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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

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9 Incredible Mayan Ruins in Mexico You Must Visit

Last Updated: October 19, 2021 · Mexico

The best Mayan ruins in Mexico are spread out across the south and eastern part of this incredibly diverse country, notably modern-day Chiapas and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, where the Mayas thrived for centuries.

If you’re not that familiar with the Mayas, they were – and are – a fascinating people who formed one of the most impressive and developed civilizations, with advanced knowledge and systems in writing, mathematics, astrology, art, architecture, and their famous 260-day Maya calendar (or Tzolk’in as it’s known in Yucatec Maya).

As such, the Mayas were an advanced civilization all-around, with enormous independent city-states in which religion, power, and warfare played out in oft glorious but bloody ways.

The indigenous Mayas’ existence can be traced back as early as 2600 BC. Since they lived in what today is known as southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and western Honduras, there are ancient Mayan archaeological sites spread out across thousands of miles. And even though I’ve only seen a tiny sliver of those once-thriving cities, I do believe that some of the best Mayan ruin sites are in Mexico.

So without further ado…

Here are the most stunning and well-preserved Mayan ruins to visit in Mexico!

Table of Contents show
9 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico to Add to Your Bucket List
1. Calakmul Mayan Ruins (Campeche)
2. Tulum Ruins (Quintana Roo)
3. Chichen Itza (Yucatan)
4. Palenque (Chiapas)
5. Ek Balam (Yucatan)
6. Coba Mayan Ruins (Quintana Roo)
7. Uxmal Ruins via the Ruta Puuc (Yucatan)
8. Yaxchílan & Bonampak (Chiapas)
9. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins (Quintana Roo)

9 Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico to Add to Your Bucket List

1. Calakmul Mayan Ruins (Campeche)

woman standing atop Calakmul Mayan ruins in Campeche, Mexico

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

Calakmul is a lost Mayan city in the jungle of Campeche, the southernmost state that forms part of the Yucatan Peninsula in eastern Mexico.

With its remote location in the dense jungle, towering pyramids, and mysterious – if not eerie – atmosphere, Calakmul has easily become one of my most favorite Mayan ruins in Mexico.

But despite being one of the most impressive Mayan ruins, there’s a reason it’s not so famous or popular as some of the other Mayan sites in Mexico.

That’s because it was only rediscovered after 500 years by an American explorer and botanist named Cyrus Lundell, who flew over the Campeche jungle and saw two interesting-looking mounds peeking out over the treetops in 1931. Lundell subsequently named the site Calakmul, meaning “Two Adjacent Mounds.”

However, it wasn’t until 60 years later, in 1993 that excavations began when Calakmul was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the secrets and importance of this incredible city slowly became known to us.

  • calakmul mayan ruin stairs
  • woman overlooking calakmul pyramid ruins

Turns out, Calakmul has the largest and tallest pyramid ever found in the Mayan world (and yes, it’s climbable!) and their most formidable rival was that of Tikal in neighboring northern Guatemala.

To this day, there are still dozens of mounds that you can actually see lying hidden below the earth as you explore the Calakmul grounds on foot. Just make sure to keep an eye out for spider monkeys and jaguars!

You can also climb up to the top of the main structures for epic panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

If you are like me and crave adventure at every turn, you will be enamored with the Calakmul Mayan ruins. Click the link to learn how to visit this incredible ruins site!

2. Tulum Ruins (Quintana Roo)

el castillo mayan building inside tulum ruins
  • tulum mayan ruins building with stones and iguanas
  • El Castillo mayan ruins inside tulum national park
  • tulum beaches
  • tulum mayan ruins in the yucatan peninsula - temple of the god of winds

One of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico is none other than the Tulum ruins. Perched cliffside overlooking the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins are a marvel to explore and see for yourself.

What’s more, the Tulum ruins are one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruin sites in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Here, you can see the mesmerizing El Castillo, faint remnants of once brightly-colored murals, stele, temples, and more.

At the height of its time, the city, once known as the city of Zamá (meaning dawn or sunrise), was an important pillar in Mayan society as it served as both a thriving seaport for trading to other Mayan cities (such as Coba) and a source of astronomical tools and knowledge.

