Best ruins near Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen has become the epicenter of tourism in the Riviera Maya. As such, visitors can start their expeditions to the best archaeological ruins in the area here. Ancient murals, great pyramids, a mysterious jungle… the Riviera Maya offers great secrets and fun tours that will make great memories. Here are the best ruins near Playa del Carmen.
Xel Ha
The archaeological zone is located next to the Xelhá Recreational Park. As part of the tour that you can currently make, you can see magnificent examples of mural painting, particularly in the “Building of the Birds”, made between 200 and 600 AD. In the Jaguar Group you can also appreciate a feline that gives its name to the group, which was made between 1200 and 1550 A.D. The park is centered around a natural bay and lagoon, surrounded by tropical forest and the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors to Xel-Há can float in the water on air tires, discover the underwater world while snorkeling, drop into the water from cliffs and ropes, fly over the lagoon on a zip-line, climb the 40-meter-high lighthouse and slide back down on water slides.
Km 115, carretera federal 307 Puerto Juárez – Chetumal.
More info here: Xel-Ha Eco Park
Xcaret / Polé
The ruins of Polé are now located entirely within the grounds of Xcaret theme park in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Its name comes from its founding on the grounds of a ranch called Rancho Xcaret. For this reason, many thought these ruins were known as Xcaret. The park includes many attractions, such as subway rivers and animal enclosures. The city was an important commercial port until the arrival of the Spaniards, as evidenced by finds of ceramics, jade, obsidian and rock crystal. At the same time, it was also an important pilgrimage port to get to the island of Cozumel, to the famous sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, which was later destroyed. There are some ruins of buildings and platforms to visit. Considering this day-visit overall, this is one of the best ruins near Playa del Carmen.
Km 282, Carr. Federal No. 307 Cancún-Chetumal
San Gervasio
It is interesting to know that the Maya built more than 36 cities on Cozumel and that their remains can be found all over the island. The San Gervasio archaeological zone, in the north of the island, contains the most beautiful examples of these ruins. In ancient times, this archaeological site honored the goddess Chel, one of the most important deities of the Mayan culture.
In this archaeological site you will find some of the most symbolic monuments, such as Casa Alta. Also, el Arco or Las Manitas, which were part of the house of Lord Itza of Cozumel in ancient times. One must also visit El Cedral, a sacred place where the Maya worshipped their gods and where the remains of a structure with an original mural painting can be found. Since this place is in the middle of the jungle, you have to go there by foot, horse or all-terrain vehicle. A trip to Cozumel in search of the best ruins near Playa del Carmen is always a good plan.
It is located 7 kilometers east of the present town of San Miguel de Cozumel.
See also: B Unique Cozumel is Unique Indeed
Xaman Ha
This archaeological site is made up of few, but wonderful Mayan buildings. These ruins are located within the Playacar tourist complex. The name Xaman-Há means ‘water of the north’, and it receives this name because it is located by the sea. This archaeological zone is located in the southern part of the city of Playa del Carmen. Its location directly across from Cozumel leads researchers to believe that it was once a port city. The city existed until the arrival of the Spanish. Although numerous building structures have been identified, only the foundation walls and platforms remain in most of them, as the actual houses were built of wood and palm roofs. It even has an aviary!
More info here: Xaman Ha Beach : Close to The City, Yet Far Away
Playacar Complex, Playa del Carmen, QR
Dzibanché-Kinichná
The Dzibanché-Kinichná complex was made up of four groups of monumental architecture, each with specific functions. The two sites were connected by a sacbé, a path paved with white stones. It is believed that Dzibanché was the main center and Kinichná was a small secondary village. The existence of hieroglyphic texts engraved on the monuments of the stairway of the Temple of the Captives and the sumptuous offerings found in the burial chambers are noteworthy, indicating that it was involved in the conquest of several towns.
Camino Morocoy-Dzibanché Km. 14 (Dzibanché) Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo
Kohunlich
This archaeological site is located about 40 miles southwest of Chetumal, secluded in the rainforest. Isolated and nestled in a green setting, the Mayan city of Kohunlich, far from the beaten track, is located at 1h30 drive from Xpujil (in the direction of Tulum).
The archaeological site is famous for its Templo de los Mascarones (Temples of the Masks): 45 feet high, the pyramidal building is decorated with 6 stucco masks of 10 feet high representing the sun god Kinich Ahau. The first constructions date back to the period between 300 BC -250 AD, and the city reached its heyday between 600-900 AD. Despite the distance, this is still one of the best ruins near Playa del Carmen.
Km. 9, Carretera Francisco Villa-Kohunlich, Municipio de Othón P. Blanco. Quintana Roo.
More info here: Discover Kohunlich
