13 BEST Mayan Ruins In Cancun Mexico For 2024

Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Soumya

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Famous Mayan Ruins to Visit Near Cancun

Chichen Itza

• Distance from Cancun: 123 miles (2hrs 45mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
• Admission: 614 pesos (~$36) (foreigners)/ 272 pesos (Mexican citizens)

There is nothing that beats the thrill of visiting Chichen Itza, a World Wonder, and one of Mexico’s most visited UNESCO heritage sites. Even if it is a little crowded and a longish day trip from Cancun.

The name Chichen Itza literally translates to “the edge of the well where the wise men of the Itza group live”.

Itza were people of the ancient Mayan civilization who became powerful in the Postclassic period, coinciding with the time of rise of Chichen Itza. And of course, the well refers to the sacred cenote at Chichen Itza that you can still see.

What to see at Chichen Itza?

The most important structure at Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulcan, a 4-sided pyramid with a shrine on the top. Legend has it that every year Mayan Serpent God, Kukulkan, descends on this pyramid.

Well, this does happen in reality – a mix of science, mythology, and religion. Learn more about it in my post on “Intriguing facts about Chichen Itza“.

Other interesting structures include the Temple of Warriors, the Great Ball Court, a Wall of Skulls, and the rounded observatory.

Best time to visit Chichen Itza is early in the morning when there are fewer people around.

Best Tours for Chichen Itza ruins from Cancun

Here are some popular Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.

• This full-day tour takes you to the ruins of Chichen Itza, an underground cenote, and the colorful town of Valladolid.
• This early-access guided tour gives you a chance to explore the ruins in peace.

✦ Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Chichen Itza, then be sure to check out our article on the best Chichen Itza tours to take from Cancun and other places in the Riviera Maya.

Tulum Mayan Ruins

• Distance from Cancun: 82 miles (1hr 45mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
• Admission: 90 + 58 = 148 pesos (~$9)

One of the most visited Mayan ruins near Cancun is the archaeological site of Tulum. Located on a cliff by the Caribbean Sea, Tulum ruins make for an unmissable Cancun attraction.

As evidenced by its location, Tulum was a port city during the Mayan times.

It was established as early as 500 CE but became a prosperous trading hub and reached its zenith in the Late Postclassic period. It was during this time that several important buildings were built in Tulum.

What to see at Tulum Ruins?

The most notable structure here is the main pyramid or the El Castillo which functioned both as a shrine and as a lighthouse.

Other highlights include the Temple of the Descending God, and the beautiful Temple of Frescoes (which still has intact pre-Hispanic Mayan murals).

The major highlight of Tulum ruins is of course the beach and the blue torquiose waters of the Caribbean Sea which make these Mayan ruins special.

Best Tours for Tulum Ruins from Cancun

• Experience a day full of history, swimming, and snorkeling on this adventurous full-day tour of Tulum and Akumal from Cancun.
• This full-day archeology tour from Cancun takes you to the ruins of Tulum and Coba. It is one of Cancun’s most popular tours and appeals greatly to history enthusiasts.

✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Tulum? Do not forget to check out our ultimate travel guide for the ruins of Tulum.

Coba

• Distance from Cancun: 83 miles (2hrs 10mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm
• Admission: 90 pesos

Coba is yet another iconic Mayan ruin that cannot be missed when in Cancun. It was a powerful Mayan center in the olden times and dominated the Yucatan Peninsula between 600 -900 CE.

There was a time when more than 50,000 residents lived in this huge city. Coba’s might started weaning off when Chichen Itza rose to power in the Postclassic period.

Research suggests that people started settling in Coba as early as 100 BCE. The city developed around five lakes which was a major reason it continued to grow.

Did you know that Coba is actually the original Mayan name of this city? And that it literally translates to ruffled waters?

What to see at Coba?

One of the most interesting things that you will see in Coba is its collection of Sacbe or white stone and plaster roads.

Since the city was a powerful center and literally the hub of all activity, people from smaller towns came to Coba for work and trade. That required roads or sacbe.

There are more than 50 sacbeob (plural for sacbe) in Coba radiating in different directions. The longest one takes you as far as Yaxuna which is 80 miles to the west.

Apart from the sacbe, other highlights at Coba include the tall Nohoch Mul Pyramid, a church, the Pyramid of the Painted Lintel, and several sculpted stelae that give us rich insights into life, rituals, dresses, and ceremonies at Coba.

