Best ruins near Tulum
One of the reasons why Tulum has been a great success among tourists from all over the world is the archaeology, not only in the place itself but also in the surrounding areas. With half-day or even longer tours, it will always be a great adventure to see the vestiges of one of the most interesting ancient civilizations in our history. Here are the best ruins near Tulum.
Cobá
You can’t climb the structures at the ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum, but you can at Coba. Located deep in the jungle about 45 minutes from Tulum by car and bus, the Mayan ruin of Coba is a great site where you’ll want to spend at least four hours. In fact, many people rent bicycles at the entrance to Coba so they can explore the entire site.
As you cycle around, you will pass all of the structures in Coba, including Nohoch Mul, the largest pyramid in the Yucatan. While cycling you will pass all the buildings in Coba, including Nohoch Mul, the largest pyramid in the Yucatan. While biking, you may even encounter tropical jungle birds, monkeys, and even coatis, a raccoon-like animal common to the Yucatan Peninsula. This is one of the best ruins near Tulum than you cannot miss.
Carretera Cobá-Chanchén Primero KM. 2, Cobá, Municipio de Tulum, Quintana Roo.
More info here: Climb the Ancient Ruins of Coba
Muyil
A 20-minute shuttle ride from downtown Tulum, Muyil is a fascinating complex that has managed to escape the tourist radar. One of the oldest and most ancient inhabited Mayan sites, the central pyramid rises to a height of 55 meters (17 feet). Nestled on the edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the jungle surrounding Muyil offers excellent hiking opportunities. The ruins are beautifully photogenic and make an excellent alternative to nearby Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, Chunyaxche, Quintana Roo
More info here: Muyil, the Beginning of an Impressive Settlement
Ek-Balam
This increasingly known site is best for visitors of the best ruins near Tulum who hate crowds. Ek-Balam, which means black jaguar in the Mayan language, is located about two hours from Tulum. It is probably the least visited Mayan archaeological site in this list. Like Coba, you can also climb the main pyramid of Ek-Balam, called the Great Acropolis. From the top, you will have spectacular views of the jungle, as Ek-Balam is quite rural. The Great Acropolis pyramid is different from most other Mayan pyramids in the Yucatan with its thatched roofs.
Km 190, Highway 295
More info here: The Revolutionary Building Decorations at Ek Balam
Xcaret
The archaeological site of Xcaret, originally called Pole, stands on the sublime Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico. The site has long been considered an important Mayan trading center, and functioned as a shipping port. According to research by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Xcaret was built in 200 AD, but most of the structures at the site date from the 13th century. Today the archaeological zone is part of the huge complex of Xcaret Eco Park. Besides visiting one of the best ruins near Tulum, you’ll be visiting one of the Riviera Maya’s most famous park.
Carretera Chetumal – Puerto Juárez Km 282 B, Rancho Xcaret, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo,
More info here: Xcaret Eco Park : A Little Bit of Everything
Tulum
We could not stop mentioning this place. Tulum is the main archaeological site on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. While it may not be as spectacular as other sites in the region such as Chichen Itza or Uxmal, the view from its main temple perched atop a cliff beaten by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is well worth the trip and makes Tulum a must-see on a trip to Mexico.
The site, due to its location near the major resorts of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is extremely popular and a must-see on a trip to Mexico. It is strongly recommended to arrive at the opening to avoid the crowds and the heat which can be uncomfortable. This is one of the smaller Mayan ruins in Yucatan, so you can explore the whole place in two hours at most. After seeing the ruins of Tulum, you can go down the stairs to Playita Tortugas to swim in the sea. At only a few dollars/euros and free beach access, this is a great way to enjoy Tulum for very little money.
Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R.
Chichen Itza
As for the ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, many people visit Chichen Itza on their Tulum trip. As one of the most visited places in all of Mexico, you can imagine that there are many visitors every day who want to see this place. Travelers who want to see one of the most important ruins in Yucatan should head to Chichén Itzá.
Once an important Mayan economic and religious hub, this beautifully preserved Mayan city has many temples, playgrounds, a sacred cenote and, of course, the steep Castillo Pyramid. At certain times of the year, the northwest corner of the pyramid casts a shadow that has the appearance of a snake winding its way down the stairs. Chichen Itza is about a 2.5 hour drive from Tulum and is a full day excursion. If you go there, start your day as early as possible so that you arrive at Chichen Itza before the crowds get there between 10:30 and 11:00 am.
More info here: Chichen Itza: A Melting Pot
