As spicy as the salsa you’ll find in its restaurants, Mexico is a nation awash with incredible landscapes: northern deserts, jungle highlands and beaches to blow you away. Pre-Columbian civilisations firmly left their mark on Mexico’s great lands; the entire country is scattered with ancient ruins and archaeological wonders as well as charmingly, colourful towns left behind by colonialists and beautifully preserved by locals today.
It would be a crime to step foot in Mexico without visiting one of its many ancient sites, of which 180 are open to the public. We’ve gathered the top seven ancient ruins that you must absolutely not miss when on a trip to Mexico.
Post Contents
- 1. Chichen Itza – The Mayan Metropolis
- 2. Palenque Ruins – An Ancient Site Shrouded in Dense Jungle
- 3. The Tulum Ruins – Mexico’s Best Preserved Coastal Ancient Site
- 4. Monte Alban Pyramid – One of Mexico’s Most Dramatic Ancient Sites
- 5. Uxmal – One of the Most Important Mayan Sites in Mexico
- 6. Coba – Ancient Pyramids You Can Climb
- 7. Teotihuacan – Home to Mexico’s Mightiest Pyramids
1. Chichen Itza – The Mayan Metropolis
An easy day trip from Cancun, on the Yucatan Peninsula sits Mexico’s most visited archaeological site, Chichen Itza. Usually considered the most important and famous Mayan site, Chichen Itza is believed to have been a capital city of the region and although popular amongst tourists, this UNESCO World Heritage site is still definitely a must-see on your trip.
Standing at a massive 30 metres high, El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan is the site’s tallest structure and dominates the centre of Chichen Itza. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, it is also one of the most popular Instagram photo spots in Mexico.
Another unique and noteworthy site is the slowly eroding 1,000-year-old observatory El Caracol, which not only stands as a testament to the architectural skill of the Mayans but was said to be used by priests to determine the date. El Caracol, which means ‘snail’ in Spanish, is named so due to the spiral staircase inside the tower.
You can explore Chichen Itza on this wonderful 12-Day Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip that sees you wandering ancient sites, diving into cenotes and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
2. Palenque Ruins – An Ancient Site Shrouded in Dense Jungle
In the Savannah of Chiapas, with a dramatic mountain setting surrounded by dense jungle is where you will find the most impressive of all Mexico’s Mayan ruins, Palenque.
The Mayan ruins of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage site and testimony to the resources of the Maya, are as important as Chichen Itza and Uxmal in historical significance and architectural magnificence.
The Temple of Inscriptions, named for the hieroglyphics and inscriptions inside, is perhaps the most significant structure on the site as it tells stories and shows facts of approximately 180 years of the city’s history from the 4th to 12th centuries. Many of which are now on display at Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology.
Speaking of Museums, on your trip to Palenque, stop at the museum near the entry that provides a panoramic insight into the orientation of the city and its history, learning about the ancient art, religion, rituals and daily life of the Mayan culture.
Explore the wonders of Palenque and the Chiapas region on this 8-day Chiapas Mexico tour.
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3. The Tulum Ruins – Mexico’s Best Preserved Coastal Ancient Site
In the Mayan Riviera, within reach of the popular beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, lie the well-preserved Tulum ruins. Famous for being the only fortified Mayan settlement on the coast and for its tall fortress-like walls, these ruins perched atop 12-metre-high cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea can be seen for miles. With the uninterrupted view of the rising sun, Tulum’s original name Zama meaning “place of the dawning sun” seems fitting.
An archeological must-see, Tulum site is one of the very few walled cities built by the Mayans with walls located on only three sides of the settlement, as the ocean ‘protects’ the final side. The earliest date found inscribed on stelae at the site is A.D. 564 with an estimated population of 1,000-1,600 inhabitants of Tulum at the time.
What hands down makes Tulum ruins so special, is the cannot-be-missed views of the Caribbean Sea. A pathway from the village leads to a sandy beach with turquoise ocean waters which are perfect for swimming and snapping photos is the ideal finish to the ruins.
Explore the best of Mexico’s hidden treasures and the Tulum ruins on this 7-Day Secret Hideaways trip.
4. Monte Alban Pyramid – One of Mexico’s Most Dramatic Ancient Sites
Only nine kilometres outside of Oaxaca City, an ancient city built on a high plateau 400 metres above the valley, with expansive views of a once-great empire, is the Monte Alban archaeological site.