Best Tours for Coba Mayan Ruins from Cancun

The ruins of Coba and Tulum are just 30 miles apart. Hence, they are easily combined on a full-day archeology tour like this one from Cancun.

✦ Pro Tip: Do you love Mexican ruins and pyramids? Be sure to check out our post on the 20 most fascinating pyramids in Mexico.

Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun Hotel Zone & City

El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun

• Distance from Cancun Hotel Zone: 0
• Distance from Downtown Cancun: 13 miles (30 mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
• Admission: 70 pesos

If you wish to see some ancient Mayan ruins in Cancun and do not want to spend an entire day heading to Chichen Itza and back, then consider the El Rey Archaeological Site. It is located right here in the middle of the Cancun hotel zone.

El Rey literally translates to “The King”. The place was named so after the statue of a king (or a royal character) was discovered here.

El Rey started as a small Mayan settlement around 200 CE and went on to become prominent in the 1200s when it became the hub of maritime trade and fishing along with San Miguelito.

There are theories that suggest that during this time, many people also migrated from the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is also when many of the structures that you see today were constructed.

It takes about an hour to explore the ruins of platforms, walls, and columns of El Rey.

What to see at El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun?

The most important building is Building #2 which has a pyramid base and a temple on top.

Buildings #1 and #4 are palaces that once had large audience halls supported by tall colonnades.

You can also visit Museo Maya de Cancun which is just a couple of miles away for a richer insight into the history of this area. By the way, if you love iguanas, you will find a lot of them here.

San Miguelito Archaeological Site

• Distance from Cancun Hotel Zone: 0
• Distance from Downtown Cancun: 11 miles (25 mins)
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Admission: 90 pesos

San Miguelito is another Mayan site in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

The ruins of San Miguelito are like an extension of El Rey. They are located right within the complex of the Mayan Museum of Cancun. Same ticket for both the museum and the ruins.

Along with El Rey, El Meco, and Isla Mujeres, San Miguelito formed a powerful network of Mayan trading centers in the Post-Classical Period (1200 – 1500 CE).

Trade items mostly included dried fish, salt, and honey for export and obsidian and jade for import. Now that reminds me that the ancient city of Teotihuacan was once a major exporter of obsidian. Interesting connections, right?

What to see at the San Miguelito Ruins in Cancun?

The site is divided into 4 groups: North Set, Chaak Palace, Dragon Set, and South Set.

Chaak Palace is the most impressive with the remains of a large public building.

The South Set is home to the ruins of a small pyramid in Costa Oriental architecture, a style common to the eastern coast of Quintana Roo in the Postclassic period.

Best Tour of San Miguelito Ruins in Cancun

• This Cancun City Private Tour includes a guided tour of the San Miguelito ruins and the Mayan Museum followed by a shopping and foodie adventure at Mercado 28.

Yamil Lu’um Cancun Ruins

• Distance from Cancun Hotel Zone: 0
• Distance from Downtown Cancun: 10 miles (20 mins)

Yet another Mayan ruin located right next to the Hotel Zone in Cancun is the small but pretty site of Yamil Lu’um.

It sits on the top of a small hill on the beach, right in front of the Park Royal Beach Hotel – a great place to stay if you wish to live right next to ancient ruins. However, I would say every hotel in Zona Hotelera is close to one ruin or the other.

What to see at Yamil Lu’um?

There isn’t a ton of stuff to do at Yamil Lu’um. It is basically just the weathered walls of Templo del Alacran or the Scorpion Temple.

The temple is called so because of the remains of a scorpion sculpture found on its walls. It is more popular for the stunning views of the sea it offers.

El Meco Mayan Pyramid in Cancun

• Distance from Downtown Cancun: 6 miles (15 mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 5pm
• Admission: 55 pesos

Located just 20 minutes north of downtown Cancun, the Mayan ruins of El Meco are an absolute hidden gem.

El Meco is home to the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Cancun area and the one of the largest in Yucatan. Yet, it remains hidden behind large trees, shy iguanas, and a general lack of awareness.

Chances are high that you will find this Yucatan pyramid in Cancun completely to yourself when you visit.

What to see at El Meco Mayan Ruins?

The pyramid here is called El Castillo and is dedicated to Mayan Rain God, Chaac. You can climb up to some stunning views of the city of Cancun, the beach, and the peninsula.

