Bonampak Tours Here
Bonampak is most known for its vibrant murals, which show war and rituals. Besides the temple in which those murals exist, you can also see the grand plaza and Acropolis.
Evidence suggests this city existed in the Early Classic area. However, most of the known structures were built in the Late Classic period.
After some conflict, it became a tributary city to Yaxchilan. Both cities declined during the ninth century.
Explorers rediscovered the city in the 1940s with the help of knowledgeable locals. Several institutions restored parts of the site.
Visitors are welcome at this site. Be sure to check out the awesome murals along the temple walls!
Calakmul
Location: Campeche, Mexico
Period: Pre-Classic to Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Calakmul Tours Here
Many people know Calakmul because it has the tallest Mayan pyramid. Many carved stone markers adorn the pyramid, along with beautiful murals.
Besides those features, you can also witness beautiful aqueducts and canals.
While the center of the city is not gigantic, it had great control over the surrounding areas. Possibly a million people were under the rule of Calakmul through different smaller tributary cities.
Settlers founded Calakmul during the pre=classic period between 700 and 350 BCE. The city quickly rose in prominence. Its power started to wane around 1000 CE.
After rediscovery in the early 20th century, excavation and restoration continue today.
Becán
Location: Campeche, Mexico
Period: Pre-Classic to Late Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
This well-protected city has a moat and a protection wall as part of its structure. Outside of walled Becán, there are also plenty of surrounding residential areas.
Besides the moat, there are many notable structures in this area, including plazas, palaces, masks, and a pyramid.
Becán settlement occurred around 600 BCE, but it took until later in the pre-classic period for the structures in the ruins to appear.
The city was an essential trade hub until it started to decline around 1150 CE.
Investigations started on the site in the 1930s and continue to this day. Located close to other ruins, this site is easy to get to, and you may be able to get a local guide.
Palenque
Location: Chiapas, Mexico
Period: Pre-Classic to Early Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
➤ Book Your Palenque Tours Here
A beautiful city, Palenque existed between 200 BCE and 800 CE. It sits in a beautiful landscape that includes streams and waterfalls throughout the city.
The sprawling area contains a large ruin that includes many residential areas. However, the ruins available to the public just include the central part of the city.
Thanks to the hieroglyphic inscriptions found throughout the ruins, experts have been able to determine much of the history of the city.
The hieroglyphs throughout the city even helped a general understanding of Mayan culture. Even with all that knowledge, there is likely still much of the city to uncover.
Some key structures include the tomb of Kinich Jaanab Pakal, aqueducts, a bridge, The Palace Complex, Sak Nuk Nahh, and The Temple of the Inscriptions. When you visit, you can check out the on-site museum and get a tour from a guide.
Muyil
Location: Quintana Roo
Period: Pre-Classic to Post-Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
Muyil is a former maritime trading port that contains a mix of excavated and unexcavated structures. While this city used to be relatively unknown to tourists, it recently increased in popularity.
Settlement of this area occurred around 300 BCE to 200 CE. The structures found in the ruins date back to 200 through 900 CE and 1100 to 1450 CE.
After the occupants left, it took until the 1920s to perform archeological studies.
This site is known for its Entrance Group of structures, The Castillo pyramid, the Temple of the Herons, the Temple of the Falcon, The Pink Palace, and Xlapak.
That last structure is only accessible by boat with certain guides. Many of these structures are examples of Peten architecture.
Sayil
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Period: Terminal Classic era
Accessible to Visitors: Yes
Sayil is part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site as Uxmal and Labnaalong along the Puuc Route near Merida. Check at the visitor kiosk to see if guides are available.
When you visit, look out for the Grand Palace of Sayil, El Mirador, and The Temple of the Hieroglyphic Lintel.
After settlement in 800 CE, Sayil reached its peak 100 years later, with around 15,000 citizens within the city and its surrounding areas.
Within another 100 years, the city started to decline and was then abandoned. The collapse is often attributed to unsustainable growth.
The site re-emerged in the public sphere in the 1840s when explorers made note of it. Throughout the 20th century, researchers carried out archeological digs, explorations, and restorations.
Tips to Visit Ruins in Yucatan
Before visiting the Yucatan, there are a few considerations to make to get the most out of your trip.
Bring Appropriate Clothing
Dressing appropriately is so important in the Mexican climate if you want to be comfortable.
