Want to go to one of the best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the appropriate place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are positioned proper within the metropolis itself.
For guests who need to see the remainder of the traditional ruins, you’ll need to think about renting a automobile in Tulum and driving, as some are fairly distant. The greatest a part of visiting these off the overwhelmed path websites is that you just may need all of them to your self — which makes for an unforgettable expertise.
Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
No matter the way you go, with a gaggle tour or by yourself, no go to to Tulum is full with out seeing a number of the Mayan Ruins. Ready to find the Top 10 greatest Mayan Ruins close to Tulum you’ll need to add to your itinerary? Let’s get to it.
To get to Tulum you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport. You can lease a automobile and choose it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Compare costs right here. If you need to e book transport from the airport to Tulum, this non-public switch will meet you upon arrival and take you in consolation to your resort in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are literally positioned in Tulum, so that you’ll completely need to examine them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They are positioned proper on the seashore, overlooking the attractive Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore beneath.
Compared to different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. However, it’s one of the lovely ruins in Mexico due to its privileged location on the cliffside.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Castle), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There is a chosen pathway to stroll alongside, so if you happen to comply with the trail, you received’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological website adopted by a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour all the website in about one hour, however attempt to go to early within the day as a result of there’s no shade and it will get very, extremely popular. One of one of the best issues concerning the Tulum Ruins is that you would be able to head proper all the way down to the seashore after visiting and bounce within the sea.
There is a staircase main from the ruins to the seashore beneath. (Note: Depending on the tide, the staircase is usually closed.) This seashore cove, generally known as Tulum Ruins Beach, is likely one of the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t overlook your bathing swimsuit when visiting the Tulum Ruins.
Entry to Tulum Ruins is barely $80 pesos ($4 USD), and there are guides you possibly can rent on the entrance gate if you wish to have a professional present you round. The indicators listed below are in Spanish, so that is one thing value contemplating if you happen to can’t learn Spanish.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
2. Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins is likely one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — so it seemingly doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It can be one of many two most-visited historic ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico City, they usually each see about two million annual guests.
From Tulum, you possibly can drive your rental automobile, take the ADO bus from downtown Tulum to Chichen Itza, or be a part of a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
While you possibly can take pleasure in some ruins with out a information, Chichen Itza actually is the place to rent one. As one of the fascinating locations on Earth to study concerning the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to elucidate all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historic significance of the buildings, how they have been utilized by the Maya, and extra.
At Chichen Itza, there are a number of giant Mayan pyramids and much more of the smaller (however nonetheless distinctive) buildings to see. It is a big website at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for at the very least three hours if you wish to see the whole lot.
Upon coming into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which implies “The Castle,” and can be known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most pictures of the location, and one of many largest of all pyramids in Mexico.
There’s additionally the Temple of the Warriors, The Observatory, Group of a Thousand Columns, Great Ball Court, The Nunnery, Sacred Cenote, and extra. In whole, there are 20 teams of buildings, and every has a couple of buildings to see. Get your skip the road entrance tickets prematurely. No matter what time of day you arrive, you possibly can beat the crowds and stroll proper on into one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.
3. Coba Mayan Ruins
Want to climb a number of the Mayan Ruins? Then you’ll have to go to Coba Ruins, positioned about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You may also e book a day tour that features Coba and Tulum pyramids. Enjoy a guided tour that features a buffet lunch and a swim in a Cenote in addition to time to discover Playa del Carmen. See extra particulars right here.
Coba has the tallest pyramid you possibly can climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (generally known as Ixmoja), which stands 137-feet-tall (42 m). There are 120 steps to the highest, and it’s a steep climb, however the views of the Mayan jungle from the highest are value it.
Besides Ixmoja, which is positioned within the Nohoch Mul Group of buildings, there are different clusters of buildings all through Coba. These embrace the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big website, and lots of guests lease a motorbike on the entrance gate so that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You may also stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person provides you with a motorbike tour of all the website, as you sit again and calm down.
Address: Coba archaeological website, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil Mayan Ruins
Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is positioned simply south of Tulum within the small city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It is within the one-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of many largest protected areas in Mexico.
The Muyil Ruins are positioned not removed from the Tulum Ruins, although these two websites look completely completely different. At Muyil, you’ll see the Peten structure type. The steep-walled pyramid right here is just like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, probably the most well-known Peten website on the earth.
Though not removed from Tulum, it takes some time to get there by automobile as a result of the highway to Sian Ka’an is sort of rugged (and a lot better suited to 4X4s than compact vehicles). In truth, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the highway to be washed out utterly. For this purpose, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions by the Sian Ka’an which embrace a cease at Muyil, in addition to some very cool excursions known as float excursions. With these, you placed on a life jacket and float by the waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, visiting all the highest areas alongside the best way, together with Muyil Ruins.
This day tour from Tulum takes you to the Maya archaeological website of Muyil and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. It features a boat journey to Muyal Lagoon and features a picnic lunch and an skilled information.
Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
5. Ek Balam Mayan Ruins
Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here which you received’t need to miss. It is positioned on the high of the Great Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this website.
From the highest of the Great Acropolis, you’ll get some spectacular jungle views. Though it may be scary at instances, since there’s no handrail to carry onto, the climb is value it for the views alone — plus the jaguar temple is on the high of this pyramid, and also you received’t need to miss that both.
To get there from Tulum, the best means is by rental automobile. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours. You can go by public transport however the journey time will double, as there are not any direct buses.
For these renting a automobile, you possibly can flip this into a pleasant day journey. After exploring Ek Balam, head to the close by city of Valladolid. This is likely one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, which implies “magic towns.”
