Top Three Archaeological Zones that Are a Must Visit When in Cancun

June 16, 2023

Looking For Your Next Adventure?

When coming to Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Tulum, you already know an adventure is on the horizon. However, if you wish to visit a few of our unique archeological sites, this is where we should begin!

The Mayan civilization is well known for its ancient temples, art, architecture, calendar, and astronomical system. To glimpse this fantastic world, we will discuss the most popular sites people visit in our region.

Chichen Itza

Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. The Mayan people built the city in the architectural style of Puuc around 250 AD to 900 AD. It's one of the largest Mayan cities ever built and occupies an area of 4 square miles (10 square km). You will find caves and sinkholes in limestone formations called cenotes at the site. These natural wells form when limestone surfaces collapse and expose the water underneath. Chichen Itza means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza." A visit to this spectacular site is a memory you will hold forever.

Tulum

These ruins are a must-visit location. The greatest attraction at the Tulum Ruins is the fantastic view. This site is the only Maya settlement located on the beaches of the Caribbean. With spectacular views, we understand why millions of people visit these Maya ruins each year. As you overlook the 39 ft. tall cliffs, you will be in awe of the never-ending beauty. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya and was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries. Even though the Spanish began occupying Mexico, Tulum continued to survive for almost 70 years after the Spanish occupied Mexico. Today, Tulum is a popular tourist site as one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites. We highly recommend you visit this beautiful site.

Coba

Getting up close and personal with the magnificent ruins of our Coba is extraordinary, and we are very excited to share it with you. The Mayans initially settled in the city of Coba in the 2nd century. In this fantastic jungle, they found two freshwater lagoons that helped them to thrive. As they grew and built impressive structures, Coba peaked around 850 AD. We understand that is when almost 50,000 Mayans were living in Coba. Most people believe that just a decade later, Coba started to decline several hundred years earlier than other surrounding Mayan settlements in the Yucatan began to fall. It's thought that the main reason for Coba's decline was an ongoing and brutal war with the neighboring city of Chichen Itza. By the 14th century, Coba was all but abandoned in the middle of the lush jungle. However, it still sits on its site, waiting for you to visit.

These are just a few spectacular sites you can explore in our beautiful destinations!

Enjoy!