The 10 Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum, Mexico

For guests who wish to see the remainder of the ancient ruins, you’ll wish to contemplate renting a car in Tulum and driving, as some are fairly distant. One of the best a part of visiting these off the overwhelmed path websites is that you simply might need all of them to your self — which makes for an unforgettable expertise.

Mayan Ruins Close to Tulum

Irrespective of the way you go, with a bunch tour or by yourself, no go to to Tulum is full with out seeing a number of the Mayan Ruins. Prepared to find the High 10 finest Mayan Ruins close to Tulum you’ll wish to add to your itinerary? Let’s get to it.

To get to Tulum you’ll fly into Cancun Worldwide Airport. You’ll be able to lease a automotive and decide it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Compare prices here. If you wish to e-book transport from the airport to Tulum, this private transfer 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 simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis heart, so that you’ll completely wish to verify them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They’re positioned proper on the water, overlooking the attractive Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore under.

In comparison with different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. Nevertheless, it’s some of the lovely ruins in Mexico because of 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 Fort), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There’s a designated pathway to stroll alongside, so if you happen to observe the trail, you gained’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 the entire website in about one hour, however whenever you go to the ruins, attempt to go early within the day as a result of there’s no shade and it will get very, very popular. Top-of-the-line issues concerning the Tulum Ruins is you could head proper all the way down to the seashore after you go to the ruins and bounce within the sea.

There’s a staircase main from the ruins to the seashore under. (Observe: Relying on the tide, the staircase is usually closed.) This seashore cove, generally known as Tulum Ruins Seaside, 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’ll be able to rent on the entrance gate if you wish to have a professional present you round. The indicators listed here are in Spanish, so that is one thing price contemplating if you happen to can’t learn Spanish.

Handle: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There’s a parking zone the place you’ll be able to park your rental automotive and stroll. Or there’s a prepare for 10 pesos you could take as properly.

2. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is likely one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of many best archeological websites on the planet, so it doubtless doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It’s also one of many two most-visited historical ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico City. They each see about two million annual guests.

From Tulum, you’ll be able to drive your rental car, take the ADO bus from the Tulum metropolis heart, or join a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.

Whilst you can take pleasure in some ruins and not using a information, this huge archeological website actually is the place to rent one. As some of the fascinating locations on Earth to study concerning the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to clarify all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historical significance of the buildings, how they had 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’s a giant website at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for at the least three hours if you wish to see every little thing.

Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which implies “The Fort,” and can also be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan. That is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most photographs of the positioning, 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, Nice Ball Court docket, The Nunnery, Sacred Cenote, and extra. In whole, there are 20 teams of buildings, and every has a number of buildings to see. Get your skip the line entrance tickets in advance. It doesn’t matter what time of day you arrive, you’ll be able to beat the crowds and stroll proper on into one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.

There’s a parking zone on the ruins the place you’ll be able to park your rental automotive for 30 pesos.

3. Coba

Wish to climb a number of the historical ruins? Then you definately’ll have to move to Coba Ruins, positioned about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You can even book a day tour that features Coba and Tulum pyramids. Get pleasure from 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 details here.

Coba has the tallest pyramid you’ll be able to climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (generally referred to 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 price it.

Apart from 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 plenty of guests lease a motorcycle on the entrance gate so that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You can even stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person will provide you with a motorcycle tour of all the website, as you sit again and calm down.

Handle: Coba archaeological website, 77793 Q.R., Mexico

4. Muyil

Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is positioned simply south of Tulum within the small city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It’s within the one-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, 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 totally different. At Muyil, you’ll see the Peten structure fashion. The steep-walled pyramid right here is just like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, probably the most well-known Peten website on the planet.

Although not removed from Tulum, it takes some time to get there by automotive as a result of the street to Sian Ka’an is sort of rugged (and significantly better suited to 4X4s than compact automobiles). In truth, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the street to be washed out utterly. For that reason, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.

There are boat excursions via the Sian Ka’an which embrace a cease at Muyil, in addition to some very cool excursions referred to as float excursions. With these, you placed on a life jacket and float via 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 professional information.

Handle: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico

5. Ek Balam

Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here that you simply gained’t wish to miss. It’s positioned on the prime of the Nice Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this website.

From the highest of the Nice Acropolis, you’ll get some spectacular jungle views. Although it may be scary at occasions, since there’s no handrail to carry onto, the climb is price it for the views alone — plus the jaguar temple is on the prime of this pyramid, and also you gained’t wish to miss that both.

To get there from Tulum, the best approach is by rental car. The drive takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. You’ll be able to go by public transport however the journey time will double, as there aren’t any direct buses.

For these renting a car, you’ll be able to 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 cities.”

Valladolid is an enthralling and colourful colonial city. It makes the right 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

San Gervasio is positioned on Cozumel Island simply off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. To get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll first have to make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental car or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry journey to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are positioned within the heart of the island.

