Want to go to one of the best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the appropriate place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are situated proper within the metropolis itself.
For guests who wish to see the remainder of the traditional ruins, you’ll wish to take into account renting a automobile in Tulum and driving, as some are fairly distant. The finest a part of visiting these off the crushed path websites is that you simply might need all of them to your self — which makes for an unforgettable expertise.
Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
No matter the way you go, with a bunch tour or by yourself, no go to to Tulum is full with out seeing a few of the Mayan Ruins. Ready to find the Top 10 finest Mayan Ruins close to Tulum you’ll wish to add to your itinerary? Let’s get to it.
To get to Tulum you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport. You can lease a automobile and decide it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Compare costs right here. If you wish to e-book transport from the airport to Tulum, this personal switch will meet you upon arrival and take you in consolation to your resort in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are literally situated simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, so that you’ll completely wish to verify them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They are situated proper on the water, overlooking the attractive Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore beneath.
Compared to different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. However, it’s one of the stunning ruins in Mexico because of its privileged location on the cliffside.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Castle), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There is a delegated pathway to stroll alongside, so for those who comply with the trail, you gained’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological website adopted by a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour the whole website in about one hour, however whenever you go to the ruins, attempt to go early within the day as a result of there’s no shade and it will get very, extremely popular. One of one of the best issues concerning the Tulum Ruins is which you can head proper right down to the seashore after you go to the ruins and soar within the sea.
There is a staircase main from the ruins to the seashore beneath. (Note: Depending on the tide, the staircase is usually closed.) This seashore cove, generally known as Tulum Ruins Beach, is among the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t neglect your bathing swimsuit when visiting the Tulum Ruins.
Entry to Tulum Ruins is just $80 pesos ($4 USD), and there are guides you may rent on the entrance gate if you wish to have a professional present you round. The indicators listed below are in Spanish, so that is one thing value contemplating for those who can’t learn Spanish.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There is a car parking zone the place you may park your rental automobile and stroll. Or there’s a practice for 10 pesos which you can take as effectively.
2. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is among the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of many biggest archeological websites on this planet, so it probably doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It can be one of many two most-visited historical ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico City. They each see about two million annual guests.
From Tulum, you may drive your rental automobile, take the ADO bus from the Tulum metropolis middle, or be a part of a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
While you may take pleasure in some ruins and not using a information, this huge archeological website actually is the place to rent one. As one of the fascinating locations on Earth to be taught concerning the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to elucidate all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historic significance of the constructions, how they had been utilized by the Maya, and extra.
At Chichen Itza, there are a number of giant Mayan pyramids and much more of the smaller (however nonetheless distinctive) constructions to see. It is a big website at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for no less than three hours if you wish to see every little thing.
Upon coming into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which suggests “The Castle,” and can be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan. This is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most photographs of the location, and one of many largest of all pyramids in Mexico.
There’s additionally the Temple of the Warriors, The Observatory, Group of a Thousand Columns, Great Ball Court, The Nunnery, Sacred Cenote, and extra. In complete, there are 20 teams of buildings, and every has a couple of constructions to see. Get your skip the road entrance tickets prematurely. No matter what time of day you arrive, you may beat the crowds and stroll proper on into one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.
There is a car parking zone on the ruins the place you may park your rental automobile for 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Want to climb a few of the historical ruins? Then you’ll have to move to Coba Ruins, situated about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You can even e-book a day tour that features Coba and Tulum pyramids. Enjoy a guided tour that features a buffet lunch and a swim in a Cenote in addition to time to discover Playa del Carmen. See extra particulars right here.
Coba has the tallest pyramid you may climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (typically referred to as Ixmoja), which stands 137-feet-tall (42 m). There are 120 steps to the highest, and it’s a steep climb, however the views of the Mayan jungle from the highest are value it.
Besides Ixmoja, which is situated within the Nohoch Mul Group of constructions, there are different clusters of buildings all through Coba. These embrace the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big website, and lots of guests lease a motorbike on the entrance gate so that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You can even stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person provides you with a motorbike tour of the whole website, as you sit again and calm down.