Make sure to include these amazing Mayan ruins in your Tulum itinerary!

3. Chichen Itza (Yucatan)

couple in front of Chichen Itza ruins in Mexico

Chichén Itzá is the most famous of the Mayan ruins in Mexico. If you’ve never been, it’s a must-visit whenever you are traveling around the Yucatan.

After all, Chichen Itza is iconic of Mexico and the Maya civilization and is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

However, unlike at Calakmul ruins, or some of the other Mayan ruins sites on this list, you won’t ever have the chance to wander in stillness and tranquility at Chichen Itza for it is always crawling with national and international tourists.

That’s why if you visit Chichen Itza in one day, you should start out early to beat the crowds.

Despite its popularity and somewhat craziness, seeing Chichen Itza in person is truly incredible. The immensity of the grounds and the temples just makes your mind travel back in time. How I wish I could glimpse for a moment into the past to see what it once looked like!

4. Palenque (Chiapas)

palenque maya ruins in chiapas
PC: Andrea Parola

The Palenque ruins are one of the best places to visit in Chiapas, Mexico. It is also, along with Chichen Itza and Tikal in Guatemala, one of the largest and most important of the Mayan cities.

To get there, you first need to drive or ride a bus for 5 hours from the pueblo mágico of San Cristobal de Las Casas in the chilly Chiapas highlands to reach the humid and tropical Lacandon jungle.

Once in Palenque, you can visit the ruins and the incredible temples that were once blanketed by a forest of overgrown mahogany, sapodilla, and cedar trees (1).

Inside one of its most prized temples – the Temple of Inscriptions – lies the tomb of the most famous ruler of Palenque known as Pacal The Great (K’inich Janaab Pakal).

A trip to Palenque also means exploring several magical waterfalls and their turquoise-blue pools ideal for jumping in on a hot day. You can find these locations along the route by adding Agua Azul, Misol-Ha, and Roberto Barrios waterfalls to your itinerary.

5. Ek Balam (Yucatan)

Ek Balam things to do near Valladolid

For a semi-off-the-beaten-track Mayan ruins site, head to the lost kingdom of Ek Balam (meaning “Black Jaguar” in Yucatec-Maya). These ruins are conveniently located just 1 hour from the more popular Chichen Itza.

Those who are willing to visit Ek Balam will be rewarded with fewer crowds, climbable pyramids, and an oh-so inviting cenote (Cenote Oxman) perfect for splashing in after a busy day of exploring ruins.

If that sounds good to you, don’t miss out on Ek Balam whenever you are traveling around the Yucatan. Seeing as it’s only a short drive away from Valladolid and Chichen Itza, there’s no excuse not to go!

6. Coba Mayan Ruins (Quintana Roo)

  • couple sitting atop coba pyramid @ coba mayan ruins
  • woman at coba mayan ruins pyramid

Cobá is an ancient Mayan city located just 45 minutes inland from Tulum. It is quickly becoming one of the more popular Mayan ruins in Mexico thanks to its climbable pyramid that gives an epic panoramic view of the surrounding jungle and its mystic forest grounds which can be explored by foot, bike, or tuk-tuk.

We love visiting Cobá on a day trip from Tulum thanks to the three underground cenotes near Coba that, combined, make for an all-day adventure.

There is also a bustling little town with markets, restaurants, and a lake, that you can enjoy at Coba as well. Plus, it’s easy to visit since it’s on the route between Tulum – Valladolid.

7. Uxmal Ruins via the Ruta Puuc (Yucatan)

uxmal mayan ruins
PC: ivstiv

Uxmal Mayan ruins is a famous site in Mexico located on the well-trodden Ruta Puuc (Puuc Route) which has become a well-trodden road trip route for anyone interested in ticking off dozens of lost Mayan ruins sites in the Yucatan off their bucket lists.

Uxmal may be one of the most popular sites along the Ruta Puuc, but there is also Labná, Xpalak and Sayil, and Kaba (in addition to the Loltún Caves). The best way to visit all these sites is by departing from Mérida, the capital of the Yucatan, and heading south down into the state of Campeche.

