When we talk about the Riviera Maya, we’re diving into the heart of Mexico’s Caribbean coast—a sun-soaked paradise of pristine beaches. But beyond the postcard-perfect shores, this region is a gateway to one of the most fascinating pre-Hispanic civilizations in the Americas. For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, here’s your ultimate guide to the 10 most breathtaking Maya ruins you can’t miss.

Map of the Maya Archaeological Sites

The ancient Maya civilization spanned southeastern Mexico and parts of Central America. Below, you’ll find a map highlighting the most remarkable archaeological zones in the region.

Pro tip: Download the PDF version to zoom in and explore the details with ease.

Download PDF Map 8.04MB. 2441 Downloads.

Archaeological sites of the Maya world.

10 Maya Archaeological Sites That Will Leave You Speechless

Chichén Itzá

The iconic Pyramid of Kukulcán. Photo by Cocojorgefalcon (Public Domain).

Let’s kick things off with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá, a crown jewel of Maya architecture. Located in Tinum, Yucatán, this ancient city is roughly 180 km (112 miles) from Playa del Carmen and 200 km (124 miles) from Cancún. You can reach it by guided tour, rental car, or tourist bus—all convenient options.

Chichén Itzá is home to the legendary Temple of Kukulcán, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Wander through ball courts, sacred cenotes, and temples that reveal the sophistication of a civilization in its twilight. Don’t miss the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole once used for ceremonial offerings.

Tourist Bus Service: From Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Approx. $250 MXN ($12.50 USD).
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM; site closes at 5:00 PM).
Admission: $64 MXN ($3.20 USD). Free for children under 13, students, teachers, and seniors with valid ID. Sundays free for Mexican nationals/residents. Video camera fee: $45 MXN ($2.25 USD).
Official site: chichenitza.inah.gob.mx

Tulum Archaeological Site

Tulum’s cliffside ruins. Photo by Christian Córdova (Creative Commons).

Perched on a cliff above turquoise waters, Tulum boasts the best views of any Maya site. Just 60 km (37 miles) from Playa del Carmen and 180 km (112 miles) from Cancún, this walled city—once called Zamá (Dawn)—was a strategic seaport. The Castillo, a watchtower doubling as a lighthouse, is a must-see. Arrive early to beat the crowds, then cool off with a swim at the beach below.

Local tip: Grab lunch in Tulum Pueblo—the wood-fired chicken spots are legendary!

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Night light show: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Admission: $57 MXN ($2.85 USD). Shuttle train from town: $10 MXN ($0.50 USD) one-way; taxi: ~$30 MXN ($1.50 USD).
Official site: tulum.inah.gob.mx

Cobá

Climb the towering Nohoch Mul pyramid. Photo by Tim Buss (Creative Commons).

Hidden in the jungles of Quintana Roo, Cobá (meaning “waters stirred by wind”) is a sprawling site dotted with lakes and cenotes. Located 100 km (62 miles) from Playa del Carmen, it’s far less crowded than Chichén Itzá but equally impressive. The highlight? Scaling the 42-meter (138-foot) Nohoch Mul pyramid—a steep climb rewarded with panoramic jungle views.

Pro tips: Rent a bike or tricycle taxi to cover the vast grounds. Pack water, sunscreen, and bug spray!

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
Admission: $50 MXN ($2.50 USD). Video permit: $35 MXN ($1.75 USD).
Official site: inah.gob.mx

Xaman-Há Ruins

Xaman-Há’s quiet ruins. Photo by Bill McChesney (Creative Commons).

Tucked within modern Playa del Carmen, Xaman-Há (“Waters of the North”) was once the launching point for Maya pilgrimages to Cozumel to worship Ixchel, the goddess of love. Access requires a free permit from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Contact them in advance:

INAH Quintana Roo: Insurgentes 974, Forjadores, Chetumal, Q.R. 77025.
Tel: +52 (983) 837 2411 | Email: direccion.qroo@inah.gob.mx

Xcaret

Ruins within Xcaret Park. Photo by Robert McGoldrick (Creative Commons).

