Mayan Ruins to Visit in Cancun and Surroundings: A Complete Guide

9 Archaeological Sites to Visit in Cancun

Cancún is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, not only because of its paradisiacal beaches, but also because of its proximity to several Mayan ruins, testimonies of the great empire that once dominated the region. On a visit to Cancun, tourists have the opportunity to explore some of the most important archaeological sites of the Mayan culture, each with its own history, importance and curiosities. This guide explores the most visited ruins in Cancun and the surrounding area, with details on distance, visiting times and essential tips.

Chichén Itzá Ruins: The Wonder of the World

Distance from Cancun: 200 km
Visit Time: 3-4 hours

Chichén Itzá is undoubtedly the most famous archaeological site in the entire Yucatán Peninsula and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Located about 200 km from Cancun, Chichén Itzá was one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization, thriving between the 7th and 10th centuries.

The pyramid of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo, is the focal point of the site and a true masterpiece of Mayan architecture. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the visual phenomenon of the serpent of light occurs, where the shadow of the pyramid creates the illusion of a serpent descending the steps.

Curiosities:

• Chichén Itzá was an important political, religious and commercial center.
• The pyramid of Kukulcán has exactly 365 steps, one for each day of the year.
• The site was abandoned around the 10th century, possibly due to climate change or invasions.

Tulum: The Mayan City by the Sea

Distance from Cancun: 130 km

Touring time: 2-3 hours

Tulum is one of the best-preserved ruins of the Mayan culture, located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, about 130 km from Cancun. The city was an important trading port, famous for its wall that protects the city from attacks. The view of the turquoise blue sea is one of the great attractions of the place.

Curiosities:

• Tulum was one of the last Mayan cities to be built and also one of the last to be abandoned, around the 16th century.
• Tulum’s “El Castillo” temple was used as a natural lighthouse for Mayan navigators.

Coba: The Mayan Site with the Largest Pyramid in the Region

Distance from Cancun: 160 km
Visit time: 3-4 hours

Located about 160 km from Cancun, Coba is famous for its enormous pyramid, the Nohoch Mul, which is the largest on the Yucatán Peninsula. At 42 meters high, the Nohoch Mul pyramid is one of the few that visitors can still climb. Coba was a prosperous city between 500 and 900 AD, with a network of more than 50 kilometers of roads called “sacbés”.

Curiosities:

• Coba has more than 6,000 structures, but only a small part has been excavated.
• The sacbé that connects Coba to other cities can be traveled on foot or by bicycle.

El Meco: The Lesser Known and Quieter Ruin

Distance from Cancun: 16 km
Visit Time: 1-2 hours

El Meco is a small, little-visited archaeological site located just 16 km from Cancun. Although smaller compared to other sites, El Meco offers a quieter and less crowded experience. The main attraction is the pyramid of El Meco, which offers a panoramic view of the Caribbean Lagoon.

Curiosities:

• El Meco was an important Mayan port center, controlling trade between Cancun and the interior of the Yucatán Peninsula.
• The main temple at El Meco has an observation platform that allows views of the coast.

San Miguelito: History and Culture Close to Cancun

Distance from Cancun: 13 km
Visit time: 1-2 hours

San Miguelito, located near the Parque de los Atreços and Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is a small but very significant site for understanding Mayan culture. The area contains several pyramids and ceremonial platforms, as well as a series of artifacts carved in stone, which were found during excavations.

Curiosities:

• San Miguelito was a religious and ceremonial center, with a focus on activities to worship the Mayan gods.
• During the excavations, traces of ancient walls and sculptures were found that demonstrate the cultural richness of the city.

Ek Balam: The Hidden City of the Jungle

Distance from Cancun: 180 km
Visit time: 2-3 hours

Ek Balam, or “Black Jaguar”, is a lesser-known but fascinating archaeological site located about 180 km from Cancun. Ek Balam’s main attraction is the pyramid of “El Torreón”, an imposing construction that visitors can climb to see the surrounding jungle. In addition, the site is surrounded by dense vegetation, which makes the visit even more magical.

Curiosities:

• In Ek Balam, impressive reliefs and sculptures have been found that depict the life and rituals of the Mayan civilization.
• The pyramid of El Torreón is one of the most imposing in the region.

Uxmal: The Mayan Site of Impeccable Architecture

Distance from Cancun: 300 km
Visit time: 3-4 hours

Uxmal is one of the largest and best-preserved Mayan cities on the Yucatán Peninsula. Located about 300 km from Cancun, the city is famous for its Puuc-style architecture, which is characterized by sophisticated ornamental details. The Governor’s Palace and the Pyramid of the Magician are the most impressive buildings.

Curiosities:

• The Pyramid of the Magician has a legend associated with its conical shape, which says that it was built in a single night.
• Uxmal was an important center of power and commerce in the region.

Cozumel: The Mayan Island and Its Submerged Mysteries

Distance from Cancun: 70 km
Visit time: 2-3 hours

Cozumel, an island located 70 km from Cancun, is famous not only for its beaches, but also for its submerged Mayan ruins and archaeological sites. The Mayans used Cozumel as a point of worship for the goddess Ix Chel, and in various areas of the island, there are temples dedicated to this deity.

Curiosities:

• Cozumel was an important pilgrimage site for the Mayans, who came from all over the region to honor the goddess Ix Chel.
• Many ruins are submerged, and some of them are only accessible by scuba diving.

Isla Mujeres: Mayan History and the Blue Sea

Distance from Cancun: 13 km (from Puerto Juárez)
Visit Time: 2-3 hours

Isla Mujeres, located just 13 km from Cancun, also has a small Mayan archaeological site, known as the Temple of Ix Chel. The island was an important place of worship, and visitors can explore remains of ancient temples and sculptures while enjoying the natural beauty of the island.

Curiosities:

• The Temple of Ix Chel is dedicated to the goddess of fertility and is an important point for tourists visiting Isla Mujeres.
• The island is famous for its incredible marine life and opportunities to swim with dolphins.

Conclusion: Fascination with the Mayan Ruins in Cancun

Visiting the Mayan ruins in and around Cancun is a unique experience for those who want to understand more about the ancient civilization that flourished in the region. Each site has its own charm, from the grand pyramids of Chichén Itzá to the small, quiet archaeological sites such as El Meco and San Miguelito. Each offers a different view of Mayan culture, with its stories, legends and mysteries to be unraveled. With the help of a local guide and the support of specialized agencies, you can explore these sites in depth and safely, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.