8. Yaxchílan & Bonampak (Chiapas)

yaxchilan mayan ruins in chiapas mexico
PC: Andrea Parola
bonampak painted murals
PC: arturogi

If you are truly looking for an adventurous time, then I know just the place! Yaxchílan and Bonampak are two stunning Mayan ruins sites in the southeastern part of Chiapas, Mexico, lost in the Lacandon jungle.

Yaxchílan is a lost maze of ruins. Getting there is an adventure in itself as you first have to drive to the Guatemalan border and then take a boat ride up the river splitting the two countries before arriving at a little inlet where the ruins lie dormant.

Bonampak is a little easier to get to (no hour-long boat ride necessary) and they offer equally mesmerizing ruins with the chance to observe up-close brightly-painted murals inside the temple walls.

You can visit both Mayan ruins sites either on day trips from Palenque or overnighters from San Cristobal or go on your own with this epic Chiapas road trip itinerary.

9. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins (Quintana Roo)

san gervasio mayan ruins in cozumel mexico

Last but not least on this list of best Mayan ruins in Mexico are the San Gervasio ruins located on the tropical island of Cozumel in the state of Quintana Roo. If you have never been to San Miguel de Cozumel, now is the time! This little island oozes adventure.

At the center of it all lies the once-thriving site of San Gervasio, where Mayans, particularly women, would visit the site on a sort of pilgrimage to ask for blessings and give offerings to Ixchel who was the Maya goddess of fertility, the moon, love, childbirth, medicine, and textiles.

Visiting the San Gervasio ruins is one of the best things to do in Cozumel if you appreciate history and culture and crave a sense of adventure.

Of course, there are MANY more Mayan ruins in Mexico to visit!

I didn’t include Teotihuacan on this list as that site was majorly led and governed by the Aztecs of Mesoamerica, whereas the Mayas really flourished in southeastern Mexico and in northern Central America. However, if you get the chance, you should definitely visit the Teotihuacan ruins as well.

I hope this guide to the best Mayan ruins in Mexico helps plan your visit to this magical country! Please feel free to drop any thoughts or questions in the comments below.

[su_box title=”Ready to explore more of Mexico?” box_color=”#d4b02f” radius=”2″]Having lived in Mexico for going on three years now, I’ve been able to put together quite a few travel guides and itineraries! Start here with my Ultimate Mexico Travel Guide or feel free to check out the articles below:

  • The Perfect Packing List for Mexico (+ Free Printable)
  • The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide to Mexico
  • 50+ Best Places to Visit in Mexico
  • 21 Epic Things to Do in the Riviera Maya
  • 50 Unforgettable Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit

Before you go, make sure you protect your trip! SafetyWing is the digital nomad insurance I’ve been using since I began living and traveling around Mexico.[/su_box]

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By: Bri · In: Mexico

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨ 💻 WORKIN Tips from a long-time nomad ⬇️✨

💻 WORKING ONLINE
While not all nomads/remote workers have online-specific jobs, it’s the easiest way to sustain an income for full-time or long-term travel. Here are some jobs you can do as a digital nomad!

• Blogging (This is what I do full-time!)
• Content Creation / Brand Sponsorship
• Virtual Assisting
• Social Media Management
• YouTube or Podcasting
• Graphic / Web Design
• Coding / Development
• Photography / Videography
• Freelance Writing (How I started)
• Marketing / Amazon FBA / Ecommerce

📍PICKING YOUR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATION
There are many countries out there offering digital nomad visas, but you don’t even need one to just travel as a tourist and stay in-country for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Nomads go everywhere as long as there’s a Wi-Fi connection, some countries you may consider are Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Croatia, Canada, Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, and beyond! Even lesser-known places such as Namibia are starting to offer nomad visas to entice long-term travelers to visit.

🏡 FINDING HOUSING ABROAD
Read my blog post for the full guide on this, but basically, check local Facebook groups for renting local housing for extended stays and then use Airbnbs for shorter stays or to negotiate longer contracts with the owner. There are even more “nomad rental websites” these days to make finding accommodation even easier. Don’t overlook co-living/working spaces too like Selina where the digital nomad community tends to congregate.

