Wish to go to the very best Mayan Ruins near Tulum? You have actually concerned the ideal location due to the fact that this short article will highlight them all for you, consisting of the Tulum Ruins, which lie right in the city itself.
For visitors who wish to see the remainder of the ancient ruins, you’ll wish to think about leasing a cars and truck in Tulum and driving, as some are rather remote. The very best part of checking out these off the beaten course websites is that you may have them all to yourself– that makes for an extraordinary experience.
Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
No matter how you go, with a group trip or by yourself, no check out to Tulum is total without seeing a few of the Mayan Ruins. All set to find the Leading 10 finest Mayan Ruins near Tulum you’ll wish to contribute to your schedule? Let’s get to it.
To get to Tulum you will fly into Cancun International Airport. You can lease a cars and truck and select it up at the airport, or wait up until your reach Tulum. Compare costs here. If you wish to book transportation from the airport to Tulum, this personal transfer will satisfy you upon arrival and take you in convenience to your hotel in Tulum.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
The Tulum Ruins are in fact situated simply 20 minutes from the Tulum town hall, so you’ll definitely wish to examine them out while vacationing in Tulum. They lie right on the water, ignoring the stunning Caribbean Sea and the white sand beach listed below.
Compared to other ruins websites in the Yucatan, the Tulum Mayan Ruins are little. Nevertheless, it is among the most stunning ruins in Mexico thanks to its fortunate area on the cliffside.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Coming Down God), El Castillo (The Castle), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). There is a designated path to stroll along, so if you follow the course, you will not miss out on a thing. This assisted trip takes you through the archeological website followed by a see to Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa cenotes.
You can explore the whole website in about one hour, however when you go to the ruins, attempt to go early in the day due to the fact that there’s no shade and it gets extremely, extremely hot. Among the very best features of the Tulum Ruins is that you can head right down to the beach after you go to the ruins and dive in the sea.
There is a staircase leading from the ruins to the beach listed below. (Note: Depending upon the tide, the staircase is often closed.) This beach cove, referred to as Tulum Ruins Beach, is among the best beaches in the area– so do not forget your swimwear when checking out the Tulum Ruins.
Entry to Tulum Ruins is just $80 pesos ($ 4 USD), and there are guides you can employ at the entryway gate if you wish to have a professional program you around. The indications here remain in Spanish, so this is something worth thinking about if you can’t check out Spanish.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun– Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. There is a parking area where you can park your rental vehicle and walk. Or there is a train for 10 pesos that you can take also.
2. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is among the New 7 Marvels of the World and among the best archeological websites on the planet, so it likely does not require much of an intro! It is likewise among the 2 most-visited ancient ruins in Mexico; the other is Teotihuacan near Mexico City. They both see about 2 million yearly visitors.
From Tulum, you can drive your rental vehicle, take the ADO bus from the Tulum town hall, or sign up with a trip. The drive takes about 2-2.5 hours.
While you can delight in some ruins without a guide, this huge archeological website truly is the location to employ one. As one of the most interesting put on Earth to find out about the Mayan culture, you’ll desire a recognized guide to discuss all the surprise significances and signs you’ll see, the historic significance of the structures, how they were utilized by the Maya, and more.
At Chichen Itza, there are numerous big Mayan pyramids and a lot more of the smaller sized (however still special) structures to see. It is a big website at about 4 square miles (10 sq. km.), so strategy to be there for a minimum of 3 hours if you wish to see whatever.
Upon going into Chichen Itza, you initially see El Castillo, which implies “The Castle,” and is likewise called the Temple of Kukulcan. This is the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ll see in a lot of images of the website, and among the biggest of all pyramids in Mexico.
There’s likewise the Temple of the Warriors, The Observatory, Group of a Thousand Columns, Great Ball Court, The Nunnery, Spiritual Cenote, and more. In overall, there are 20 groups of structures, and each has a couple of structures to see. Get your avoid the line entryway tickets beforehand. No matter what time of day you show up, you can beat the crowds and stroll right on into among the New 7 Marvels of the World.
There is a parking area at the ruins where you can park your rental vehicle for 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Wish to climb up a few of the ancient ruins? Then you’ll need to head to Coba Ruins, situated about one hour from Tulum, deep in the jungle. You can likewise schedule a day trip that consists of Coba and Tulum pyramids. Take pleasure in a directed trip that consists of a buffet lunch and a swim in a Cenote in addition to time to check out Playa del Carmen. See more information here.
Coba has the highest pyramid you can climb up in Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid (often called Ixmoja), which stands 137-feet-tall (42 m). There are 120 actions to the top, and it’s a high climb, however the views of the Mayan jungle from the top deserve it.
Besides Ixmoja, which lies in the Nohoch Mul Group of structures, there are other clusters of structures throughout Coba. These consist of the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group, and Macanxoc Group.
Coba is a big website, and lots of visitors lease a bike at the entryway gate so they get to see it all. Bike leasings have to do with $5 USD for 2 hours. You can likewise stroll, or employ a taxi tricycle at the entryway where another person will offer you a bike trip of the whole website, as you relax and unwind.