Just 9 km (5.6 miles) from Playa del Carmen, the ruins of Xcaret (originally P’olé) lie within the famous eco-park. This former trading port thrived from 600–1500 CE. While the archaeological zone is separate from the park’s attractions, history lovers can explore ancient structures before diving into Xcaret’s cenotes or cultural shows.

Hours (Ruins): Daily, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Admission (Ruins only): $50 MXN ($2.50 USD). Park tickets sold separately.

Uxmal

The Pyramid of the Magician. Photo by Graeme Churchard (Creative Commons).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mérida, Uxmal (“Built Three Times”) dazzles with intricate carvings of the rain god Chaac. The Pyramid of the Magician—a 32-meter (105-foot) marvel with a legend of overnight construction—is a showstopper. Keep an eye out for sunbathing iguanas!

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Admission:

• Foreigners: $99 MXN ($4.95 USD)
• Mexican nationals: $59 MXN ($2.95 USD)
• Students/teachers/seniors: $73 MXN ($3.65 USD)
• Free for children under 13 and disabled visitors

Light & Sound Show: $78 MXN ($3.90 USD) foreigners; $50 MXN ($2.50 USD) nationals.
Official site: inah.gob.mx

Palenque

Palenque’s Temple of the Inscriptions. Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Creative Commons).

Deep in Chiapas, 800 km (497 miles) from Cancún, Palenque is worth the trek. This jungle-cloaked city features jaw-dropping reliefs and the tomb of King Pakal, whose jade mask is a Mesoamerican masterpiece. Only 2% of the site is excavated—imagine what’s still hidden!

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Admission: $60 MXN ($3 USD). Evening entry (after 5:00 PM): $191 MXN ($9.55 USD). Includes museum access.
Official site: inah.gob.mx

Kohunlich

Kohunlich’s Temple of the Masks. Photo by Robert Stern (Creative Commons).

In southern Quintana Roo, Kohunlich is a 21-acre maze of plazas and pyramids. Don’t miss the Temple of the Masks, adorned with stucco faces of the sun god. Howler monkeys and toucans add to the wild vibe.

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
Admission: $62 MXN ($3.10 USD).
Pack: Bug spray, sun protection, and sturdy shoes!

San Miguelito Ruins & Cancún Maya Museum

San Miguelito’s ancient structures. Photo by David Stanley (Creative Commons).

Cancún’s San Miguelito ruins and the sleek Maya Museum showcase 14,000 years of history. Wander among pre-Hispanic structures, then admire artifacts like skeletal remains from underwater caves and jade relics.

Hours:

• San Miguelito: Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (access via museum)
• Museum: Tue–Sun, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)

Admission: $64 MXN ($3.20 USD) for both sites.

Ek Balam

Acropolis at Ek Balam. Photo by Melinda Young (Creative Commons).

Just 30 km (19 miles) north of Valladolid and 170 km (106 miles) from Cancún, Ek Balam (“Black Jaguar” in Maya) is a hidden gem where you can still climb its iconic structures. The star of the show is the Acropolis, a 31-meter (102-foot) pyramid adorned with intricate stucco carvings of winged warriors and mythological creatures. Unlike many sites, Ek Balam retains an off-the-beaten-path vibe, letting you explore its plazas, ball courts, and ceremonial gates without the crowds.

Don’t miss the Tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, a ruler buried inside the Acropolis, where the ornate Portal of the Serpent Mouth guards his remains. The site is also surrounded by lush jungle—keep an ear out for howler monkeys!

Pro tip: Pair your visit with a dip in the nearby Cenote X’Canché (100MXN/5 USD entry), a stunning open-air sinkhole with rappelling and zip-line options.

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
Admission:

• Foreigners: $531 MXN ($26.55 USD)
• Mexican nationals/residents: $237 MXN ($11.85 USD)
• Free for children under 13 and seniors with ID

Guided tours: Available on-site for $500–$800 MXN ($25–$40 USD).
Official site: inah.gob.mx