In a nutshell
- In southern Mexico, ancient Mayan ruins are everywhere. The most famous is Chichén Itzá — but there are plenty of other seriously impressive sites that are just as worth your time.
- We’ll walk you through the most popular Mayan ruins and share some genuine insider picks for lesser-known ancient cities that most tourists never make it to.
- Mexico was home to other great civilizations too — so we’ve also included tips for Aztec and Zapotec ruins that belong on your radar.
Who Were the Maya?
The Maya were an advanced civilization that lived in the south of Mexico as well as in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador thousands of years before Christ. Several million Maya still live today.
At the height of the Maya civilization — roughly 500 to 1,000 years AD — they were considered one of the most advanced cultures of their time. They had their own language, writing system, numerals, and calendar systems.
Religion and politics also played a major role among the Maya. You’ll learn more about that when you visit the Mayan temples in Mexico.
When and why the Maya abandoned their cities isn’t entirely clear. What remains are the ruins, which today rank among the most popular attractions in Mexico — especially on the Yucatán Peninsula.
What Other Advanced Civilizations Existed in Mexico?
While the Maya occupied their territory in southern Mexico, other advanced civilizations lived in different regions of the country. These include the Zapotecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs.
They too left behind ancient ruins and pyramids that are absolutely worth a visit. At the end of this article, we’ll give you three great tips for additional archaeological sites.
Important Tips for Visiting Maya Temples
Important: Prices and rules for the Mayan ruins change frequently. We update our articles regularly, but we can’t guarantee that everything is always completely up to date.
You buy tickets for the Maya temples at the entrance.
The ticket price typically consists of the admission fee and government taxes. So you’ll almost always need to buy two separate tickets on-site. Often you can only pay the admission fee in cash, while taxes can be paid by card.
For each site we feature here, we’ll tell you the total price (admission + taxes).
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent to every site. Many ruins have no food or drinks for sale, let alone a supermarket nearby.
The Most Beautiful Maya Temples on a Map
Here’s an overview of where the most impressive Mayan ruins in Mexico are located — we’ve marked them all on a map.
The Most Famous Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Let’s start with the most famous Maya sites. These are the absolute classics for a vacation in Mexico.
Chichén Itzá
What do you need to know? Chichén Itzá is the most visited Mayan ruin in Mexico and a top attraction on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s one of the Seven New Wonders of the World — which alone makes it a must on any Mexico vacation.
Ticket price: 648 MXN.
Practical info: Plan around three to four hours for your visit and head there first thing in the morning — that’s when it’s least crowded. Chichén Itzá opens at 8 AM. We really recommend going with a guide: guided tour of Chichén Itzá.
Where to stay? The nearest larger city is Valladolid — it’s a great base. Even closer to Chichén Itzá is the small town of Pisté. There we recommend La Casa de La Luna.
Read all our tips for Chichén Itzá:
Maya Ruins Tulum
What do you need to know? The Mayan ruins in Tulum are especially popular because they sit right on the Caribbean coast. The structures may not be quite as grand as other Maya sites, but the photos are all the more stunning for it. And right next to the ruins you’ll find Playa Paraíso — one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.
Ticket price: 515 MXN.
Practical info: Exploring the site with a guide makes a huge difference. Book one in advance: guided tour of the Maya ruins Tulum.
Where to stay? The ruins are located in the northern part of the resort town of Tulum. Our hotel pick: Casa Almendro.
Read all our tips for Tulum:
Palenque
What do you need to know? The Palenque ruins are tucked away in the jungle in the state of Chiapas and are a must-see on a road trip through Mexico. What makes it seriously special is that you can spot wildlife, waterfalls, and lush flora right among the ancient structures.
Ticket price: 205 MXN.
Practical info: Palenque is far from other tourist destinations. Your best bet is to book a guided tour from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque.
Where to stay? In San Cristóbal we recommend the Hotel Casa Gandhi. If you’d rather stay in Palenque itself, our pick is the Hotel Chablis Palenque.
Cobá
What do you need to know? Cobá sits between Valladolid and Tulum on the Yucatán Peninsula, and the site is enormous. You can rent bicycles at the entrance to explore the ruins — which is super fun. Also worth knowing: there are beautiful cenotes near Cobá for a refreshing swim.
