Mexico: The Exciting World of the Maya

The Maya are an ancient civilization that has lived in Central America for centuries and still thrives today through their descendants.
Between 300 and 900 AD, they reached their peak as a high culture. They built large cities, developed their own script, and explored the universe.
Their area of influence covered a vast region across Mesoamerica, including parts of present-day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

On the Yucatán Peninsula, you can still discover the fascinating world of the Maya today. Where and how, we’ll reveal in this guide.

1. CHICHÈN ITZÀ

The best-known and most fascinating attraction in Yucatán is undoubtedly the Maya site Chichén Itzá.
Rightly so, as the highlight of this archaeological site, the Kukulkán Pyramid, and its surrounding buildings were declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
The well-thought-out and impressive structures, built without machinery, continue to captivate every visitor to this day.
Although the temples can no longer be climbed, they are no less interesting because of it. In the city of Maya culture, you can experience the following buildings up close:

THE KUKULKÁN PYRAMID

This impressive structure, almost 30 meters high, is the centerpiece of the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá and a true architectural masterpiece of the Maya.
Each side of the pyramid has a staircase with 91 steps leading to the top platform. Adding all the steps on the four staircases and the top platform together results in exactly 365 steps.
This allowed Maya astronomers to calculate the number of days in a year. Serpent heads of the god Kukulkán are visible at each entrance of the pyramid.

Twice a year, on March 21 and September 21, the equinox takes place. During this special event, thousands of visitors gather to watch a fascinating spectacle: as sunlight hits the pyramid, a shadow is cast along one of the serpent figures, creating the illusion that the serpent is slowly descending the steps.

JUEGO DE PELOTA - THE GREAT MAYAN BALLCOURT

The Juego de Pelota is one of the largest ballcourts of its kind.
The playing field measures an impressive 168 meters in length and 38 meters in width and is surrounded by an 8-meter-high stone wall that once served as a grandstand for spectators.
Here, the Maya played the spiritually significant ballgame Tlachtli.
The goal of the game was to get a rubber ball weighing up to 3 kilograms through one of the stone rings mounted on the side walls using only elbows, knees, and hips—without the ball ever touching the ground. According to legend, at the end of the game, the losing team was sacrificed to the gods.

TEMPLO DE LOS GUERREROS

The Templo de los Guerreros is located northeast of the Kukulkán Pyramid and is a temple dedicated to the Maya warriors.
Next to the temple is the Palace of the 1000 Columns (Palacio de las Columnas Esculpidas), which is thought to symbolize the city's army. Two serpent columns guard the entrance.

CENOTE SAGRADO - THE SACRED WELL

A cenote is a limestone sinkhole created by the collapse of a cave ceiling and filled with water.
The Cenote Sagrado is an open cenote with an impressive diameter of over 60 meters and a water depth of about 13 meters.
The Maya did not use this "sacred well" as a drinking water source but viewed it as a gateway to the underworld.
For this reason, they sacrificed numerous valuable items such as gold and silver, which they threw into the cenote.
During excavations, researchers discovered not only these treasures but also many human bones, as human sacrifice was a common practice among the Maya.

Chichén Itzá, unfortunately, counts as one of the tourist hotspots of Yucatán. Nevertheless, you should not miss out on visiting this impressive Maya site. Plan to spend an entire day there.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes! The large grounds mean you’ll cover quite a distance on foot.

We recommend taking a guided tour to get enough information to fully immerse yourself in the world of the Maya.
Tickets and guided tours and/or transfers can easily be booked via getyourguide.

Alternatively, you can buy your entrance ticket directly on-site and hire one of the guides waiting at the entrance.
These guides will accompany you through the complex and provide you with fascinating information—payment is made in cash.

Our tip: Arrive at 8:00 am when the site opens. This way, you can enjoy the tranquility before the tourist rush begins, and temperatures are still pleasant.
If you visit Chichén Itzá only in the afternoon, don't forget to apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as there is little shade across the grounds.

2. TULÚM

Another equally impressive Maya site can be found in Tulúm. It is the second most visited Maya archaeological site in Yucatán after Chichén Itzá.
The Maya could not have chosen a more beautiful location for their city, as what makes Tulúm so special is that it was built directly on the Caribbean coast along the Riviera Maya.

With its ideal location by the sea, Tulúm was the largest city along the trade route at that time and was likely used not only for religious purposes but also as an important trade hub for various goods.

