Mexican history has left a legacy of majestic archaeological zones to mankind, some of which date back 3,000 years to the Mesoamerican civilizations. To the south/west of the Yucatan peninsula, you will find such sites as Chichen Itza and Palenque, widely considered the most important archaeological zones of Mayan culture. However, one of the main lures of the Mayan Riviera is that apart from its white beaches, it too offers a wealth of archaeological treasures which date back to the distinct eras of the Mayan culture. Here you can learn about the rituals, customs, traditions, architecture, astronomy and even the boating practices of this pre-Hispanic civilization.
Coba - Located 105 km (65 mi) southwest of Playa del Carmen and 42 km (26 mi) northwest of Tulum on Highway 307. In this Mayan city you will find several monumental buildings, an extensive network of roads, several important steles and five lakes which form the heart of this ancient metropolis: Coba, Macanxoc, Sacalpuc, Yaxlaguna and Xcanh. Open daily from 8:00 to 5:00.
Tulum - Located 128 km (80 mi) south of Cancun on Highway 307. This was one of the main cities that the Mayans built near the ocean. Currently it is a national park with an expanse of 644 hectares (1,590 acres). The ruins stretch 6 km (3.5 mi) along the coast, and the grounds include lodging facilities, a modern mall with Mayan-like architecture and designs, and several restaurants where you can enjoy the region's traditional cuisine. Among the must-see Mayan structures are: el Castillo (The Castle), el Templo del Dios Descendente (The Temple of the Descending God), el Templo de los Frescos (The Temple of the Frescos) and El Templo del Viento (The Temple of the Wind). Open daily from 8:00 to 5:00.
Muyil - Located 15 minutes south of Tulum. It is one of the oldest Mayan cities and the ruins are surrounded by dense vegetation. El Templo de El Castillo (the temple of the Castle) stands out as one of the highest structures on the coast. Muyil borders the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Open daily from 8:00 to 5:00.
Xaman-Ha - Located in Playa del Carmen, 68 km (42 mi) south of Cancun on Highway 307. Here you'll find several structures and a temple as the main archaeological attractions.
Xcaret - Located 8 km (5 mi) south of Playa del Carmen off the Cancun-Tulum Highway 307. This ecological park offers attractions you won't find elsewhere, such as the archaeological ruins of one of the most important ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture. Its natural beauty is one of a kind and benefits from ponds, caves, underground rivers full of colorful fish, and a reef aquarium. Open daily from 8:30 to 10:00 (www.xcaret.com). This park's archaeological design allows visitors to admire the platforms and buildings of a ceremonial center, like such structures as the Caracol, the Main Temple, the miniature temples and the residential areas.
Archeological sites further inland:
Uxmal - This archaeological zone, located 80 km (50 mi) south of Merida on Highway 261, has palaces of majestic architecture. The city has 15 groups of buildings, including the Adivino Pyramid, an impressive structure that is 35 meters (115 feet) tall, and the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor's Palace), considered one of the most beautiful constructions of Mesoamerica. Don't miss out on the magical experience of Uxmal's sound and light show. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00. For more information, please click here.
Chichen Itza - Considered one of the most important capitals of Mayan culture, here you can admire spectacular constructions such as El Castillo (The Castle) and the Kukulcan Temple, El Observatorio (The Observatory), the Caracol and the largest ball court discovered in the Mesoamerican region. There is also the Sagrado sinkhole, which is 30 meters (100 feet) wide in diameter. Located 121 km (75 mi) east of Merida on Highway 180. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00. For more information, please click here.
Dzibilchaltun - One of the oldest Mayan cities in the northern Yucatan region. Its most important structure is el Templo de las Siete Munecas (the Temple of the Seven Dolls). This archaeological zone, which covers about 17 sq. km (nearly 7 sq. mi), also has an ecotourism park and the Museum of the Mayan People. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00. Located 14 km (9 mi) north of Merida on Highway 261.
Ake - From the middle of a huge square known as the Gran Plaza, you can gaze at the main buildings where the ruling class once lived. Particularly impressive is a limestone road, called a sacbe, which stretches 32 km (20 mi) and used to link the city to Izamal. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Source: Text Mexican Tourism Board - www.visitmexico.com; pictures Mayaland Resorts
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Archaeology along the Mayan Riviera, Mexico: Tulum, Coba, Muyil, and more .
Please note: Information on this sheet is believed to be correct but not guaranteed
