The 10 Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum, Mexico

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The 10 Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum, Mexico


Want to go to one of the best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the fitting place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are positioned proper within the metropolis itself.

For guests who wish to see the remainder of the historic ruins, you’ll wish to contemplate 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 gaggle tour or by yourself, no go to to Tulum is full with out seeing a number 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 lodge in Tulum.

1. Tulum Mayan Ruins

mayan ruins tulum mexio
The lovely ruins of Tulum overlooking the Caribbean Sea

The Tulum Ruins are literally positioned simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, so that you’ll completely wish to test them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They are positioned proper on the water, overlooking the attractive Caribbean Sea and the white sand seaside under.

Compared to different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. However, it’s probably the most lovely 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 chosen pathway to stroll alongside, so for those who observe the trail, you gained’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological web site adopted by a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.

You can tour your entire web site in about one hour, however attempt to go to 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 in regards to the Tulum Ruins is you can head proper all the way down to the seaside after visiting and soar within the sea.

best mayan ruins tulum mexico
the gorgeous white sand seaside under the Mayan ruins of Tulum

There is a staircase main from the ruins to the seaside under. (Note: Depending on the tide, the staircase is typically closed.) This seaside cove, referred to as Tulum Ruins Beach, is without doubt one of the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t overlook your bathing go well with when visiting the Tulum Ruins.

Entry to Tulum Ruins is barely $80 pesos ($4 USD), and there are guides you possibly can 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 price contemplating for those who can’t learn Spanish.

Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico

2. Chichen Itza

chichen itza is the most famous ancient city near the mayan ruins of tulum

Chichen Itza is without doubt one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — so it possible doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It can also be one of many two most-visited historic ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico City, and so they each see about two million annual guests.

From Tulum, you possibly can 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 possibly can take pleasure in some ruins with no information, this large archeological web site actually is the place to rent one. As probably the most fascinating locations on Earth to be taught in regards to the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to clarify all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historical significance of the constructions, how they have been utilized by the Maya, and extra.

mayan ruins near tulum chichen itza

At Chichen Itza, there are a number of massive Mayan pyramids and much more of the smaller (however nonetheless distinctive) constructions to see. It is a big web site at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for a minimum of three hours if you wish to see every thing.

Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which suggests “The Castle,” and can also be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan. This is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most images of the positioning, 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 upfront. No matter what time of day you arrive, you possibly can beat the crowds and stroll proper on into one of many New Seven Wonders of the World.

3. Coba

mayan ruins tulum coba temple

Want to climb a number of the historic ruins? Then you’ll have to move to Coba Ruins, positioned about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You may 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 possibly can climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (generally 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 price it.

Besides Ixmoja, which is positioned 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 not far from the mayan ruins of tulum

Coba is a big web site, and lots of guests lease a motorcycle on the entrance gate so that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You may stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person provides you with a motorcycle tour of your entire web site, as you sit again and chill out.

Address: Coba archaeological web site, 77793 Q.R., Mexico

4. Muyil

muyil are not far from the mayan ruins of tulum

Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is positioned 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 positioned not removed from the Tulum Ruins, although these two websites look completely totally 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, essentially the most well-known Peten web site on the 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 sort of rugged (and a lot better fitted to 4X4s than compact vehicles). In reality, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the highway to be washed out fully. For this motive, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.

There are boat excursions by means 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 means 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 web site of Muyil and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. It features a boat journey to Muyal Lagoon and features a picnic lunch and an skilled information.

Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico

5. Ek Balam

the mayan ruins of ek balam are 1.5 hours from the ruins of tulum

Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here that you simply gained’t wish to miss. It is positioned on the high of the Great Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this web site.

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 price 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 means 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 possibly can flip this into a pleasant day journey. After exploring Ek Balam, head to the close by city of Valladolid. This is without doubt one of 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 ruins are farther away from the mayan ruins of tulum

San Gervasio is positioned 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 journey to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are positioned within the middle of the island.

Though a smaller web site, 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 related to 1 one other by a sequence of roadways referred to as “scabes.”

As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, contemplate spending the entire day on Cozumel. It is understood to have a number of the finest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on the planet, after the Great Barrier Reef close to Australia.

7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins

more ruins near the mayan ruins of tulum are Ixchel

The Ruins of Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) are positioned on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island is positioned 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 motive, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial middle, although you might hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.

Isla Mujeres, which suggests “Island of Women,” bought 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 journey over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are positioned on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.

8. Chacchoben

Chacchoben is two hours from the Mayan ruins of tulum

Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is positioned about two hours south of Tulum by automobile. There aren’t any direct buses, and a taxi would value about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s finest to go to in your rental automobile.

Chacchoben is without doubt one of the finest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It is positioned close to Mahahual, Mexico, a preferred cruise vacation spot and seaside city. When there are ships docked, you possibly can anticipate plenty of different guests at Chacchoben, however on non-ship days, you will 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 biggest of the three pyramids, you’ll see Mayan hieroglyphic writing!

As Chacchoben is positioned deep within the Mayan jungle, anticipate to see roaming iguanas and possibly even some spider monkeys. With the monkeys, even for those who don’t see them, you’re very prone 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 dwelling 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 positioned a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automobile. However, many will say it’s the second-most essential Mayan web site 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 essentially the most genuine means 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 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 possibly can climb the Great Pyramid at Uxmal. Though it’s not a straightforward climb to the highest of this or any of the Mayan Ruins on this checklist, you’re rewarded with essentially the most superb jungle views from the highest.

You may 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 called the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can even see it in different historic ruins websites close to Uxmal. Though essentially the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely considered one of 5 websites within the space that are all positioned on the Ruta Puuc, or Pucc Route. The others are Kabah Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, Sayil Ruins, and Labna Ruins.

10. Dzibilchaltún

nearby ruins of tulum Dzibilchaltún

Dzibilchaltún (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune) is positioned about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automobile. It is the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, probably the most 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 massive Mayan artwork items and artifacts, a small Mayan Sculpture Garden you possibly can stroll by means 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 appears like a pure swimming pool.

The most essential construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, generally referred to as the Temple of the Sun. While you possibly can’t climb right here, there are another constructions you possibly can climb in the direction of the again of the positioning close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).

If you occur to be visiting throughout the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, positively add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the yr, the solar passes instantly by means of the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a very awe-inspiring web site.

Wrap-Up: Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum

mayan ruins tulum waterview

There’s no scarcity of Mayan Ruins to take a look at within the Tulum space, or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In reality, some would possibly 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 resolve the place you wish to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.

  • Closest Mayan Ruins to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, positioned 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 possibly can 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 monitor (however not too far off).
  • Most Beautiful Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has probably the most lovely pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance just like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the biggest Mayan metropolis ever found.

How to Get to Tulum

Day trips from Playa Del Carmen Tulum

Tulum is positioned 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 positioned 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.

  • 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 numerous resorts within the space. People additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do day journeys to the Yucatan Peninsula. The finest approach to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automobile. Tours are nice, however a automobile enables you to actually go to the ruins of the world at your personal tempo. If you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you’ll be the tour busses.

The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are positioned half-hour from the town middle of Tulum. While these are small, they do have the most effective areas within the Yucatan Peninsula.

No matter the positioning you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico. Which place on the checklist caught your eye essentially the most? Which ones are in your bucket checklist? Let us know within the feedback under.

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