The site is surrounded by a 4-meter-high and 600-meter-long fortification wall. Inside, there are over 50 smaller temples,house, and palace remains.

The highest and most imposing structure is the temple El Castillo, which serves as the centerpiece of the entire site.
For its time, the temple must have been enormous, as the Spaniards who landed here in the 16th century were deeply impressed by the building.
Researchers believe that El Castillo was used not only as a temple but also as a kind of lighthouse.
The temple, with its fantastic view of the turquoise sea, is a true postcard-worthy sight.

Due to the large crowds and to protect the archaeological site, El Castillo and the other structures can no longer be entered.

Just as popular as the Maya ruins is the beautiful bathing beach in the bay below El Castillo, which offers a refreshing dip.
However, keep in mind that this is not a typical swimming beach, as it is often closed to visitors.

For the Maya site, plan half a day. As this archaeological site is also a tourist hotspot, we recommend visiting it when it opens at 8:00 am or in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM.
It can be unbearably hot at midday, with little shade. Plus, during these quieter times of day, the lighting conditions create the best photos.

Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking around the grounds. We also recommend a guided tour to gain enough information for a full immersion into the Maya culture. Tickets, guided tours, and/or transfers can be pre-booked on getyourguide.

HOTEL TIP

If you’re still looking for a hotel that’s an ideal base for various sights in the region, the TRS Yucatan Hotel - Adults Only could be just right for you.
Ideally located between Playa del Carmen and Tulúm, it also boasts direct beach access.
Several pools, first-class restaurants with delicious cuisine, a private spa, and many other amenities round out the experience. Our stay was fantastic, and we’d happily return.

3. COBÁ

The Maya site of Cobá is one of those places in Mexico you simply have to see. About 45 km west of Tulúm, it lies in the heart of the jungle.
With an area of 80 km², Cobá was the largest and most extensive Maya city of its time, housing about 50,000 people.
To this day, only a small portion of the thousands of structures on the vast site has been excavated, restored, and opened for visits.

At the entrance, you have the option to walk the 1.5 kilometers to the highlight of the Maya city, the main pyramid Nohoch Mul, rent a bicycle, or take a bicycle taxi.
We chose the latter and had a blast with our enthusiastic driver, while also saving our strength for the pyramid climb.

On the way through the jungle to the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, you’ll pass by various Maya ruins.

Arriving at the 42-meter-high Nohoch Mul Pyramid, you’ll have the chance to climb the pyramid via its approximately 120 steps.
Reaching the top rewards you with a phenomenal view. You can gaze over the wild jungle, where the occasional temple peak of Cobá rises through the canopy.

Compared to the two previously mentioned Maya cities, Cobá is far less crowded. However, if you plan to climb the pyramid, try to arrive early in the morning.
Otherwise, you’ll be battling the heat as much as the stairs. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

Plan about two hours for the Maya site. You can buy entrance tickets directly at the entrance to Cobá.

4. EK BALAM

The Maya city of Ek Balam is a true hidden gem.

Compared to the other Maya sites described above, Ek Balam gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Maya culture peacefully, without being surrounded by crowds of tourists.

Ek Balam, which means "black jaguar", is relatively small at 15 km² but no less fascinating.

One special aspect of Ek Balam is that, unlike most other Maya sites, you can climb the Acropolis, the 31-meter-high main structure.
Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a fantastic 360-degree view over the jungle. You can also enter or pass through most of the other buildings.

We felt we gained an even deeper insight into the Maya culture at Ek Balam. It’s an authentic site with many exciting and interesting experiences.

If you plan to climb the pyramid, be there early in the morning. Otherwise, you’ll be more affected by the heat than the steps.
Wear sturdy shoes.

Plan around two hours for the Maya site. Tickets can be bought directly at the entrance of Ek Balam.

Of course, there are many, many more Maya sites across Yucatán. Unfortunately, we simply ran out of time to see them all.

THIS POST WASN’T ENOUGH FOR YOU? LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR MEXICO TRIP? THEN BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING POSTS:

• Mexico: The Yucatán Peninsula – the Ideal Mix of Road Trip & Beach
• Mexico: The Unique Nature of Yucatan
• Mexico: The Most Famous Cities of Yucatán
• Mexico: The Island Paradises around Yucatán

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