When El Meco started off as a fishing village in the 600 – 900 CE (Late Classic Period), Coba had a strong influence on it. As Chichen Itza went on to become more powerful in the Postclassic era, the effect of Coba waned off. This is probably why we see a strong influence of Chichen Itza in the monuments of El Meco.

Between 1200 and 1500 CE, El Meco became a powerful port in the Yucatan peninsula because it controlled access to the nearby sanctuaries on Isla Mujeres.

Devotees had to pass through El Meco to get to the sacred Temple of Ixchel. This, no doubt, made this once-small fishing town highly influential.

Best Tour of El Meco Ruins in Cancun

• Here’s a great tour of the El Meco ruins that allows you to see in the remarkable archeological site of El Meco near Cancun in just a few hours.

Bonus: Mayan Museum of Cancun

If you’re planning to visit the Mayan ruins in Cancun and nearby, I highly recommend checking out the displays at the Mayan Museum of Cancun.

Founded by the National Anthropology Institute of Mexico, this museum has a lot of amazing displays that give you an immersive experience of ancient Mayan history and culture.

✦ Pro Tip: For details on what to see and expect at the museum, check out our detailed Visitor’s Guide for Cancun’s Mayan Museum.

Other Mayan Ruins near Cancun, Mexico

Isla Mujeres Mayan Ruins

Now that we are talking about the Temple of Ixchel, let’s move on to our next destination i.e. the Mayan ruins of Isla Mujeres.

The most prominent structure on Isla Mujeres is the Temple of Goddess Ixchel located on the southern tip of the island.

Ixchel was the Mayan Goddess of fertility, medicine, weaving, and happiness. No doubt, devotees thronged to this sanctuary. It is also possible that this temple was also used as a lighthouse in the ancient times.

There’s an interesting story about how the island got its current name. Seems like only women (priestesses of the temple) inhabited this island in the past.

When the Spanish landed here in 1517, they discovered several statues of Goddess Ixchel and other female members of her family. That is how the Spanish started calling it the Island of Women or Isla Mujeres.

Uxmal Archeological Site

Yet another amazing Mayan ruin near Cancun is the Archeological Site of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Mayan culture, Uxmal is renowned for its majestic Pyramid of the Magician.

The architecture at Uxmal is characteristic of the Puuc style, featuring intricate stone mosaics and detailed facades, which distinguish it from other Mayan sites.

However, remember that Uxmal is among the farthest ruins from Cancun on this list. It can up to 4.5 hours to get to Uxmal from Cancun. Therefore, it is best to do Uxmal on a guided tour from Cancun or plan a DIY trip from Merida instead.

What to see at Uxmal?

The Pyramid of the Magician is a towering monument with a distinct elliptical base quite unusual among the other Mayan ruins in the region. Its size and history make it a must-visit attraction in Mexico.

Another highlight is the Governor’s Palace, a long low building with a stunningly detailed façade, which is a prime example of Puuc architecture.

Further, Uxmal is also an integral part of Ruta Puuc or the Puuc Route, a 60-km stretch that takes you through other Mayan sites depicting this unique architectural form.

If you love history and ancient ruins, then you’ll enjoy visiting other remarkable ancient sites such as Kabah, Xlapak, and Labna on the Puuc Route.

Muyil Mayan Ruins near Cancun

• Distance from Cancun: 96 miles (2hr 10mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
• Admission: 70 pesos

Muyil archaeological zone, also known as Muyil-Chunyaxché ruins, gets its current name from a lagoon located nearby.

Once upon a time, Muyil was a thriving Mayan city in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was also one of the earliest.

Settlers began arriving in Muyil as early as 300 BCE long before the grand cities of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Uxmal came into existence.

In the early Classic period (200 – 600 CE), many Peten-style buildings were built here. To give you some context, this style was common in the ancient Mayan cities of Belize and Guatemala.

Quite possibly, Muyil had strong trade and cultural relations with the rest of Mesoamerica.

The best thing about Muyil ruins is that it is located right next to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. It is also a few minutes away from the ruins of Tulum which means you can easily combine both of them together on a day trip from Cancun.

Best Tour of Muyil Ruins from Cancun

• This private tour from Cancun combines three amazing Mayan ruins together – Muyil, Tulum, and Coba. If you love ancient Mayan history, then this tour is for you.

San Gervasio

• Distance from Cancun: 71 miles (2hr 45mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00am – 3:30pm
• Admission: 90 pesos

As Chichen Itza rose to power between 1000 – 1500 CE, San Gervasio rose to prominence not just because of its coastal location but also for its reputation as a hub of worship.

