It is widely known that the Yucatan Peninsula was a very important Mayan settlement. For thousands of years, it was the center of the Mayan civilization. Because of this, there are many archeological sites throughout the Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya. They are an impressive reminder of the civilization that once settled here. Each site is unique and provided something to the general population back in the day. The Mayans built these sites strategically for specific purposes. Today, they are landmarks in the area that allow us to travel back in time. Here are the most visited archeological sites in the region.
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is perhaps the most well-known archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. The site is one of the largest ones, as well. Its main pyramid – The Castle – stands impressively in the center of the city. When the sun hits right, you can see Quetzalcoatl sliding down the steps of the pyramid. While one can no longer climb to the top of the pyramids in Chichen Itza, it is still a sight to witness.
Location: Yucatan Peninsula between Valladolid and Merida.
Schedule: Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Cost: $240 MXN + parking
Tulum
Perhaps the archeological site in Tulum is one of the most visually impressive. Not just because of the well-kept city, but because it is located on a cliff, offering spectacular views of the clear blue Caribbean waters. Moreover, after exploring the gorgeous city, you can go down to the beach through the direct access from the ruins and cool off in the blue ocean. During a sunny day, it will offer some of the best photo opportunities.
Location: Tulum, 40 minutes south of Playa del Carmen.
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Cost: $70 MXN + parking
Cobá
The reason why Coba is still so popular doesn’t lie just on the fact that it takes you back in time in an intimate and romantic site. People love it because it is one of the very few sites one can still climb to the top. And from the top of the main pyramid you will find yourself surrounded by a sea of lush, green trees. It is also possible to visit the site by renting a bike to move around.
Location: Cobá, about 40 minutes away from Tulum
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
Cost: $57 MXN
Ek Balam
Over the past few years, Ek Balam has become more and more popular. It translates to black jaguar. After hiking the ruins, you can take a nice cooling deep in the in-ground cenote. Ek Balam is the third largest archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. And from the top of its main pyramid, you can appreciate the flat land that surrounds it.
Location: 190km from Merida
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Cost: $70 MXN
Dzibilchaltun
About a 10-mile drive outside of Merida, you will come across Dzibilchaltun. These ruins are rather small in comparison to other archeological sites in the region. However, they make up for their size with an on-site museum that walks you through the ancient Mayan history of the place. While the site itself isn’t impressive in height, it does extend over 16 kilometers (9.9 miles).
Location: 10 miles from Merida on the Merida-Progreso highway
Schedule: Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm; Museum: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: $70 MXN
You can enjoy all these when you purchase a home in the Mexican Riviera Maya. Whether it is for vacation, retirement or investment, you will have all of these at your feet for weekend getways.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
