Best ruins near Cancun
The history and archaeological richness of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula are unique. No other destination in the world offers such a combination. Luxury hotels and fascinating adventures on water or land, sports, culture and unique archaeological monuments. When you visit the magical Maya land, you must explore at least a couple of archaeological sites. Nearby safe roads, full with awesome ancient buildings and some of them even with cenotes of their own, a trip to these ruins will certainly become a memorable day. Here are the best ruins near Cancun.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the must-see places to visit during a stay in Mexico. The site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was recently elected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With an area of more than 2 square miles, Chichen Itza remains an enigma for archaeologists and historians. Consider spending a night nearby, in order to enjoy this magical place, and to admire the famous sound and light show that takes place every night.
Chichen Itza is about 2 hours from Cancun and Cancun is the main tourist city from where travelers visit the Mayan Site. It is 200 km or 124 miles from Cancun to Chichen Itza and the trip is about 2 hours.
Km 115, Carretera 180
El Rey
El Rey is easily accessible to all Cancun travelers who want to spend a few hours at a cultural site and arrive at the club by nightfall. Little information is available about the various structures on site. However, visitors can hire a guide to hear stories about the customs and beliefs of the ancient Mayans. El Rey is easily accessible to any Cancun traveler. Visitors can hire a tour guide to hear stories about the customs and beliefs of the ancient Mayans. In an easily accessible location with beautiful flora and fauna, El Rey is one of the best ruins near Cancun for a pleasant lunchtime excursion.
Km 18, Kukulcan Blvd.
Tulum
The only Mayan city built on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, Tulum and its vestiges overhang an immense beach of fine sand lined with palm trees. A day filled with archaeological visits, history and artifacts can’t compete with the stunning white sand beaches that line the Caribbean Sea. But what happens when the ruins actually sit in these picturesque landscapes? The archaeological site of Tulum offers a very different experience for tourists in the region, as this ancient city was once a seaport for the trade of jade and turquoise. Another special feature of the ruins is that you can also go swimming directly on the site. You could say is one of the best ruins near Cancun for Instagram content.
Km 230 Federal Highway, Cancun – Chetumal
Yamil Lu’um
This is a not-so-known archaeological site with two small structures that were used as lighthouses and watchtowers more than 500 years ago. The main monument is known as the Temple of the Scorpion. The name is because of the remains of an arachnid structure here.
Km 12, Kukulcan Blvd.
Polé (Now Xcaret)
This 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 the year 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, a private leisure park that is both spectacular and expensive, but definitely one of the best ruins near Cancun.
Km 282, Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal Highway, in the state of Quintana Roo.
Cobá
More discreet and difficult to reach than Chichén Itzá, a day at the Cobá ruins feels more like an Indiana Jones adventure through the jungle. Lush greenery creates a beautiful setting around this ancient city. Cobá is most notable for having the largest amount of sacbes (white roads) of any ancient Mayan site; These roads can be followed and traced from the main pyramid to small villages where ancient Mayans laid their heads at night. The possibility to hike, bike or drive around these protected sites makes it the perfect day trip from Cancún.
Carretera Cobá-Chanchén Primero KM. 2, Cobá, Municipio de Tulum, Quintana Roo. , Tulum, Quintana Roo
Once you’ve learned about the best ruins near Cancun, here’s an insider tip: Try not to visit the ruins on a Sunday, because then Mexicans have free entrance. This is also used by many merchants and the area is even more crowded. Consider doing something else on Moday, since some sites close this weekday.