It is believed that San Gervasio was a sanctuary of Goddess Ixchel, Mayan god of fertility and medicine. We spoke about her in the section on Isla Mujeres ruins.

Therefore, San Gervasio was an important pilgrimage center for ancient Mayans. Evidence suggests that every Mayan woman tried to visit San Gervasio at least once in her life.

What to see at San Gervasio?

The site is home to several interesting buildings (in ruins now) from the Postclassic period. The small house, the tall house – which could have been the shrine of Goddess Ixchel, the big house, and Los Murcielagos are especially notable.

San Gervasio is one of the largest Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel and a great addition to your day trip. Check out latest opening hours and prices on the Cozumel Parks website here.

Best Tours of San Gervasio Ruins

Here are a couple of good guided tours that show you the best of Cozumel including the ruins of San Gervasio.

• A private shore excursion of Cozumel that includes a tour of San Gervasio ruins.
• Visit San Gervasio ruins, have some beach time, and enjoy a tequila factory trip on this small group tour.

Xcaret Archaeological Park

• Distance from Cancun: 48 miles (1hr 10mins)
• Opening hours for Xcaret Park: Monday – Sunday, 8:30am – 9pm
• Admission fee for Xcaret Park: 100+ USD

Originally known as the Polé (refers to merchandise or merchants), Xcaret archaeological park is an ancient Mayan village that lies with the huge Xcaret theme park today.

The name Polé points the village’s importance in Mayan trade and economy. Additionally, it also served as a stopover/departure point for pilgrims traveling to the sanctuary of Goddess Ixchel in San Gervasio, Cozumel.

Because of its location within a theme park, many tourists believe it to be unreal. But that’s not true. These Mayan structures are authentic and date back to more than a 1000 years ago.

The only way to access the ruins is by purchasing a ticket to Xcaret Park which can be super expensive.

However, if you already have plans for Xcaret and wish to see a small Mayan ruins along with it, then don’t forget to step into this Mayan wonderland within the park.

Ek Balam

• Distance from Cancun: 107 miles (2hrs 20mins)
• Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Admission: 531 pesos (~$31) (foreigners) /211 pesos (Mexican nationals)

Of all the Mayan ruins in Yucatan, the ones at Ek Balam were one of my favorites because they are unique.

It is quite common for heritage seekers to club Ek Balam with Chichen Itza on a day trip from Cancun.

What to see at Ek Balam?

In Ek Balam, you will find distinctive stucco structures that you will generally not see anywhere else in Yucatan. Of special interest is a huge monster mouth that has often been denoted as the road to death.

There are also a couple of winged warrior structures which are highly unusual in the Mayan culture. If you are visiting the ruins of Ek Balam, do not forget to check out these special sculptures.

Ek Balam has an extensive complex that was designed according to astronomical principles like many other Mayan cities including Chichen Itza.

Highlights include the main pyramid, the Oval Palace, twin pyramids, and the arched gateway which once connected Ek Balam to a Mayan sacbe.

I find the admission fee a little too steep here – something you might want to consider when planning your Cancun day trip.

Best Tours for Ek Balam Ruins from Cancun

Have a look at this full-day tour that includes Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and a cenote. If you choose their Cancun hotel pick-up option, tickets to both Ek Balam and Chichen Itza are included in it.

Map of Mayan Ruins in Cancun

Practical information for visiting Mexican ruins in Cancun

• Always be sure to refer to the website of INAH Mexico for updated opening hours and admission charges for all archaeological sites in Mexico. INAH, or the National Institute of Anthropology and History, is the government body that protects and preserves these ruins.

• Several Cancun pyramids were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are slowly starting to open up. Please check on INAH, Google Reviews, and Tripadvisor before planning.

• Be sure to get a pair of sturdy walking/climbing shoes, sunglasses, water, and a hat. It can get supremely hot in the Yucatan!

• There are a few Mayan pyramids near Cancun such as the one at Ek Balam which you can still climb. But I wouldn’t recommend that because of the fragility of the structures. I did climb Ek Balam a few years but I do feel guilty when I recall that those stairs and walls have been badly damaged by years of climbing.

• If you are planning to see a couple of Mayan ruins, read our guide on how to visit Chichen Itza and Ek Balam on the same day.

• Refer to our Yucatan bucket list for more things to do in the area.

Cancun Mayan Ruins Travel FAQ

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