Address: Coba archaeological website, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is situated simply south of Tulum within the small city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It is within the one-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of many largest protected areas in Mexico.
The Muyil Ruins are situated not removed from the Tulum Ruins, although these two websites look completely completely different. At Muyil, you’ll see the Peten structure type. The steep-walled pyramid right here is just like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, probably the most well-known Peten website on this planet.
Though not removed from Tulum, it takes some time to get there by automobile as a result of the highway to Sian Ka’an is kind of rugged (and significantly better fitted to 4X4s than compact vehicles). In truth, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the highway to be washed out utterly. For this cause, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions by way of the Sian Ka’an which embrace a cease at Muyil, in addition to some very cool excursions referred to as float excursions. With these, you placed on a life jacket and float by way of the waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, visiting all the highest areas alongside the best way, together with Muyil Ruins.
This day tour from Tulum takes you to the Maya archaeological website of Muyil and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. It features a boat experience to Muyal Lagoon and features a picnic lunch and an knowledgeable information.
Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
5. Ek Balam
Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a stunning jaguar temple right here that you simply gained’t wish to miss. It is situated on the high of the Great Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this website.
From the highest of the Great Acropolis, you’ll get some spectacular jungle views. Though it may be scary at instances, since there’s no handrail to carry onto, the climb is value it for the views alone — plus the jaguar temple is on the high of this pyramid, and also you gained’t wish to miss that both.
To get there from Tulum, the best approach is by rental automobile. The drive takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. You can go by public transport however the journey time will double, as there aren’t any direct buses.
For these renting a automobile, you may flip this into a pleasant day journey. After exploring Ek Balam, head to the close by city of Valladolid. This is among the Mexico pueblos magicos, which suggests “magic towns.”
Valladolid is a captivating and colourful colonial city. It makes the proper place to eat lunch after visiting Ek Balam, and you can even go for a refreshing swim in one of many close by cenotes, like Cenote Oxman, Cenote Saamal, or Cenote Zaci.
6. San Gervasio
San Gervasio is situated on Cozumel Island simply off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. To get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll first must make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry experience to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are situated within the middle of the island.
Though a smaller website, there are many issues to see at San Gervasio, the one Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island. The highlights right here embrace the Templo Nohoch Nah and the Templo Ka’na Nah de Ixchel, that are linked to 1 one other by a sequence of roadways referred to as “scabes.”
As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, take into account spending the entire day on Cozumel. It is thought to have a few of the finest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on this planet, after the Great Barrier Reef close to Australia.
7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins
The Ruins of Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) are situated on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island is situated simply off the coast of Cancun, and a favourite amongst Yucatan guests.
These ruins are on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It is the best elevation level within the Yucatan Peninsula. For this cause, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial middle, although it’s possible you’ll hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which suggests “Island of Women,” obtained its identify as a result of the Spanish Conquistadors discovered so many statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel all around the island. Ixchel is the jaguar goddess that’s related to the moon, fertility, childbirth and drugs.
To get there from Tulum, you’ll first make the two-hour drive to Cancun by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 20-minute ferry experience over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is situated about two hours south of Tulum by automobile. There aren’t any direct buses, and a taxi would price about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s finest to go to in your rental automobile.
Chacchoben is among the finest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It is situated close to Mahahual, Mexico, a preferred cruise vacation spot and seashore city. When there are ships docked, you may count on quite a lot of different guests at Chacchoben, however on non-ship days, you could have the place all to your self.
There are two teams of constructions to see at Chacchoben Ruins, in addition to three excavated, restored pyramids. Inside the most important of the three pyramids, you’ll see Mayan hieroglyphic writing!
As Chacchoben is situated deep within the Mayan jungle, count on to see roaming iguanas and possibly even some spider monkeys. With the monkeys, even for those who don’t see them, you’re very more likely to hear them howling off within the distance.
