Upon arriving to Yucatan, Mexico, you will quickly see the many ways in which Mayan heritage influences modern day Mexico, particularly in this region. Yucatan has a rich history of Mayan heritage and Spanish colonial influences. Your trip to Yucatan will offer a distinct perspective on history, culture and how that all plays into today’s society.
To have the richest experience possible, you must see at least one (hopefully more) of these top ancient Mayan archaeological sites. To supplement this awe-inspiring, historical excursion, try local cuisine, swim through the pristine waters of the cenotes, and come prepared with open ears to learn from the experts.
Here are the top ancient Mayan archaeological sites you must see in Yucatan.
Coba
Pictures don’t quite do Coba justice because you can’t really visualize how tall and steep the ancient site is until you witness it in person. Coba is one of the biggest Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula, and you have the option of climbing it! Our tour is a 90-minute ride from Playa del Carmen, with an optional Italian coffee break in Tulum. We bring our guests before the other big buses and crowds arrive, and you will have your own certified archaeological guide. The guide will show you deep into the jungle so you can explore all the ruins of Coba. Take a ride on a Mayan taxi to avoid thirty minutes of walking time.
Be the first to climb Coba! Learn more about our private tour to Coba.
Muyil
Head deep into the jungle to see the ruins of Muyil. The location is 85km (52mi) south of Playa del Carmen. There is about ten minutes of walking between the archaeological site of Muyil from the lagoons of the Nature Biosphere of Sian Ka’an. On this tour you’ll learn about the history of the Mayan temples, climb a watch tower to overlook the dense jungle, and last but not least, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the lagoons of the Natural Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. This biosphere became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The reserve includes 23 known archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization.
Head deep into the jungle to see Muyil and the biosphere of Sian Ka'an.
Tulum
Join us on a visit to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum. We’ll arrive before the heat and the mass tourism so you can enjoy a surreal, quiet experience of the ancient Mayan city. The Tulum ruins sit on top of a 12-meter (39-foot) cliff, along the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. A private archaeological guide will show you around and explain every detail about this great city.
See the majestic ancient Mayan city of Tulum before the crowds arrive!
Chichen Itza
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second-most visited of Mexico’s archaeological sites. It is located directly in the center of Yucatan. The drive from Playa del Carmen will take two hours or less. Our goal is to have you be the first to arrive to this majestic site. You will have a private archaeological guide who will show you around the grounds. In 2007, Chichen Itza’s El Castillo was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
See one of the most famous ancient Mayan archaeological sites in the world! Tour Chichen Itza with us. Ask us about seeing Ek Balam too!
Ek Balam
This archaeological site is 56km (35mi) northeast of Chichen Itza. This site is known for its preservation of the plaster on the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, a king buried in the side of the largest pyramid. Ek Balam is well-preserved and is a great resource of information for understanding northern Classic cities, due to the poor preservation of other notable Maya sites.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to write in the comment section below or send us an e-mail to: contact@kay.tours.