Dive Deep into the Heart of Mexico’s Mayan Ruins
Written by Kaelie PIscitello
In the heart of Mexico’s jungles, where sunlight dances through the dense canopy, the remnants of a civilization that once thrived lie waiting to be discovered. More than just mighty Mayan pyramids, entire cities sit with an artistry that has withstood the test of time. These remains are more than stone structures; they serve as gateways into a world of divine connection, astronomical wonder, and complex society.
There is far more to Mexico than just enjoying the all-inclusive resorts and eating nachos for breakfast. (Though I must admit, I loved eating nachos for breakfast every morning!) Mexico has abundant ancient history that devout lovers of the past can unearth. From Chichen Itza to Uxmal, you can explore many cities in Mexico that interest people of all ages.
Chichen Itza
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction over the last few years. History does not tell us much about the people who once lived here, but the Mayans, Toltec, and Itza people influenced them. Many feel drawn to Chichen Itza because it has more to do with seeing one grand pyramid in the middle of nowhere. There, you can take an entire village complete with a sacred cenote (a water hole used for human sacrifice), a warrior temple, a ball court, and a wall of skulls.
Chichen Itza is open daily from 8-4 on weekdays and 8-5:30 on weekends. While you can rent a taxi to get there, many people recommend taking a tour bus that makes other stops along the way. That said, you don’t necessarily need a guide because the signs have English translations. However, my family got one when we went, and we learned so much more about life in Chichen Itza than we would have on our own. No matter which way you come to Chichen Itza, prepare to haggle with the souvenir merchants for a fair price; they expect it.
Teotihuacan
Similar to Chichen Itza, Mayan culture also influenced Teotihuacan, and the people there centered themselves around astronomy. They built the two main buildings, the Sun and Moon pyramids, to honor the gods of the day and night, and people thought of Teotihuacan as a religious center. Scholars think Teotihuacan must have housed a multi-ethnic society because of the many people who impacted it. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many believe civilization predated the Aztec Empire.
You do not need to book Teotihuacan tickets in advance. However, doing so will help you skip the lines, and many people will take tours to dive deeper into the civilization’s historical impact on Mexico. Many people see Teotihuacan as a day trip from Mexico City because taking a short bus ride there is easy. Many guides recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and hot weather.
Tulum
Tulum is a Mayan set of structures and yet another historical Mexican landmark. The Mayans built it over 800 years ago, and the Spanish drove out its inhabitants around 300 years ago. As one of the only ancient remains built along the ocean, many travelers consider Tulum one of the prettiest ruins. It has a more rustic feel than Cancun and Playa del Carmen, so you should see it even if you stay in one of the beach resort areas.
You can reach Tulum easily from all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Tulum sits just under two hours away from Cancun and 45 minutes away from Playa del Carmen. You can walk there from Tulum City in under an hour to work out before exploring the ancient ruins.
The nearby modern-day city gets mixed reviews from travelers. Influencers love its rustic charm and beachside atmosphere. However, budget backpackers have found it too touristy and not an authentic experience of Mexico. If you are okay with crowds and some aesthetic scenes, this could be an excellent place to visit.
Uxmal
Another beautiful must-see set of ruins is in Uxmal. The civilization was founded in the 1700s and had around 20,000 inhabitants. The people there designed this civilization around astronomy and events that shaped their days, such as the sun’s rise and fall. If you love art, then you must come here to take in all of the Mayan art displayed on each building.
As another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Uxmal is one of the richest places to see traditional Mayan art. The Governor’s Palace, in particular, has many mosaics of snakes and gods. One of the best parts of Uxmal is that you can climb the pyramids here! Many other ruins prohibit climbing, but at Uxmal, you can go up to the top and take in the view.
Uxmal is around four hours from Cancun, so I’d recommend visiting Merida to see these ancient structures. Uxmal is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and entry costs around $5.21 USD per person and $30 USD for a guided tour.
Palenque
Palenque is one of the few Mexican ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site set in the jungle. Many theorize that people built it around 200-600 AD. The buildings have many inscriptions carved into them, and historians have derived information about the past from them, making them a cherished key to the Mayan past.
You can access Palenque by bus. Some recommend traveling there with a taxi, but remember to remind your driver to drop you off right at the main gate to avoid a hike through the jungle to your destination. Please know that Palenque is farther away from many main tourist spots, including a 12-hour drive from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. If you want to stay near these ancient ruins, try flying into Villa Hermosa and then taking a shuttle from the airport.