From Chacchoben, you’re additionally solely about 30-45 minutes from Bacalar, Mexico. This pueblo magico (magic city) is house to Lake Bacalar, AKA the Lake of Seven Colors. This is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and recognized for its attractive blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is situated a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automobile. However, many will say it’s the second-most vital Mayan website within the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza Ruins.
Like Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, not like Chichen Itza, it’s by no means overrun with vacationers, so that you get all of the historical past, majesty and surprise — however considerably smaller crowds and no memento distributors harassing you.
For those that wish to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in probably the most genuine approach potential, go for Uxmal. It sees solely about one-tenth as many annual guests as Chichen Itza, so it’s a way more nice expertise.
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by the tallest pyramid in Uxmal, which is known as El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Visitors can’t climb El Adivino, however there are different constructions the place climbing is permitted.
Located simply subsequent to El Adivino, you may climb the Great Pyramid at Uxmal. Though it’s not a straightforward climb to the highest of this or any of the ruins on this checklist, you’re rewarded with probably the most superb jungle views from the highest.
You can even climb to the highest of a number of different Uxmal constructions, just like the House of the Birds, the House of the Turtles, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. While exploring, pay attention to the intricate carved stone designs on these buildings.
This is named the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can even see it in different historical ruins websites close to Uxmal. Though probably the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely one in all 5 websites within the space that are all situated on the Ruta Puuc, or Pucc Route. The others are Kabah Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, Sayil Ruins, and Labna Ruins.
10. Dzibilchaltún
Dzibilchaltún (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune) is situated about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automobile. It is the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, one of the up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll positively wish to try Merida for those who’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Though there’s just a few Mayan Ruins right here, there’s additionally the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with giant Mayan artwork items and artifacts, a small Mayan Sculpture Garden you may stroll by way of, and a cenote to swim in.
Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the proper locations to chill down after a protracted, sizzling day of climbing Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. This is what’s referred to as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it seems to be like a pure swimming pool.
The most vital construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, typically referred to as the Temple of the Sun. While you may’t climb right here, there are another constructions you may climb in direction of the again of the location close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).
If you occur to be visiting through the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, positively add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the yr, the solar passes straight by way of the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a very awe-inspiring website.
Wrap-Up: Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
There’s no scarcity of historical cities to take a look at within the Tulum ruins alongside the Riviera Maya or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In truth, some may say there are literally too many choices.
If you’re overwhelmed, listed below are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that will help you determine the place you wish to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
Closest ruins close to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, situated within the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Beach, and inside metropolis limits. Must Visit Ruins Near Tulum: Chichen Itza, one of many Seven Wonders of the World, and among the many most-visited locations in Mexico. Mayan Ruins You Can Climb: Coba is the closest place to Tulum with a pyramid you may climb, and it’s the tallest pyramid in Yucatan! Best Off the Beaten Path Ruins Near Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for individuals who like venturing off the crushed observe (however not too far off). Most Beautiful Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has one of the stunning pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance just like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the most important Mayan metropolis ever found.
How to Get to Tulum
Tulum is situated within the Yucatan Peninsula on the southern finish of Riviera Maya. To get to Tulum you’ll fly into the Cancun International Airport. Tulum is situated 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.
The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are situated half-hour from the town middle of Tulum. While these are small, they do have among the best areas within the Yucatan Peninsula.
You can learn our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to extra of the Yucatan Peninsula
You can keep within the city of Tulum as there are a lot of resorts within the space. People additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do a day journey to the Tulum ruins. From there you can even go to the opposite ruins scattered all through the Yucatan Peninsula. The finest strategy to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automobile. Tours are nice, however a automobile helps you to actually go to the ruins of the realm at your personal tempo. If you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you may be the tour busses.
No matter the location you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico.
Read extra articles about Mexico by Shelley
Which place on the checklist caught your eye probably the most? Which ones are in your bucket checklist? Let us know within the feedback beneath.