Ticket price: 195 MXN.
Practical info: If you’re based on the Riviera Maya, your best bet is to book a guided tour to Cobá.
Where to stay? The nearest towns to Cobá are Valladolid and Tulum.
Our Under-the-Radar Picks for Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Beyond the classics, there are plenty more beautiful Maya temples in Mexico that attract far fewer tourists. Here are our insider tips for ancient Maya cities worth seeking out.
Uxmal
What do you need to know? Uxmal is honestly our top pick for Mayan ruins in Mexico. The site is at least as impressive as Chichén Itzá — and significantly less crowded. That alone makes it worth the trip.
Ticket price: 556 MXN.
Practical info: We recommend booking a guided tour from Mérida to Uxmal — a knowledgeable guide is included.
Where to stay? Mérida. Our hotel pick: Kuka y Naranjo.
Ek Balam
What do you need to know? Unlike most Mayan ruins in Mexico, at Ek Balam you’re actually allowed to climb the pyramids. The standout is the Acropolis, which is roughly as tall as the famous Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá. Bonus: there are some really beautiful cenotes nearby too.
Ticket price: 561 MXN.
Practical info: Ek Balam is close to Valladolid, making it easy to reach by car or taxi. You can also book a guided day trip from the Riviera Maya: guided day trip to Ek Balam with cenote.
Where to stay? Valladolid. Our hotel pick: Casa Tia Micha.
Edzná
What do you need to know? The Maya temples of Edzná are located near the beautiful colonial city of Campeche. It’s a genuine off-the-beaten-path find among Mexico’s ancient sites. You’re allowed to climb most of the pyramids, and because it’s so uncrowded, you can explore everything in peace — no tourist masses in sight. We loved it.
Ticket price: 100 MXN.
Practical info: Plenty of guided tours run to the ruins from Campeche: day trip to Edzná from Campeche.
Where to stay? Campeche. Our hotel pick: Hotel Casa Piedad.
Calakmul
What do you need to know? The ruins of Calakmul are deep in the jungle between Campeche and the Bacalar Lagoon — far from any civilization. What makes this site so special is the combination of ancient Maya ruins and the incredible flora and fauna of the rainforest. You’re also allowed to climb some of the pyramids here.
Ticket price: 315 MXN.
Practical info: The remote location means getting there takes a while. You can drive yourself (watch out for potholes!) or, even better, book a guided tour to Calakmul.
Where to stay? In Campeche or Bacalar. Our hotel pick in Bacalar: Khaban Bacalar.
More Great Archaeological Sites in Mexico
As we mentioned, the Maya weren’t the only ancient civilization in Mexico. Here are three more ruins sites in Mexico that are every bit as worth visiting as the best Mayan temples.
Teotihuacán Pyramids
What do you need to know? Teotihuacán is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Mexico. Built by the Teotihuacanos, the temples were later settled by the Aztecs. The ruins sit just outside Mexico City and are today among the top things to see in Mexico City.
Ticket price: 100 MXN.
Practical info: Your best bet is to book a guided tour from Mexico City: Teotihuacán day trip from Mexico City
Where to stay? Mexico City. Our pick: Casa Comtesse.
Also read our hotel tips for Mexico City
Monte Albán
What do you need to know? The Zapotecs once lived in the state of Oaxaca and built their capital on Monte Albán — a hill just outside the city of Oaxaca. You’re allowed to climb the pyramids, and from the top you get a fantastic panoramic vista of the surrounding landscape.
Tickets: 100 MXN.
Practical info: You can make your own way there by bus or taxi from Oaxaca City, or book a guided tour: guided tour to Monte Albán.
Where to stay? Oaxaca City. Our pick: NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.
Tula
What do you need to know? Just about 1.5 hours north of Mexico City by car, the impressive warrior figures of Tula stand tall. Tula was once the capital and cultural center of the Toltecs. The absolute highlight is the four Atlantean figures that tower atop a pyramid at the archaeological site.
Tickets: 95 MXN.
Practical info: Guided tours from Mexico City to Tula are easy to find. The visit is often combined with the Teotihuacán pyramids — a great combo: guided tour from Mexico City to Tula including Teotihuacán.
Where to stay? Mexico City or Tula de Allende. Our pick in Tula: Terraza 10.
