In a nutshell
- Mexico is home to countless Mayan ruins. The most famous is Chichén Itzá, but there are plenty of other amazing Mayan temples in Mexico worth visiting.
- In this article, we’ll show you the best Mayan ruins in Mexico and share some insider tips for archaeological sites that are less crowded but just as impressive.
- Since it wasn’t only the Maya who built cities in Mexico, we’ll also give you tips for other ancient cities across the country.
- You’ll even find a handy overview of the Mayan ruins in Mexico on a map.
Who Were the Maya?
The Maya were an advanced civilization that thrived in southern Mexico as well as in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Even today, several million Maya still live in the region.
During their peak – roughly 500 to 1,000 years after Christ – the Maya were considered one of the most developed cultures of their time. They created their own language, writing, number system and complex calendars.
Religion and politics played a central role in Maya life. You can learn more about this history when you visit the Mayan temples in Mexico.
It’s still unclear why and when the Maya left their ancient cities in Mexico. What remains are their ruins, which are now among the most popular places to visit in Mexico.
Which other advanced civilizations existed in Mexico?
While the Maya dominated the south, other great civilizations lived in different regions of Mexico. These included the Zapotecs, Toltecs and Aztecs.
They too left behind impressive ancient ruins and pyramids that are still fascinating to explore today. At the end of this article, we’ll share three of our favorite tips for other remarkable excavation sites.
Important Tips for Visiting Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Important: Ticket prices and regulations for the Mayan ruins in Mexico change frequently. We update our articles regularly, but we can’t guarantee that everything is always current.
You can usually buy tickets for the Mayan temples right at the entrance.
The ticket is often made up of two parts: the entrance fee and additional government taxes. In most places you’ll need to buy both on site. The entrance fee can often only be paid in cash, while the taxes can usually be paid by card.
For each site we cover, we’ll list the total ticket price (including tax) so you know exactly what to expect.
Always bring plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito spray for your visit. Many ruins don’t have shops, restaurants or even small kiosks nearby.
The Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico on a Map
To give you a clear overview of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, we’ve marked them on a map.
The Most Famous Mayan Temples in Mexico
Let’s start with the most iconic sites. These are the absolute classics you shouldn’t miss on a vacation in Mexico.
Chichén Itzá
What you need to know: Chichén Itzá is the most visited Mayan site in Mexico and the top attraction on the Yucatán Peninsula. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a visit is a must during any trip to Mexico.
Ticket price: 648 MXN
Practical info: Plan about 3–4 hours for your visit and arrive as early as possible. Chichén Itzá opens at 8 am, and mornings are the quietest. The site is best explored with a guide: book a guided tour of Chichén Itzá here.
Where to stay: The nearest bigger town is Valladolid, which makes a perfect base. Even closer is the small town of Pisté, where we recommend La Casa de las Lunas.
Mayan Ruins of Tulum
What you need to know: The Mayan ruins of Tulum are famous because they sit right on the Caribbean coast. The temples themselves may not be as massive as other Mayan sites, but the ocean views and photos are unbeatable. They are one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico if you want history and beach vibes in one place. One of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, the Playa Paraíso, is right next to the ruins.
Ticket price: 515 MXN.
Practical info: Exploring the site with a guide really brings it to life. You can easily book one in advance: guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Tulum.
Where to stay? The ruins are just north of Tulum town. Our hotel tip: Casa Almendro.
Palenque
What you need to know: Hidden deep in the jungle of Chiapas, Palenque is one of the most atmospheric ancient cities in Mexico. It’s not just about the temples—walking the site you’ll also spot waterfalls, lush vegetation and maybe even monkeys. It’s one of the best places to experience Mayan ruins in Mexico off the beaten path.
Ticket price: 205 MXN.
Practical info: Palenque is remote, so the easiest way to visit is with a tour. We recommend this one: guided tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque.
Where to stay? In San Cristóbal we like the Hotel Casa Gandhi. If you want to stay right in Palenque, check out the Hotel Chablis Palenque.