Although 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 sequence of roadways referred to as “scabes.”

Because it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, contemplate spending the entire day on Cozumel. It’s identified to have a number of the finest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on the planet, after the Nice 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’s the highest elevation level within the Yucatan Peninsula. For that reason, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial heart, although it’s possible you’ll hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.

Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Ladies,” acquired its title as a result of the Spanish Conquistadors discovered so many statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel everywhere in the island. Ixchel is the jaguar goddess that’s related to the moon, fertility, childbirth and drugs.

To get there from Tulum, you’ll first make the two-hour drive to Cancun by rental automotive 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 Seaside Park.

8. Chacchoben

Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is positioned about two hours south of Tulum by car. There aren’t any direct buses, and a taxi would value about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s finest to go to in your rental automotive.

Chacchoben is likely one of the finest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It’s positioned close to Mahahual, Mexico, a preferred cruise vacation spot and seashore city. When there are ships docked, you’ll be able to count on lots 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 most important of the three pyramids, you’ll see Mayan hieroglyphic writing!

As Chacchoben is positioned deep within the Mayan jungle, count on to see roaming iguanas and perhaps 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 house to Lake Bacalar, AKA the Lake of Seven Colours. That is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and identified for its attractive blue waters.

9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Website)

In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is positioned a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automotive. Nevertheless, 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 Website. Nevertheless, not like Chichen Itza, it’s by no means overrun with vacationers, so that you get all of the historical past, majesty and surprise — however considerably smaller crowds and no memento distributors harassing you.

For individuals who wish to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in probably the most genuine approach 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 known as El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Guests can’t climb El Adivino, however there are different buildings the place climbing is permitted.

Situated simply subsequent to El Adivino, you’ll be able to climb the Nice Pyramid at Uxmal. Although it’s not a straightforward climb to the highest of this or any of the ruins on this checklist, you might be rewarded with probably the most superb jungle views from the highest.

You can even climb to the highest of a number of different Uxmal buildings, just like the Home of the Birds, the Home of the Turtles, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. Whereas exploring, pay attention to the intricate carved stone designs on these buildings.

This is named the “Puuc” esthetic, and you may as well see it in different historical ruins websites close to Uxmal. Although 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

Dzibilchaltún (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune) is positioned about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automotive. It’s the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, some of the up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll positively wish to try Merida if you happen to’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.

Although there’s just a few Mayan Ruins right here, there’s additionally the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with giant Mayan artwork items and artifacts, a small Mayan Sculpture Backyard you’ll be able to stroll via, and a cenote to swim in.

Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the right locations to chill down after an extended, sizzling day of climbing Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. That is what’s referred to as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it seems like a pure swimming pool.

Crucial construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, generally referred to as the Temple of the Solar. Whilst you can’t climb right here, there are another buildings you’ll be able to climb in the direction of the again of the positioning close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).

When you occur to be visiting in the course of the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, positively add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the 12 months, the solar passes immediately via the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a really awe-inspiring website.

Wrap-Up: Finest Mayan Ruins Close to Tulum

There’s no scarcity of historical cities to take a look at within the Tulum ruins alongside the Riviera Maya or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In truth, some would possibly say there are literally too many choices.

When you’re overwhelmed, listed here are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that will help you determine the place you wish to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.

• Closest ruins close to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, positioned within the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Seaside, and inside metropolis limits.
• Should Go to Ruins Close to Tulum: Chichen Itza, one of many Seven Wonders of the World, and among the many most-visited places in Mexico.
• Mayan Ruins You Can Climb: Coba is the closest place to Tulum with a pyramid you’ll be able to climb, and it’s the tallest pyramid in Yucatan!
• Finest Off the Overwhelmed Path Ruins Close to Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for many who like venturing off the overwhelmed observe (however not too far off).
• Most Lovely Ruins Close to Tulum: Muyil has some of the lovely pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance just like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the most important Mayan metropolis ever found.

The right way to Get to Tulum

Tulum is positioned within the Yucatan Peninsula on the southern finish of Riviera Maya. To get to Tulum you’ll fly into the Cancun Worldwide Airport. Tulum is positioned 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.

The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are positioned half-hour from town heart of Tulum. Whereas these are small, they do have top-of-the-line places within the Yucatan Peninsula.

• You’ll be able to learn our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to extra of the Yucatan Peninsula

You’ll be able to keep within the city of Tulum as there are a lot of resorts within the space. Folks additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do a day journey to the Tulum ruins. From there you may as well go to the opposite ruins scattered all through the Yucatan Peninsula. One of the best ways to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automotive. Excursions are nice, however a automotive allows you to actually go to the ruins of the world at your personal tempo. When you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you’ll be the tour busses.

Irrespective of the positioning you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico.

Learn extra articles about Mexico by Shelley

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