The unique setting surrounded by plains, mountains, colourful trees and the sprawling Oaxaca City below makes this UNESCO World Heritage site well worth the five-hour drive if you’re coming from Mexico City. Not to mention the historical importance it represents; as one of Mexico’s first major cities, the Monte Alban archaeological site remained continuously inhabited for 13 centuries, unlike many other ancient sites.
Wander around the site to uncover, with some imagination, what life in Monte Alban would have been like. Notable architecture, ball courts, tombs, pyramids and temples as well as the unique stone carvings known as ‘Los Danzantes’ hidden in stones are scattered throughout the site.
As with many of the ancient sites through Mexico, there is a museum on-site with historical artifacts, stelae and bones from burial sites that were found nearby. Be sure to check it out on the way in, or the way out! The museum is air-conditioned and is a nice reprieve from exploring the ruins in the sun.
Discover these unique ruins and the wonderful city of Oaxaca on a Mexico private tour.
5. Uxmal – One of the Most Important Mayan Sites in Mexico
Spread over 150 acres, Uxmal and its giant Pyramid of the Magician appears out of harsh jungle landscape with its height and unique, smooth-curved design (unlike most Mayan buildings in Mexico) make it one of the ancient Mayan’s most unique structures. Located more inland than other sites, it is still, according to some, one of the most important ancient ruins in Mexico.
Another of the most impressive structures on the site, the Great Pyramid provides the best vantage point to look out over the ancient city of Uxmal and the ruins that remain there.
If you think the climb to the top is easy, you’re very wrong. While it is achievable and worth the climb, be prepared for steep, shallow steps that require climbing, not just stepping. Unfortunately, you can no longer climb the giant Pyramid of the Magician.
Considering its prestigious reputation and its UNESCO World Heritage site title, it is surprisingly much quieter than its neighbouring sites. With fewer people than Chichen Itza and Tulum Ruins, Uxmal can be really enjoyed without battling busloads of people.
Climb to the top of the Uxmal Pyramids and visit many other ancient archaeological sites on this 12-Day Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip.
6. Coba – Ancient Pyramids You Can Climb
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, only 44 kilometres northwest of Tulum (less than an hour by car), you will find the ancient Mayan city of Coba with more than 6,500 ruins for you to discover at your own pace.
The Mayan name Coba meaning “water stirred by the wind” is rather fitting as these ruins are surrounded by natural lagoons, a rare sight in the Yucatan.
Surprisingly, Coba doesn’t see as much tourism as places like Chichen Itza or the ruins of Tulum, so if you arrive early you may get to explore the ruins by yourself with only the birds, the jungle and your imagination to accompany you.
Coba’s ancient pyramid, Nohoch Mul is open to the public to climb if you want to tackle the 130 super steep steps to the top. Get to the top and you’re guaranteed an unbelievable view of the Coba ruins and surrounding jungle. Coba Pyramid is the highest in the Yucatan Peninsula, standing even taller than Chichen Itza. So, if you’re not afraid of heights (and are wearing appropriate footwear) the views and photo opportunities are waiting for you!
Discover these ancient pyramids and more on this 10-Day Riviera Maya Escape trip.
7. Teotihuacan – Home to Mexico’s Mightiest Pyramids
Teotihuacan, famous for its large pyramids dedicated to the sun and the moon and one of the largest and most important archeological sites, lies just 50 kilometres north of Mexico City. With an estimated two million visitors each year and its UNESCO World Heritage status, this site is a must-see day trip when holidaying in Mexico.
Built between the 1st and 7th centuries, Teotihuacan is said to be once a holy city where gods were created. The city of Teotihuacan played a hugely important and vital role in Mesoamerica, a geographical area now known as the modern-day countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It’s cultural and artistic influences spread throughout this region and beyond.
The vast size of its monuments are a particular interest of this archaeological site, especially the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon which all sit on the ‘Avenue of the Dead’ which runs through the site.
Explore Teotihuacan and other epic landscapes on this 2-week Mexico trip.
Whether your trip to Mexico is dedicated to discovering ancient ruins, swimming in cenotes or you want to explore everything that Mexico has to offer, Designer Journeys’s Local Designers have years of experience ensuring that every single trip is packed with local experiences and designed exactly to your requirements.
Check out the Mexico Trip Gallery to browse our range of fully-customisable trips or design your own trip from scratch today.
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