Wish to go to the most effective Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the correct place as a result of this text will spotlight all of them for you, together with the Tulum Ruins, that are situated proper within the metropolis itself.
For guests who wish to see the remainder of the ancient ruins, you’ll wish to think about renting a car in Tulum and driving, as some are fairly distant. One of the best a part of visiting these off the crushed path websites is that you just may need all of them to your self — which makes for an unforgettable expertise.
Mayan Ruins Close to Tulum
Irrespective of 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. Prepared to find the High 10 greatest 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 Worldwide Airport. You possibly can lease a automotive and choose it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Compare prices here. If you wish to e-book transport from the airport to Tulum, this private transfer will meet you upon arrival and take you in consolation to your resort in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are literally situated simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis middle, so that you’ll completely wish to verify them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They’re situated proper on the water, overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the white sand seaside under.
In comparison with different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. Nevertheless, it’s one of the lovely ruins in Mexico due to 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 Fort), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There’s a designated pathway to stroll alongside, so should you 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 the entire web site in about one hour, however if you go to the ruins, attempt to go early within the day as a result of there’s no shade and it will get very, very popular. Top-of-the-line issues in regards to the Tulum Ruins is that you would be able to head proper right down to the seaside after you go to the ruins and leap within the sea.
There’s a staircase main from the ruins to the seaside under. (Notice: Relying on the tide, the staircase is typically closed.) This seaside cove, often called Tulum Ruins Seashore, is likely one of the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t overlook your bathing swimsuit 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 should you can’t learn Spanish.
Deal with: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There’s a car parking zone the place you possibly can park your rental automotive and stroll. Or there’s a prepare for 10 pesos that you would be able to take as nicely.
2. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is likely one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of many biggest archeological websites on the planet, so it possible doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! Additionally it is one of many two most-visited historical ruins in Mexico; the opposite is Teotihuacan close to Mexico City. They each see about two million annual guests.
From Tulum, you possibly can drive your rental car, take the ADO bus from the Tulum metropolis middle, or join a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
When you can get pleasure from some ruins with out a information, this large archeological web site actually is the place to rent one. As one of the fascinating locations on Earth to be taught in regards to the Mayan tradition, you’ll need an accredited information to elucidate all of the hidden meanings and symbols you’ll see, the historical significance of the buildings, how they have been utilized by the Maya, and extra.
At Chichen Itza, there are a number of giant Mayan pyramids and much more of the smaller (however nonetheless distinctive) buildings to see. It’s a giant web site at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for no less than three hours if you wish to see every part.
Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which implies “The Fort,” and can be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan. That is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most photographs of the location, 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, Nice Ball Courtroom, The Nunnery, Sacred Cenote, and extra. In complete, there are 20 teams of buildings, and every has a couple of buildings to see. Get your skip the line entrance tickets in advance. It doesn’t 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.
There’s a car parking zone on the ruins the place you possibly can park your rental automotive for 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Wish to climb a number of the historical ruins? You then’ll have to go to Coba Ruins, situated about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You can even book a day tour that features Coba and Tulum pyramids. Take pleasure in 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 details here.
Coba has the tallest pyramid you possibly can climb in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (typically 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.
Apart from Ixmoja, which is situated within the Nohoch Mul Group of buildings, there are different clusters of buildings all through Coba. These embody the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big web site, and plenty of guests lease a motorcycle on the entrance gate in order that they get to see all of it. Bike leases are about $5 USD for 2 hours. You can even stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person offers you a motorcycle tour of your complete web site, as you sit again and calm down.
Deal with: Coba archaeological web site, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) is situated simply south of Tulum within the small city of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It’s within the one-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and one of many largest protected areas in Mexico.
The Muyil Ruins are situated 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 much like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, essentially the most well-known Peten web site on the planet.
Although not removed from Tulum, it takes some time to get there by automotive as a result of the highway to Sian Ka’an is sort of rugged (and significantly better suited to 4X4s than compact vehicles). In truth, within the wet season months, it’s not unusual for the highway to be washed out utterly. Because of this, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions via the Sian Ka’an which embody 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 via 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 trip to Muyal Lagoon and features a picnic lunch and an skilled information.
Deal with: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
5. Ek Balam
Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here that you just gained’t wish to miss. It’s situated on the prime of the Nice Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this web site.
From the highest of the Nice Acropolis, you’ll get some spectacular jungle views. Although 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 prime of this pyramid, and also you gained’t wish to miss that both.
To get there from Tulum, the simplest approach is by rental car. The drive takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. You possibly can go by public transport however the journey time will double, as there are not any direct buses.
For these renting a car, you possibly can flip this into a pleasant day journey. After exploring Ek Balam, head to the close by city of Valladolid. This is likely one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, which implies “magic cities.”
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 is situated 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 car or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry trip to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are situated within the middle of the island.
Although a smaller web site, there are many issues to see at San Gervasio, the one Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island. The highlights right here embody the Templo Nohoch Nah and the Templo Ka’na Nah de Ixchel, that are related to at least one one other by a sequence of roadways referred to as “scabes.”