Cobá
What you need to know: Cobá lies between Valladolid and Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula. The site is huge, and the best way to explore is by renting a bike at the entrance. It’s one of the top Mayan temples in Mexico for active travelers. Bonus: there are some gorgeous cenotes nearby where you can cool off after your visit.
Ticket price: 195 MXN.
Practical info: If you’re staying along the Riviera Maya, it’s easiest to join a tour: guided tour to Cobá.
Where to stay? The closest towns are Valladolid and Tulum, both good bases for exploring the best Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Hidden Gems Mayan Temples in Mexico
Beyond the famous sites, there are plenty of incredible Mayan ruins in Mexico that only a few travelers know about. Here are our favorite hidden gems among the ancient cities in Mexico.
Uxmal
What you need to know: Uxmal is, in our opinion, one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. The temples are just as impressive as Chichén Itzá but far less crowded. If you want to see Mayan architecture at its most stunning, this is the place.
Ticket price: 556 MXN.
Practical info: A good option is booking a guided tour from Mérida to Uxmal.
Where to stay? The best base is Mérida. Our hotel tip: Kuka y Naranjo.
Ek Balam
What you need to know: Ek Balam is one of the few Mayan sites where you can still climb the pyramids. The Acropolis is just as high as the Kukulcán pyramid in Chichén Itzá and offers amazing views. On top of that, there are some stunning cenotes nearby. A real highlight among Mayan temples in Mexico.
Ticket price: 561 MXN.
Practical info: Ek Balam is close to Valladolid and easy to reach by car. You can also join this guided tour to Ek Balam with cenote swim.
Where to stay? Valladolid. Our tip: Casa Tia Micha.
Edzná
What you need to know: Edzná is close to the colorful colonial city of Campeche and still feels like a hidden treasure. You can climb many of the pyramids here, and since there are few visitors, you’ll often have the site almost to yourself. One of the true hidden gems among Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Ticket price: 100 MXN.
Where to stay? Campeche. Our hotel tip: Hotel Casa Piedad.
Calakmul
What you need to know: Calakmul is one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico and sits deep in the jungle between Campeche and the Bacalar Lagoon. What makes it special is the mix of ancient Mayan temples and untouched nature. You can even climb several of the pyramids here, with incredible views over the rainforest canopy.
Ticket price: 315 MXN.
Practical info: Because of its remote location, getting here takes time. You can drive with your own car (watch out for potholes!) or, even easier, join a guided tour to Calakmul.
Where to stay? Either in Campeche or Bacalar. Our hotel tip in Bacalar: Khaban Bacalar.
More Famous Ancient Cities in Mexico
Mexico was home not only to the Maya but also to other fascinating civilizations. Here are three more amazing archaeological sites that are just as worth visiting as the best Mayan temples in Mexico.
Teotihuacán Pyramids
What you need to know: Teotihuacán is one of the most impressive ancient cities in Mexico. Built by the Teotihuacanos and later inhabited by the Aztecs, the site is located just outside Mexico City and is now one of the top attractions around Mexico City.
Ticket price: 100 MXN.
Practical info: The easiest way is to book a guided tour from Mexico City: guided excursion to Teotihuacán.
Where to stay? In Mexico City. Our tip: Casa Comtesse.
Monte Albán
What you need to know: Monte Albán was once the capital of the Zapotecs, built on a hill near the city of Oaxaca. You can climb the pyramids and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. It’s one of the most fascinating ancient cities in Mexico.
Tickets: 100 MXN.
Practical info: You can reach Monte Albán by bus or taxi from Oaxaca, or join a guided tour to Monte Albán.
Where to stay? In Oaxaca City. Our tip: NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.
Tula
What you need to know: Just 1.5 hours north of Mexico City lies Tula, once the capital of the Toltecs. The highlight is the four giant warrior statues that stand atop a pyramid. Tula is a must for anyone interested in ancient ruins in Mexico.
Tickets: 95 MXN.
Practical info: Many tours from Mexico City combine Tula with Teotihuacán: guided tour to Tula and Teotihuacán.
Where to stay? Either in Mexico City or Tula de Allende. Our hotel tip in Tula: Terraza 10.