The Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, highest to shortest
Today the Mayan ruins have become some of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. They attract millions of visitors every year. One of the main characteristics that make the Mayan ruins stand out is their towering constructions. We can all agree they are a testament to the sophistication of their architecture. If you want to rank them from tallest to shortest based on the height of their main constructions, here’s a list. The Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula highest to shortest.
Calakmul: the giant from Campeche
With its towering pyramid, Calakmul is the tallest Mayan ruin at 148 feet (45 meters) high. It sits in the dense jungles of the southern state of Campeche. Calakmul was once one of the most important and powerful cities of the ancient Maya world. It flourished from the 7th century until the end of the 10th century. Then the Maya abandoned it. Today, visitors can climb to the top of the pyramid for breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.
The Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula highest to shortest. Coba
Coba stands at 138 feet (42 meters) tall. It is in the state of Quintana Roo. Coba was once a major commercial and cultural center of the Maya world. The Mayan people built it around two lagoons and had a system of elevated stone causeways connecting the various parts of the city. Visitors can climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Chichen Itza: everyone’s favorite
Chichen Itza: One of the most famous Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza is best known for its iconic stepped pyramid, El Castillo, which stands at 98 feet (30 meters) tall. This was a major center of political, economic, and religious power in the Mayan world from the 6th to the 13th centuries. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
Ek Balam: amazing masks
Ek Balam is a lesser-known Mayan ruin located in the state of Yucatan. The main pyramid at Ek Balam stands at 96 feet (29 meters) tall and is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The city was occupied from the 7th to the 12th centuries and was one of the largest and most important cities in the region. Visitors can climb to the top of the pyramid for views of the surrounding jungle and countryside.
The Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula highest to shortest. Tulum
The smallest of the Mayan ruins on this list, Tulum stands at just 39 feet (12 meters) tall. This place was a major port and trading center in the Mayan world from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The city was built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and is notable for its well-preserved wall paintings and sculptures. Visitors can walk through the various structures of the city and enjoy the stunning views of the sea.
To get to each of these Mayan ruins, visitors can usually take a combination of buses, taxis, and/or private tours. Some ruins, like Chichen Itza and Tulum, have direct bus routes from major tourist destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Others, like Calakmul and Ek Balam, are more remote and require a bit more effort to get to.