Because it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, think about spending the entire day on Cozumel. It’s identified to have a number of the greatest snorkeling and diving in Mexico, because it’s so near the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — the second largest on the planet, after the Nice Barrier Reef close to Australia.
7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins
The Ruins of Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) are situated on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island is situated simply off the coast of Cancun, and a favourite amongst Yucatan guests.
These ruins are on a cliff that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It’s the highest elevation level within the Yucatan Peninsula. Because of this, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial middle, although it’s possible you’ll hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Girls,” received its title 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 medication.
To get there from Tulum, you’ll first make the two-hour drive to Cancun by rental automotive or bus. Then, you’ll take the 20-minute ferry trip over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel are situated on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Seashore Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is situated about two hours south of Tulum by car. There are not any direct buses, and a taxi would value about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s greatest to go to in your rental automotive.
Chacchoben is likely one of the greatest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, which means the “Mayan Coast.” It’s situated close to Mahahual, Mexico, a preferred cruise vacation spot and seaside city. When there are ships docked, you possibly can anticipate a whole lot of different guests at Chacchoben, however on non-ship days, you could have the place all to your self.
There are two teams of buildings 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 situated deep within the Mayan jungle, anticipate to see roaming iguanas and possibly even some spider monkeys. With the monkeys, even should you don’t see them, you’re very more likely 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 Colours. That is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and identified for its beautiful blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Website)
In full disclosure, Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall) is situated a bit removed from Tulum being 5 hours by automotive. Nevertheless, many will say it’s the second-most vital Mayan web site within the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza Ruins.
Like Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Nevertheless, 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 individuals who wish to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in essentially the most genuine approach doable, 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 is named El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Guests can’t climb El Adivino, however there are different buildings the place climbing is permitted.
Positioned simply subsequent to El Adivino, you possibly can climb the Nice Pyramid at Uxmal. Although it’s not a straightforward climb to the highest of this or any of the ruins on this checklist, you’re rewarded with essentially the most superb jungle views from the highest.
You can even climb to the highest of a number of different Uxmal buildings, just like the Home of the Birds, the Home of the Turtles, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. Whereas exploring, be aware of the intricate carved stone designs on these buildings.
This is named the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can even see it in different historical ruins websites close to Uxmal. Although essentially the most well-known, Uxmal is definitely considered one of 5 websites within the space that are all situated on the Ruta Puuc, or Pucc Route. The others are Kabah Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, Sayil Ruins, and Labna Ruins.
10. Dzibilchaltún
Dzibilchaltún (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune) is situated about 3.5 hours from Tulum by automotive. It’s the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, one of the up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll undoubtedly wish to take a look at Merida should you’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Although there’s just a few Mayan Ruins right here, there’s additionally the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with giant Mayan artwork items and artifacts, a small Mayan Sculpture Backyard you possibly can stroll via, and a cenote to swim in.
Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the proper locations to chill down after a protracted, scorching day of climbing Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. That is what’s referred to as an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, because it appears to be like like a pure swimming pool.
An important construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, typically referred to as the Temple of the Solar. When you can’t climb right here, there are another buildings you possibly can climb in direction of the again of the location close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).
In case you occur to be visiting in the course of the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, undoubtedly add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the 12 months, the solar passes straight via the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a very awe-inspiring web site.
Wrap-Up: Finest Mayan Ruins Close to Tulum
There’s no scarcity of historical cities to take a look at within the Tulum ruins alongside the Riviera Maya or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In truth, some may say there are literally too many choices.
In case you’re overwhelmed, listed below are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted checklist that will help you determine the place you wish to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
- Closest ruins close to Tulum: Tulum Ruins, situated within the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Seashore, and inside metropolis limits.
- Should Go to Ruins Close to Tulum: Chichen Itza, one of many Seven Wonders of the World, and among the many most-visited places 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!
- Finest Off the Crushed Path Ruins Close to Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for many who like venturing off the crushed observe (however not too far off).
- Most Lovely Ruins Close to Tulum: Muyil has one of the lovely pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid has a glance much like the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the biggest Mayan metropolis ever found.
Learn how to Get to Tulum
Tulum is situated within the Yucatan Peninsula on the southern finish of Riviera Maya. To get to Tulum you’ll fly into the Cancun Worldwide Airport. Tulum is situated 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.
The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are situated half-hour from the town middle of Tulum. Whereas these are small, they do have among the best areas within the Yucatan Peninsula.
- You possibly can learn our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to extra of the Yucatan Peninsula
You possibly can keep within the city of Tulum as there are a lot of resorts within the space. Individuals additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do a day journey to the Tulum ruins. From there you can even go to the opposite ruins scattered all through the Yucatan Peninsula. One of the simplest ways to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automotive. Excursions are nice, however a automotive allows you to actually go to the ruins of the world at your individual tempo. In case you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you’ll be the tour busses.
Irrespective of the location you select, it’s all the time an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico.
Learn extra articles about Mexico by Shelley
Which place on the checklist caught your eye essentially the most? Which of them are in your bucket checklist? Tell us within the feedback under.
