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Exploring the Mayan Ruins of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera

As you drive along the 125 km of coastline known as the Mayan Riviera, breathtaking views of pristine beaches and dazzling blue water inspire days of swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving.  But this gorgeous region, which stretches from the southern end of Cancun down to Tulum, is also home to significant Mayan archeological sites worthy of at least one full day of your vacation. 

Along the Mayan Riviera you will find the smaller Ruinas del Rey located in Cancun, and Xcaret and Xel-Ha, which are now theme parks with smaller ruins on site.  The Tulum archeological site boasts impressive structures and spectacular views of the coast.  Inland from the coast but still close to Cancun is the most famous Mayan site in Mexico, Chichen Itza.  Also inland, but south and close to Tulum is another important site, the Mayan city of Cobá. 

The Maya

Inhabitants of the region since nearly 2,000 years BCE, the Maya came to prominence in what is known as the Classic period, from 200-900 CE.  A highly advanced culture with an intricate knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, the Maya developed the basis for the modern day calendar.  During the Classic and Post Classical periods, monumental temples and other buildings were erected, which became thriving urban centers with large populations and governmental hierarchy. 

Ruinas del Rey (map)

A minor site compared to the iconic Chichen Itza and Tulum, Ruinas del Rey (“Ruins of the King”) is still worth a visit, especially if you are tight on time and just can’t make it out to the other archeological sites.  Built between 200 and 300 CE, excavated in the 1950s, and restored in the 1970s, the site is unique in that it has two plazas bound by two streets, instead of a single plaza, which was the norm.  Atop the pyramid is a viewing platform, which in part has led archeologists to believe Ruinas del Rey was an astronomical observatory.  Make sure to see the frescoes located within the platform’s vault.  Skeletons found during excavation also suggest the site was a royal burial ground.  Located adjacent to the Hilton in the Cancun Hotel Zone about 21 km from the city center, Ruinas del Rey is open daily.

Xcaret (map)

An expansive ecological theme park, Xcaret (“small inlet”) is home to several minor Mayan archeological ruins.  The inlet was once one of four ports for the Mayan city of Cobá, and was most active from 1400-1517 CE.  A stopover place for Mayans on religious pilgrimage to Cozumel, tourists can now visit the “sacred sinkhole” where they purified their bodies. 

Arguably the most popular attraction in the Mayan Riviera, Xcaret offers so many activities, there are too many to count.  Situated on 250 acres, the park features a river raft ride through the jungle, trail rides on horseback to see the Mayan ruins, a replica of a Mayan village, underground rivers, and numerous wildlife exhibits.  Located near Playa del Carmen, about 45 minutes from Cancun, Xcaret can be reached by car or by buses that leave from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.  The park is open from 8:30 a.m.  to 9:00 p.m.  www.xcaret.com

Xel-Ha (map)

One of the other ports of the Mayan city of Cobá, Xel-Ha (“spring water") the Xel-Ha archeological site is not to be confused with the surrounding Xel-Ha water park.  The smallish buildings were built between 300 BCE and 100 CE, and were inhabited until 1200-1521.  Nearly all of the buildings are inland from the water park.  The site is open daily.

Xel-Ha water park features numerous water-related activities, including swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, kayaking, and cliff diving.  There are many lagoons, islands, and cenotes (natural freshwater pools), as well as an impressive aquarium and other wildlife exhibits. 

Located about an hours’ drive from Cancun and 20 minutes from Playa del Carmen, Xel-Ha is open daily.  www.xel-ha.com

Tulum (map)

The archeological site at Tulum is at the southern end of the Mayan Riviera, and one of the most popular attractions in Mexico.  Built between 1200 and 1400 CE, the site was primarily used for religious ceremonies.  The name Tulum is derived from the Mayan word for wall, in honor of the three walls surrounding the site.  In fact, Tulum was the only walled city actually built by the Mayans.  The site’s original name was Zama, which translates to “city of dawn.”

The standout structure is the El Castillo (The Castle), which sits high on a cliff overlooking the water.  The Templo de Los Frescos features Mayan murals, and may have been one of the last structures built by the Mayans before the Spanish arrived.  Unlike the other popular sites like Chichen Itza, the ruins are not spread out, and so setting off on a self-guided tour is entirely doable. 

Once the major port for the Mayan city of Cobá, Tulum boasts a beautiful beach, which can be used for swimming.  Near the archeological site is the hotel zone, and Tulum Pueblo, a town with restaurants and shopping.  Located about an hour and half from Cancun, the site is open daily.

Cobá (map)

The archeological site at Cobá (“water stirred by wind”) is expansive, with a series of limestone roads known as “sacbeob” radiating from the center and stretching as far as 100 km south to Yaxuna.  A major trading city, Cobá was once home to as many as 50,000 Mayans; perhaps the largest concentrated population in the Mayan empire. 

Most of the buildings were erected between 500 and 900 CE, but some construction continued right up until the Spanish arrived.  Only a small portion of the site has been restored, and much of it remains to be excavated.  “Must-see” structures include the Nohoch Mul, which at 138-feet is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Grupo Coba, another large pyramid located near the site’s entrance, but much easier to climb than Nohoch Mul.  Located about 25 minutes inland from Tulum, Cobá is open daily.

Chichen Itza (map)

The most visited Mayan archeological site, Chichen Itza (“at the mouth of the well of the Itza”) is a World Heritage Site and is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of the World.  Covering four square miles, Chichen Itza came to prominence between 500 and 900 CE, and then was abandoned.  One hundred years later it was reborn, but now with both Mayan and Toltec inhabitants.  Chichen Itza was abandoned a second and final time in 1,000 CE, though the reason for the Mayan-Toltec departure is still unclear. 

The buildings at Chichen Itza were laid out specifically to represent aspects of time.  Most visitors easily recognize the iconic structure, the Pyramide de Kukulcan also referred to as El Castillo (The Castle).  A pyramid with stairways on all four sides totaling 365 steps, at sunrise and sunset during the spring and fall equinox, the sun casts a shadow that resembles a serpent (Kukulcan). 

It would take at least one day to tour the site at Chichen Itza, the most preserved archeological site in Mexico.  Other popular spots are the Juego de Pelota Principal (Principal Ball Court) with its stone hoops, and the Templo del Guerroro (Temple of the Warriors) with its Chac Mool (ritual stone alter) and 1,000 stone pillars representing warriors. 

Located about two hours inland from Cancun, Chichen Itza is open daily.

Cancun and the Mayan Riviera offer seemingly unlimited adventure and leisure activities.  With several of the most important archeological sites in the southern hemisphere close at hand, the area offers a vacation experience that is as close to perfect as one can get. 

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