Valladolid is a captivating and colourful colonial city. It makes the proper place to eat lunch after visiting Ek Balam, and you may as well go for a refreshing swim in one of many close by cenotes, like Cenote Oxman, Cenote Saamal, or Cenote Zaci.
6. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
San Gervasio is positioned on Cozumel Island. To get to Cosumel from Tulum, you’ll first have to make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry journey to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are positioned within the heart of the island.
Though a smaller website, there are many issues to see at San Gervasio, the one Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island. The highlights right here embrace the Templo Nohoch Nah and the Templo Ka’na Nah de Ixchel, that are linked to 1 one other by a collection of roadways known as “scabes.”
As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, think about spending the entire day on Cozumel. It is thought to have a number of the greatest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on the earth, after the Great Barrier Reef close to Australia.
7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins
The Ruins of Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) are positioned on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island is positioned simply off the coast of Cancun, and a favourite amongst Yucatan guests.
These ruins are on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It is the best elevation level within the Yucatan Peninsula. For this purpose, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial heart, although you might hear it known as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Women,” obtained its title as a result of the Spanish Conquistadors discovered so many statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel all around the island. Ixchel is the jaguar goddess that’s related to the moon, fertility, childbirth and medication.
To get there from Tulum, you’ll first make the two-hour drive to Cancun by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 20-minute ferry journey over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are positioned on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
8. Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is positioned about two hours south of Tulum by automobile. There are not any direct buses, and a taxi would value about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s greatest to go to in your rental automobile.
Chacchoben is likely one of the greatest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It is positioned close to Mahahual, Mexico, a well-liked cruise vacation spot and seashore city. When there are ships docked, you possibly can anticipate a whole lot of different guests at Chacchoben, however on non-ship days, you might have the place all to your self.
There are two teams of buildings to see at Chacchoben Ruins, in addition to three excavated, restored pyramids. Inside the biggest of the three pyramids, you’ll see Mayan hieroglyphic writing!
As Chacchoben is positioned deep within the Mayan jungle, anticipate to see roaming iguanas and possibly even some spider monkeys. With the monkeys, even if you happen to don’t see them, you’re very prone to hear them howling off within the distance.
From Chacchoben, you’re additionally solely about 30-45 minutes from Bacalar, Mexico. This pueblo magico (magic city) is residence to Lake Bacalar, AKA the Lake of Seven Colors. This is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and identified for its attractive blue waters.
9. Uxmal Mayan Ruins (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is positioned a bit removed from Tulum at 5 hours by automobile. However, many will say it’s the second-most vital Mayan website within the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza Ruins.
Like Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, in contrast to Chichen Itza, it’s by no means overrun with vacationers, so that you get all of the historical past, majesty and marvel — however considerably smaller crowds and no memento distributors harassing you.
For those that need to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in probably the most genuine means attainable, go for Uxmal. It sees solely about one-tenth as many annual guests as Chichen Itza, so it’s a way more nice expertise.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by the tallest pyramid in Uxmal, which is named El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Visitors can’t climb El Adivino, however there are different buildings the place climbing is permitted.
Located simply subsequent to El Adivino, you possibly can climb the Great Pyramid at Uxmal. Though it’s not a straightforward climb to the highest of this or any of the Mayan Ruins on this checklist, you might be rewarded with probably the most superb jungle views from the highest.
You may also climb to the highest of a number of different Uxmal buildings, just like the House of the Birds, the House of the Turtles, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. While exploring, pay attention to the intricate carved stone designs on these buildings.
This is called the “Puuc” esthetic, and you may as well see it in different historic ruins websites close to Uxmal. Though probably the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely one among 5 websites within the space that are all positioned on the Ruta Puuc, or Pucc Route. The others are Kabah Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, Sayil Ruins, and Labna Ruins.
10. Dzibilchaltún Mayan Ruins
Dzibilchaltún (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune) is positioned about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automobile. It is the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, one of the up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll positively need to take a look at Merida if you happen to’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Though there’s only some Mayan Ruins right here, there’s additionally the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with giant Mayan artwork items and artifacts, a small Mayan Sculpture Garden you possibly can stroll by, and a cenote to swim in.
Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the proper locations to chill down after an extended, scorching day of climbing Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. This is what’s known as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it seems like a pure swimming pool.
The most vital construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, generally known as the Temple of the Sun. While you possibly can’t climb right here, there are another buildings you possibly can climb in direction of the again of the location close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).
If you occur to be visiting through the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, positively add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the 12 months, the solar passes instantly by the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a very awe-inspiring website.
Wrap-Up: Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
There’s no scarcity of Mayan Ruins to take a look at within the Tulum space, or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In truth, some would possibly say there are literally too many choices.
If you’re overwhelmed, listed below are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that can assist you determine the place you need to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
Closest Mayan Ruins to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, positioned within the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Beach, and inside metropolis limits.
Must Visit Ruins Near Tulum: Chichen Itza, one of many Seven Wonders of the World, and among the many most-visited locations in Mexico.
Mayan Ruins You Can Climb: Coba is the closest place to Tulum with a pyramid you possibly can climb, and it’s the tallest pyramid in Yucatan!
Best Off the Beaten Path Ruins Near Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for individuals who like venturing off the overwhelmed monitor (however not too far off).
Most Beautiful Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has one of the lovely pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance just like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the biggest Mayan metropolis ever found.
No matter the location you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico. Which place on the checklist caught your eye probably the most? Which ones are in your bucket checklist? Let us know within the feedback beneath.