Want to go to the very best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the precise place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are situated proper within the metropolis itself.
For guests who wish to see the remainder of the traditional ruins, you’ll wish to contemplate renting a automobile in Tulum and driving, as some are fairly distant. The greatest a part of visiting these off the crushed 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 wish 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 wish 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 lodge in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are literally situated simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, so that you’ll completely wish to verify them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They are situated proper on the water, overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the white sand seaside under.
Compared to different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. However, it’s probably the most 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 your entire website in about one hour, however once 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, highly regarded. One of the very best issues concerning the Tulum Ruins is that you may head proper all the way down to the seaside after you go to the ruins and soar within the sea.
There is a staircase main from the ruins to the seaside under. (Note: Depending on the tide, the staircase is typically closed.) This seaside cove, often known as Tulum Ruins Beach, is without doubt one of the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t overlook your bathing go well with 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.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There is a car parking zone the place you’ll be able to park your rental automobile and stroll. Or there’s a prepare for 10 pesos that you may take as nicely.
2. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is without doubt one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of many biggest archeological websites on the earth, 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 each see about two million annual guests.
From Tulum, you’ll be able to drive your rental automobile, take the ADO bus from the Tulum metropolis middle, or be a part of a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
While you’ll be able to get pleasure from some ruins with out a information, this huge archeological website actually is the place to rent one. As probably the most fascinating locations on Earth to be taught 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 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 is a big 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 part.
Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which suggests “The Castle,” and can be referred to 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 complete, 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’ll be able to beat the crowds and stroll proper on into one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.
There is a car parking zone on the ruins the place you’ll be able to park your rental automobile for 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Want to climb a number of the historic ruins? Then you’ll have to move to Coba Ruins, situated about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You can even 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’ll be able to climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (typically 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.
Besides Ixmoja, which is situated 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 motorcycle on the entrance gate in order 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 your entire website, as you sit again and calm down.
Address: Coba archaeological website, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is situated 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 situated not removed from the Tulum Ruins, although these two websites look completely totally different. At Muyil, you’ll see the Peten structure type. The steep-walled pyramid right here is much 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 street to Sian Ka’an is kind 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 this motive, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions by way of 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 by way of 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 experience 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
Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here that you just received’t wish to miss. It is situated 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 price it for the views alone — plus the jaguar temple is on the high of this pyramid, and also you received’t wish to miss that both.
To get there from Tulum, the simplest 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’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 without doubt one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, which suggests “magic towns.”
Valladolid is an enthralling and colourful colonial city. It makes the right place to eat lunch after visiting Ek Balam, and you can too 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 situated on Cozumel Island simply off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. To get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll first must make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry experience to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are situated within the middle 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 related to 1 one other by a collection of roadways referred to as “scabes.”
As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, contemplate spending the entire day on Cozumel. It is understood 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 situated on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island is situated 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 motive, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial middle, although you could hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which suggests “Island of Women,” 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 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 experience over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is situated about two hours south of Tulum by automobile. There are not any direct buses, and a taxi would price about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s greatest to go to in your rental automobile.
Chacchoben is without doubt one of the greatest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It is situated close to Mahahual, Mexico, a well-liked cruise vacation spot and seaside city. When there are ships docked, you’ll be able to anticipate quite a 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 situated 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 beautiful blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is situated a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automobile. However, many will say it’s the second-most necessary 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 wish 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 known as 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’ll be able to climb the Great Pyramid at Uxmal. Though 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 wonderful jungle views from the highest.
You can even 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 named the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can too see it in different historic ruins websites close to Uxmal. Though probably the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely certainly one of 5 websites within the space that are all situated 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 situated about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automobile. It is the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, probably the most up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll positively wish 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’ll be able to stroll by way of, and a cenote to swim in.
Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the right locations to chill down after a protracted, scorching day of climbing Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. This is what’s referred to as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it appears to be like like a pure swimming pool.
The most necessary construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, typically referred to as the Temple of the Sun. While you’ll be able to’t climb right here, there are another buildings you’ll be able to climb in the 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 immediately by way of the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a really awe-inspiring website.
Wrap-Up: Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
There’s no scarcity of historic 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.
If you’re overwhelmed, listed here are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that will help you resolve the place you wish to go whilst you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
Closest ruins close to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, situated 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’ll be able to climb, and it’s the tallest pyramid in Yucatan! Best Off the Beaten Path Ruins Near Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for many who like venturing off the crushed monitor (however not too far off). Most Beautiful Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has probably the most lovely pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance much like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the biggest Mayan metropolis ever found.
How to Get to Tulum
Tulum is situated within the Yucatan Peninsula on the southern finish of Riviera Maya. To get to Tulum you’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport. Tulum is situated 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.
The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are situated half-hour from the town middle of Tulum. While these are small, they do have among the finest areas within the Yucatan Peninsula.
You can learn our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to extra of the Yucatan Peninsula
You can keep within the city of Tulum as there are lots of resorts within the space. People additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do a day journey to the Tulum ruins. From there you can too go to the opposite ruins scattered all through the Yucatan Peninsula. The greatest technique to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automobile. Tours are nice, however a automobile helps you to actually go to the ruins of the realm at your personal tempo. If you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you may be the tour busses.
No matter the location you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico.
Read extra articles about Mexico by Shelley
Which place on the checklist caught your eye probably the most? Which ones are in your bucket checklist? Let us know within the feedback under.