Address: Coba historical site, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
Muyil (noticable moo-yeel) lies simply south of Tulum in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. It remains in the one-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and among the biggest safeguarded locations in Mexico.
The Muyil Ruins lie not far from the Tulum Ruins, though these 2 websites look absolutely various. At Muyil, you’ll see the Peten architecture design. The steep-walled pyramid here resembles the ruins at Tikal in Guatemala, the most well-known Peten website on the planet.
Though not far from Tulum, it takes a while to arrive by vehicle due to the fact that the roadway to Sian Ka’an is rather rugged (and better fit for 4X4s than compact automobiles). In truth, in the rainy season months, it’s not unusual for the roadway to be rinsed entirely. For this factor, a lot of visitors go to Muyil on a trip.
There are boat trips through the Sian Ka’a that include a stop at Muyil, in addition to some extremely cool trips called float trips. With these, you place on a life vest and float through the waters of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, checking out all the leading locations along the method, consisting of Muyil Ruins.
This day trip from Tulum takes you to the Maya historical site of Muyil and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an. It consists of a boat trip to Muyal Lagoon and consists of a picnic lunch and a professional guide.
Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
5. Ek Balam
Ek Balam implies “Black Jaguar” in the Maya language, and there is a gorgeous jaguar temple here that you will not wish to miss out on. It lies at the top of the Great Castle, the highest pyramid at this website.
From the top of the Great Castle, you’ll get some amazing jungle views. Though it can be frightening sometimes, considering that there’s no hand rails to keep, the climb deserves it for the views alone– plus the jaguar temple is at the top of this pyramid, and you will not wish to miss out on that either.
To arrive from Tulum, the most convenient method is by rental vehicle. The drive takes about 1.5– 2 hours. You can pass public transportation however the journey time will double, as there are no direct buses.
For those leasing a cars and truck, you can turn this into a good excursion. After checking out Ek Balam, head to the neighboring town of Valladolid. This is among the Mexico pueblos magicos, which implies “magic towns.”
Valladolid is a captivating and vibrant colonial town. It makes the ideal location to consume lunch after checking out Ek Balam, and you can likewise opt for a revitalizing swim in among the neighboring cenotes, like Cenote Oxman, Cenote Saamal, or Cenote Zaci.
6. San Gervasio
San Gervasio is found on Cozumel Island simply off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. To get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll initially require to make the one-hour drive to Playa del Carmen by rental vehicle or bus. Then, you’ll take the 40-minute ferryboat trip to Cozumel. San Gervasio Ruins lie in the center of the island.
Though a smaller sized website, there are lots of things to see at San Gervasio, the only Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island. The highlights here consist of the Templo Nohoch Nah and the Templo Ka’ na Nah de Ixchel, which are linked to one another by a series of streets called “scabes.”
As it’s a little bit of a trek from Tulum, think about investing the entire day on Cozumel. It is understood to have a few of the very best snorkeling and diving in Mexico, as it’s so near to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef– the 2nd biggest on the planet, after the Great Barrier Reef near Australia.
7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins
The Ruins of Ixchel (noticable ick-shell) lie on Isla Mujeres. This Caribbean island lies simply off the coast of Cancun, and a preferred amongst Yucatan visitors.
These ruins are on a cliff that neglects the Caribbean Sea. It is the greatest elevation point in the Yucatan Peninsula. For this factor, some historians state it operated as a lighthouse, not a ritualistic center, though you might hear it called the Temple of Ixchel.
Isla Mujeres, which implies “Island of Women,” got its name due to the fact that the Spanish Conquistadors discovered a lot of statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel all over the island. Ixchel is the jaguar goddess that’s related to the moon, fertility, giving birth and medication.
To arrive from Tulum, you’ll initially make the two-hour drive to Cancun by rental vehicle or bus. Then, you’ll take the 20-minute ferryboat trip over to Isla Mujeres. The Ruins of Ixchel lie on the southern idea of Isla Mujeres at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben (noticable cha-cho-ben) lies about 2 hours south of Tulum by vehicle. There are no direct buses, and a taxi would cost about $100 USD (or more) round-trip, so it’s finest to go to in your rental vehicle.
Chacchoben is among the very best Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, suggesting the “Mayan Coast.” It lies near Mahahual, Mexico, a popular cruise location and beach town. When there are ships docked, you can anticipate a great deal of other visitors at Chacchoben, however on non-ship days, you might have the location all to yourself.
There are 2 groups of structures to see at Chacchoben Ruins, in addition to 3 excavated, brought back pyramids. Inside the biggest of the 3 pyramids, you’ll see Mayan hieroglyphic writing!
As Chacchoben lies deep in the Mayan jungle, anticipate to see strolling iguanas and perhaps even some spider monkeys. With the monkeys, even if you do not see them, you’re highly likely to hear them wailing off in the range.
From Chacchoben, you’re likewise just about 30-45 minutes from Bacalar, Mexico. This pueblo magico (magic town) is house to Lake Bacalar, AKA the Lake of 7 Colors. This is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico, and understood for its stunning blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Website)
Completely disclosure, Uxmal (noticable yoush-mall) is found a bit far from Tulum being 5 hours by vehicle. Nevertheless, lots of will state it is the second-most essential Mayan website in the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza Ruins.
