Need to go to one of the best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the appropriate place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are positioned proper within the metropolis itself.
For guests who need to see the remainder of the historic ruins, you’ll need to take into account renting a automobile 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 may 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 among the Mayan Ruins. Prepared to find the Prime 10 finest Mayan Ruins close to Tulum you’ll need to add to your itinerary? Let’s get to it.
To get to Tulum you’ll fly into Cancun Worldwide Airport. You may lease a automobile and decide it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Evaluate costs right here. If you wish to e-book transport from the airport to Tulum, this personal switch 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 middle, so that you’ll completely need to test them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They’re positioned proper on the water, overlooking the attractive Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore beneath.
In comparison with different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. Nevertheless, it’s probably the most stunning 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 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 received’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological web site adopted by a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour the complete web site in about one hour, however attempt to go to early within the day as a result of there’s no shade and it will get very, very popular. Among the best issues in regards to the Tulum Ruins is you could head proper all the way down to the seashore after visiting and soar within the sea.
There’s a staircase main from the ruins to the seashore beneath. (Be aware: Relying on the tide, the staircase is usually closed.) This seashore cove, often known as Tulum Ruins Seashore, 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 just $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 below are in Spanish, so that is one thing price contemplating if you happen to can’t learn Spanish.
Deal with: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
2. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is likely one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — so it possible doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It is usually one of many two most-visited historic ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico Metropolis, and so 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 part of 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 web site actually is the place to rent one. As probably the most fascinating locations on Earth to study in regards to the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to clarify all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historic significance of the constructions, how they have 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) constructions to see. It’s a giant web site 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 thing.
Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which implies “The Fort,” and can be known 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 couple of constructions to see. Get your skip the road entrance tickets prematurely. 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.
3. Coba
Need to climb among the historic ruins? Then you definately’ll have to go to Coba Ruins, positioned about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You may as well e-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 particulars right here.
Coba has the tallest pyramid you’ll be able to climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (generally known 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.
In addition to Ixmoja, which is positioned within the Nohoch Mul Group of constructions, there are different clusters of buildings all through Coba. These embody the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big web site, and lots of guests lease a motorbike on the entrance gate so that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You may as well stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person will provide you with a motorbike tour of the complete web site, as you sit again and calm down.
Deal with: Coba archaeological web site, 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 Web site, 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 much like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, essentially the most well-known Peten web site on the earth.
Although not removed from Tulum, it takes some time to get there by automobile as a result of the highway to Sian Ka’an is sort of rugged (and significantly better fitted to 4X4s than compact automobiles). Actually, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the highway to be washed out fully. For that reason, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions by way of the Sian Ka’an which embody a cease at Muyil, in addition to some very cool excursions known 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.
Today tour from Tulum takes you to the Maya archaeological web site 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.
Deal with: 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 stunning jaguar temple right here that you simply received’t need to miss. It’s positioned on the high of the Nice Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this web site.
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 high of this pyramid, and also you received’t need 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 may 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 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 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 positioned 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 positioned within the middle of the island.
Although a smaller web site, there are many issues to see at San Gervasio, the one Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island. The highlights right here embody the Templo Nohoch Nah and the Templo Ka’na Nah de Ixchel, that are linked to 1 one other by a collection of roadways known as “scabes.”
Because it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, take into account spending the entire day on Cozumel. It’s recognized to have among the finest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on the earth, 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 middle, although you could hear it known as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Girls,” received its identify as a result of the Spanish Conquistadors discovered so many statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel all around 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 automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 20-minute ferry experience over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are positioned on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Seashore Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is positioned 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 finest to go to in your rental automobile.
Chacchoben is likely one of the finest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, that means the “Mayan Coast.” It’s positioned close to Mahahual, Mexico, a well-liked 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 constructions 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 recognized for its attractive blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Web site)
In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is positioned a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automobile. Nevertheless, many will say it’s the second-most essential Mayan web site within the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza Ruins.
Like Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Nevertheless, 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 individuals who need to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in essentially the most genuine means potential, 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 named El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Guests can’t climb El Adivino, however there are different constructions the place climbing is permitted.
Positioned 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 Mayan Ruins on this checklist, you might be rewarded with essentially the most wonderful jungle views from the highest.
You may as well climb to the highest of a number of different Uxmal constructions, 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 called the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can too see it in different historic ruins websites close to Uxmal. Although essentially the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely considered one of 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 automobile. It’s the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, probably the most up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll positively need to try Merida if you happen to’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Although 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 Backyard 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. That is what’s known as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it appears to be like like a pure swimming pool.
A very powerful construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, generally known as the Temple of the Solar. Whilst you can’t climb right here, there are another constructions you’ll be able to climb in the direction of the again of the positioning close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).
For those who 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 yr, the solar passes straight by way of the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a really awe-inspiring web site.
Wrap-Up: Finest Mayan Ruins Close to Tulum
There’s no scarcity of Mayan Ruins to take a look at within the Tulum space, or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Actually, some would possibly say there are literally too many choices.
For those who’re overwhelmed, listed below are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that can assist you determine the place you need to go whilst you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
- Closest Mayan Ruins to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, positioned within the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Seashore, 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 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!
- Finest Off the Crushed 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 probably the most stunning pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance much like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the most important Mayan metropolis ever found.
The best 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.
- You may learn our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to extra of the Yucatan Peninsula
You may 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 day journeys to the Yucatan Peninsula. One of the simplest ways to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automobile. Excursions are nice, however a automobile enables you to actually go to the ruins of the world at your personal tempo. For those who go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you can be the tour busses.
The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are positioned half-hour from town middle of Tulum. Whereas these are small, they do have among the best places within the Yucatan Peninsula.
Irrespective of the positioning you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico. Which place on the checklist caught your eye essentially the most? Which of them are in your bucket checklist? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
