Along with the incredibly beautiful beaches and resorts that proliferate the Mayan Riviera, the Mayan Ruins are a must see. The following three Mayan Ruin sites are not the only sites located within the Yucatan but they are either close or fairly close to the Riviera Maya coast line and easily accessible. Excursions to these ruin sites are available through most any travel outfit located in the Mayan Riviera. For custom private tours check out The Custom Tour with Rod Ratner or Kay Tours

Mayan Ruins:

Coba – Visit the ancestral city of Coba, an archaeological site hidden deep inside the jungle. Coba is the only remaining Mayan ruin site where visitors are allowed to climb the Nohoch Muul temple (the tallest pyramid of the state). From the peak of pyramid, the view is incredible and you will be able to admire the pristine beauty and immeasurable vastness of the surrounding sub-tropical rain forest.

Chichen Itza – Located in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula and designated one of the NEW Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins are a marvel of massive structures such as the Kukulcan Pyramid, designed by Mayan architects without modern day technology. Other structures include the largest Mayan Ball Court in the Americas as well as many of the same paths used by Mayan priests centuries ago to offer sacrifices to their gods at the Sacred Well.

Tulum – Located atop a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is comprised of more than 60 well-preserved structures built inside an impressive stone wall. The park is located 2 hours from Cancun via Federal Highway 307. It’s recommended to park at the nearby shopping mall for easy access to the park. Once inside, you can walk around and explore the stone structures before taking the brown-wooden staircase down to the beach.

 

Other note worthy Mayan Ruin Sites in the Yucatan:

Ek Balam, Muyil Mayan ruins (just south of Tulum), Xel-Ha Mayan ruins (close to the Xel-Ha Snorkel Park), Chacchoben Mayan ruins (located in the far south of the Quintana Roo near Belize), El Meco ruins (right in Cancun!), Dzibilchaltun Mayan ruins (approx 10 miles outside of the city of Merida), Uxmal Mayan ruins (located on the western side of the Yucatan Peninsula)