Like Chichen Itza, Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Website. Nevertheless, unlike Chichen Itza, it is never ever overrun with travelers, so you get all the history, majesty and marvel– however substantially smaller sized crowds and no keepsake suppliers pestering you.
For those who wish to experience real Mayan history and architecture in the most genuine method possible, go with Uxmal. It sees just about one-tenth as lots of yearly visitors as Chichen Itza, so it’s a far more enjoyable experience.
Upon arrival, you’re welcomed by the highest pyramid in Uxmal, which is called El Adivino, or The Pyramid of the Magician. Visitors can’t climb up El Adivino, however there are other structures where climbing is allowed.
Found simply beside El Adivino, you can climb up the Great Pyramid at Uxmal. Though it’s not a simple reach the top of this or any of the ruins on this list, you are rewarded with the most fantastic jungle views from the top.
You can likewise reach the top of numerous other Uxmal structures, like your home of the Birds, your home of the Turtles, and the Nunnery Quadrangle. While checking out, keep in mind of the elaborate sculpted stone styles on these structures.
This is referred to as the “Puuc” esthetic, and you can likewise see it in other ancient ruins websites near Uxmal. Though the most well-known, Uxmal is in fact among 5 websites in the location which are all situated on the Ruta Puuc, or Pucc Path. The others are Kabah Ruins, Xlapak Ruins, Sayil Ruins, and Labna Ruins.
10. Dzibilchaltún
Dzibilchaltún (noticable zee-bee-shall-tune) lies about 3.5 hours from Tulum by vehicle. It is the closest Mayan Ruins to Merida, Mexico, among the most up-and-coming locations in Yucatan– so you’ll certainly wish to have a look at Merida if you’re checking out Dzibilchaltún Ruins.
Though there’s just a few Mayan Ruins here, there’s likewise the onsite Dzibilchaltún Museum with big Mayan art pieces and artifacts, a little Mayan Sculpture Garden you can stroll through, and a cenote to swim in.
Cenotes are sinkholes or jungle swimming pools, and the ideal locations to cool off after a long, hot day of climbing up Mayan Ruins. At Dzibilchaltún, you’ll discover Cenote Xlacah. This is what’s called an open cenote or swimming pool cenote, as it appears like a natural pool.
The most essential structure at Dzibilchaltún is the Temple of the 7 Dolls, often called the Temple of the Sun. While you can’t climb up here, there are some other structures you can climb up towards the back of the website near the cenote (noticable sen-no-tay).
If you occur to be checking out throughout the Spring and Fall Equinoxes, certainly include Dzibilchaltún to your schedule. On just these 2 days of the year, the sun passes straight through the center of the square opening in the Temple of the 7 Dolls for a genuinely amazing website.
Wrap-Up: Finest Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
There’s no lack of ancient cities to have a look at in the Tulum ruins along the Riviera Maya or in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. In truth, some may state there are in fact a lot of choices.
If you’re overwhelmed, here are the cliff’s notes in a bulleted list to assist you choose where you wish to go while you’re checking out Tulum, Mexico.
Closest ruins near Tulum: Tulum Ruins, situated in the Tulum Archaeological Zone on Tulum Beach, and within city limitations. Should See Ruins Near Tulum: Chichen Itza, among the 7 Marvels of the World, and amongst the most-visited locations in Mexico. Mayan Ruins You Can Climb Up: Coba is the closest location to Tulum with a pyramid you can climb up, and it’s the highest pyramid in Yucatan! Finest Off the Beaten Course Ruins Near Tulum: Ek Balam is ideal for those who like venturing off the beaten track (however not too away). The Majority Of Lovely Ruins Near Tulum: Muyil has among the most stunning pyramids in Mexico. Its Chunyaxché Pyramid takes a look comparable to the well-known Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala, the biggest Mayan city ever found.
How to Get to Tulum
Tulum lies in the Yucatan Peninsula on the southern end of Riviera Maya. To get to Tulum you will fly into the Cancun International Airport. Tulum lies 2 hours south of Cancun and 1 hour south of Playa del Carmen.
The Tulum ruins neglect the Caribbean Sea and lie thirty minutes from the town hall of Tulum. While these are little, they do have among the very best places in the Yucatan Peninsula.
You can read our guides for Playa del Carmen and Cancun to go to more of the Yucatan Peninsula
You can remain in the town of Tulum as there are lots of resorts in the location. Individuals likewise make a base in Playa del Carmen and do an excursion to the Tulum ruins. From there you can likewise go to the other ruins spread throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The very best method to navigate the Riviera Maya is by rental vehicle. Trips are excellent, however a cars and truck lets you truly go to the ruins of the location at your own rate. If you go to the ruins early in the early morning or late in the afternoon you will be the trip busses.
No matter the website you select, it’s constantly an extraordinary experience to go to ruins in Mexico.
Learn more short articles about Mexico by Shelley
Which put on the list captured your eye the most? Which ones are on your container list? Let us understand in the remarks listed below.