Want to go to the very best Mayan Ruins close to Tulum? You’ve come to the proper 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 need to see the remainder of the traditional ruins, you’ll need to take into account 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 among the Mayan Ruins. Ready to find the Top 10 finest Mayan Ruins close to Tulum you’ll need to add to your itinerary? Let’s get to it.
To get to Tulum you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport. You can hire a automobile and choose it up on the airport, or wait till your attain Tulum. Compare costs right here. If you need to ebook transport from the airport to Tulum, this non-public switch will meet you upon arrival and take you in consolation to your lodge in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are literally positioned simply 20 minutes from the Tulum metropolis heart, so that you’ll completely need to test them out whereas vacationing in Tulum. They are positioned proper on the water, overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the white sand seashore under.
Compared to different ruins websites within the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are small. However, it’s some 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 Castle), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There is a chosen pathway to stroll alongside, so when you comply with the trail, you gained’t miss a factor. This guided tour takes you thru the archeological website adopted by a go to to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can tour the complete website in about one hour, however while 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, extremely popular. One of the very best issues in regards to the Tulum Ruins is that you may head proper right down to the seashore after you go to the ruins and bounce within the sea.
There is a staircase main from the ruins to the seashore under. (Note: Depending on the tide, the staircase is usually closed.) This seashore cove, often called Tulum Ruins Beach, is likely one of the nicest seashores on the town — so don’t neglect your bathing swimsuit when visiting the Tulum Ruins.
Entry to Tulum Ruins is just $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 here are in Spanish, so that is one thing price contemplating when you can’t learn Spanish.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There is a parking zone the place you possibly can park your rental automobile and stroll. Or there’s a practice for 10 pesos that you may 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 probably doesn’t want a lot of an introduction! It can be 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 automobile, take the ADO bus from the Tulum metropolis heart, or be part of a tour. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
While you possibly can take pleasure in some ruins and not using a information, this huge archeological website actually is the place to rent one. As some of the 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 historic significance of the constructions, 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) constructions to see. It is a big website at about 4 sq. miles (10 sq. km.), so plan to be there for at the least three hours if you wish to see every part.
Upon getting into Chichen Itza, you first see El Castillo, which implies “The Castle,” and can be referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan. This is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in most photographs 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 whole, there are 20 teams of buildings, and every has just a few constructions to see. Get your skip the road entrance tickets prematurely. 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.
There is a parking zone on the ruins the place you possibly can park your rental automobile for 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Want to climb among the historical ruins? Then you’ll have to move to Coba Ruins, positioned about one hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle. You may also ebook 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 (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.
Besides Ixmoja, which is positioned within the Nohoch Mul Group of constructions, there are different clusters of buildings all through Coba. These embody the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big website, and lots of guests hire 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 also stroll, or rent a taxi tricycle on the entrance the place another person will provide you with a motorcycle tour of the complete website, as you sit again and calm down.
Address: Coba archaeological website, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
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 fashion. The steep-walled pyramid right here is just like the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, essentially the most well-known Peten website 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 significantly 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 utterly. For this cause, most guests go to Muyil on a tour.
There are boat excursions by means of 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 by means of the waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, visiting all the highest areas alongside the way in which, together with Muyil Ruins.
This day tour from Tulum takes you to the Maya archaeological website of Muyil and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. It features a boat experience 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
Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” within the Maya language, and there’s a lovely jaguar temple right here that you simply gained’t need to miss. It is positioned on the prime of the Great Acropolis, the tallest pyramid at this website.
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 prime of this pyramid, and also you gained’t need to miss that both.
To get there from Tulum, the simplest method 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 likely one of the Mexico pueblos magicos, which implies “magic towns.”
Valladolid is an enthralling and colourful colonial city. It makes the proper place to eat lunch after visiting Ek Balam, and you may also 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 positioned on Cozumel Island simply off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. To get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll first have to make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental automobile or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferry experience to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins are positioned within the heart of the island.
Though a smaller website, 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.”
As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, take into account spending the entire day on Cozumel. It is understood to have among 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
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 very best elevation level within the Yucatan Peninsula. For this cause, some historians say it functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial heart, although it’s possible you’ll hear it referred to as the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Women,” bought 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 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 experience 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 (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is positioned about two hours south of Tulum by automobile. There aren’t any direct buses, and a taxi would price about $100 USD (or extra) round-trip, so it’s finest to go to in your rental automobile.
Chacchoben is likely one of the finest Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, that means the “Mayan Coast.” It is positioned close to Mahahual, Mexico, a preferred cruise vacation spot and seashore city. When there are ships docked, you possibly can anticipate loads 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 when you 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 house to Lake Bacalar, AKA the Lake of Seven Colors. This is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and recognized for its beautiful 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 website 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 need to expertise true Mayan historical past and structure in essentially the most genuine method 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. 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 simple climb to the highest of this or any of the ruins on this record, you might be rewarded with essentially the most wonderful jungle views from the highest.
You may also 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, be aware of the intricate carved stone designs on these buildings.
This is named the “Puuc” esthetic, and you may also see it in different historical 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
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, some of the up-and-coming locations in Yucatan — so that you’ll undoubtedly need to try Merida when you’re visiting Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Though there’s only some Mayan Ruins right here, there’s additionally the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with giant 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, scorching 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 to be like like a pure swimming pool.
The most essential construction at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, typically 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 direction of the again of the positioning close to the cenote (pronounced sen-no-tay).
If you occur to be visiting through the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, undoubtedly add Dzibilchaltún to your itinerary. On solely these two days of the 12 months, the solar passes straight by means of the middle of the sq. opening within the Temple of the Seven Dolls for a really awe-inspiring website.
Wrap-Up: Best Mayan Ruins Near 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 reality, some would possibly say there are literally too many choices.
If you’re overwhelmed, listed here are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted record that can assist you determine the place you need to go when you’re visiting Tulum, Mexico.
Closest ruins close 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 many who like venturing off the crushed monitor (however not too far off). Most Beautiful Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has some of the 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
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.
The Tulum ruins overlook the Caribbean Sea and are positioned half-hour from the town heart of Tulum. While these are small, they do have among the finest places within the Yucatan Peninsula.
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 a lot of resorts within the space. People additionally make a base in Playa del Carmen and do a day journey to the Tulum ruins. From there you may also go to the opposite ruins scattered all through the Yucatan Peninsula. The finest method to get across the Riviera Maya is by rental automobile. Tours are nice, however a automobile permits you to actually go to the ruins of the world at your individual tempo. If you go to the ruins early within the morning or late within the afternoon you can be the tour busses.
No matter the positioning you select, it’s at all times an unforgettable expertise to go to ruins in Mexico.
Read extra articles about Mexico by Shelley
Which place on the record caught your eye essentially the most? Which ones are in your bucket record? Let us know within the feedback under.