The weather tends to be quite hot and humid during the day and somewhat cooler during the night. There are some areas in the Yucatan that can be very dry.
When deciding what to bring on your trip to Mexico, bring along light clothing that you can add layers to at night.
Choose shorts, light dresses, t-shirts, tank tops, and comfortable shoes, such as sturdy boots are essential when trekking around ruins. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses and a sun hat.
Best Time to Visit the Yucatan
When considering the best time to visit the Yucatan, you likely want to find a time with fewer crowds, nice weather, and not too much expense.
In terms of weather, December through April is the best time to visit the Yucatan because the temperatures are fairly mild, and there is less rain.
The winter is also an ideal time to avoid the crowds that often appear during Spring break. However, December through April is popular.
Also, you can get the best deals on flights and accommodations from May to November.
Pack Insect Repellent and Sunscreen
Both sunscreen and insect repellent are super important items to bring along when you visit Yucatan.
The hot sun can be powerful close to the equator most of the year. Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly!
You want to get a sunscreen that is easy to pack and great quality.
I use this suncare travel pack which includes sunscreen, sunscreen lip balm, and hydrating cool-down lotion.
The awesome Good Vibes canvas bag that comes in the pack has lasted me over a year of constant travel and is still holding up its great quality.
Also, get yourself some insect repellent! Not only are bug bites irritating and painful, but they can make you sick! By investing in a good insect repellent now, you’ll thank yourself later. Trust me.
I love packing a couple of these in my bag. They are so great to travel with and are pocket-sized!
Take Snacks With You
While some ruin sites have food nearby, including cafes on-site, many do not. As a result, it is a good idea to bring along a self-filtering travel water bottle or a canteen.
Staying hydrated is important as you explore ruins. Some portable snacks will also keep you going as you explore Yucatan history.
Keep in mind those snacks will need to stay stable for several hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before setting out to explore Yucatan ruins, here are answers to some of your most common questions.
How many ruins are in the Yucatan?
There are at least 200 ruins within the Yucatan. However, there are likely more that have not revealed themselves yet!
There may be several thousands of ruin sites throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. There are about 80 pyramids in the Yucatan.
If you want to see other ancient Mayan ruins outside the Yucatan, there are hundreds throughout Central America.
Beyond those on this list, you may also want to explore Riviera Maya and Xcaret Mayan ruins.
Can I take photographs of the ruins in Yucatan?
You can photograph the ruins in Yucatan. However, there are some general restrictions and some site-specific rules.
You can not use a tripod in the ruins unless you have special permission. It is also good to avoid other professional photography gear.
We brought along some cameras we carry on our motorcycles, and at sites like Chichen Itza, we were told we could only bring them inside if we paid extra money.
Some specific sites ban photography gear or charge for using certain gear.
You should always be safe taking pictures with your cell phone, though.
Do the ruins in the Yucatan only accept cash?
While some ruins in the Yucatan accept credit cards, the vast majority only accept pesos or U.S. dollars.
Many ruins will have ATMs nearby, but you may want to carry some cash with you just in case.
It usually costs around $5 or 100 pesos to visit a ruin. However, add-ons may cost more.
What is the biggest archaeological site in the Yucatan?
Chichen Itza is the biggest archeological site in the Yucatan.
It is around four square miles in total, with two square miles making up the center of the city. That city center was surrounded by residential areas.
When the city was at its height, it likely had around 50,000 citizens.
Summing it Up
The Yucatan Peninsula contains countless gorgeous ancient ruins that tell the stories of civilizations throughout history.
If you want to gain an understanding of the Maya and other groups in this area, visiting these important historical sites is a great place to start.
Some of these ruins are well-known and popular, but there are many sites you can visit that are less known to tourists. Since many of these sites are near each other, visiting a few within the same trip is easy.
If you are looking for a fun and safe trip to Mexico, make sure you don’t miss these beautiful ruins in Yucatán!
Happy travels, my friends.
After you take a day trip from Playa del Carmen to see the beautiful archeological sites, be sure to check out other day trips from the city!
Including Cozumel Island, Isla Holbox, and Isla Mujeres!
If you are looking for some beautiful hidden gems in Mexico, don’t miss the iconic Las Grutas de Tolantongo and the little-known town of Val’Quirico.