If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience during your next vacation, you’re in luck. Many of the best Mayan ruins are located near Cancun, making visiting several places of interest easy without wasting too much time. To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of ten archeological sites near Cancun that you won’t want to miss.
Chichen Itza
Located just over two hours from Cancun towards the center of the peninsula, it is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites, where you can visit, among other things, the imposing pyramid listed among the Wonders of the World.
Coba
Just a short drive south, discover an amazing archaeological site featuring sparkling cenotes and even a monkey reserve.
Tulum
It is one of the most famous destinations in the southeast of Mexico, offering beautiful archaeological ruins near the beach and various dining and entertainment options.
Xaman-Ha
These ruins found in the southern part of Playa del Carmen offer an interesting view of how the Mayan villages lived near the ocean. In addition, it´s surrounded by several restaurants and a spectacular golf course.
Uxmal
A little further (four hours to the west) from Cancun is Uxmal, another of the most important archaeological sites in the southeast. It´s a place where you can spend several hours learning about the Mayan culture in one of the cities where they achieved the greatest growth.
Xcaret
To get to this site you must take the road south, towards Chetumal. There is a not-so-well-known archaeological zone, but where there is an imposing ceremonial center, among many other buildings.
Palenque
This is the furthest place on the list, and you must take a plane to get there. However, it is a complete archaeological zone where you can take a walk through the jungle while learning about the legacy of one of the most outstanding Mayan rulers, the great Pakal.
Kohunlich
If you visit the ruins of Xcaret, you will have the archaeological center of Kohunlich at a small driving distance, a site where recent excavations have discovered several important buildings for the Mayan culture.
Kinichna
Just a few kilometers away from Kohunlich is Kinichna, a place that does not have much notoriety but that offers the beauty of the jungle surrounding it.
Dzibanche
Another ceremonial center is located in the same area as the last three, which will help to complement the natural beauty combined with the archaeological zone. Exploring the Mayan ruins provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the impressive architecture of buildings that stood hundreds of years ago. With bilingual tour guides to help you understand the significance of each location, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the history of the area.
As you can see, your vacation in Cancun can be diverse, full of luxury and fun, and satisfy absolutely all your tastes. The only thing you need is to prepare to spend some unforgettable days in one of the most important destinations in Mexico.
Because we know that you are a demanding traveler and you only like the best, we like to combine the luxury of one of the most exclusive hotels in the Riviera Maya with the majesty and history of the most important archaeological ruins in the region. Enjoy an unforgettable vacation with Garza Blanca Cancún.