💛 EXPLORING LOCALLY/RESPONSIBLY
As always, be mindful and respectful when you visit these communities. Many small towns are struggling with rapid growth and overdevelopment so be mindful of your choices of where you stay, how you spend your money, and who you support.

My best advice + detailed guides are all on the blog, free for you to use! Let me know if you have any questions about digital nomad life! 

Lastly, don’t overthink it. Moving countries isn’t as intimidating as you may think! It’s become second nature for us now after several years! 🐈‍⬛💃🌎✨
I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover t I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to discover this incredible country beyond the resorts and beaches, having lived temporarily in 5 out of the 32 Mexican states (Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and now Baja California Sur) as a digital nomad who’s been slow traveling/living in and out of Mexico since 2018. 

There is so, so much cultural and natural beauty in Mexico — I wish more people could experience this country for themselves and not through the eyes of the media.

***Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!*** 

Here are the cities/towns we’ve slow traveled/lived in for extended stays.

• Oaxaca City — a colorful, historic open museum rich in indigenous culture and gastronomy 
• San Cristóbal de las Casas — an endearing pueblo mágico in the Chiapas Highlands
• La Paz — the capital city of BCS teeming with marine life, diving, fish tacos, and desert vibes
• San Pancho — an eco-conscious town in Nayarit famous for its sunsets and community
• Tulum — no introduction needed (and I wouldn’t go back here as a nomad due to overdevelopment)

Other great cities/towns/destinations for digital nomads are:

• Guadalajara (state of Jalisco)
• Santiago de Querétaro (state of Querétaro)
• San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City (state of Guanajuato)
• Playa del Carmen (state of Quintana Roo)
• Valladolid or Mérida (state of Yucatán)
• México City/CDMX (state of México)
• Sayulita (state of Nayarit)
• Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco)
• Puerto Escondido (state of Oaxaca)

I’d love to know what you think about Mexico and where you’ve been in the comments! 🇲🇽💛

And for the detailed guide of 13 places to live/visit, read my blog @bucketlistbri .com (just type in “places to live mexico” in the quick search bar if you can’t find the post under my “Mexico” category).

#mexicomagico #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #mexicotravel #mexicodestinations #nomadadigital #nomada #mexicomaravilloso #slowtravelling #mindfultravel
PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will f PSA: Your anxiety, problems or (bad) habits will follow you around the world until you face them no matter how much you travel or move countries 🙃 

I know I’m not the only one that feels restless at times and idolizes moving to a new region/country/continent to shake my feelings of anxiety or self-doubt or fear! (Also, I tend to think about moving to another country even when I just moved to a new one 😅)

I know because I have lived abroad for 8+ years. I used to try to drown out my icky feelings and past traumas with lots of alcohol but now I carry them with me like I do my mismatched socks — they add to the quirkiness and remind me I don’t have to be, and am not, perfect. 

And that life is more interesting that way, anyway. 

Anddd that most importantly, whenever I get lost, I can and will be found again — I just may look and think differently after new adventures but I am still loved and never lost forever 🧦 ✨💛 

In sum, whether you travel full-time or not, take care of yourself ✨💛

#nomadness #nomadlife #lifeofadventure #livingabroad #fulltimetravel #offbeattravel #remoteworklife #homeawayfromhome #slowtravelstories #mentalhealthawarness
The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri: 💛 P The 4 core ingredients to a recharged Bri:

💛 Paul
😻 Yoda
🌍 Traveling & adventuring
👩🏼‍💻 Blogging & writing

Among other things like nature, photography, reading, animals, journaling, art, playing Zelda/games, dancing/music, culture/languages, enjoying rly good food and drinks! 😋 

What about you? What recharges you?? 

#rechargemysoul #blogging #adventures #writing #soulfulliving #mindfulliving #mindfultravel #nomadcouple #creativeliving
1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨ 🌋 ARENA 1 WEEK COSTA RICA ITINERARY👇🦋✨

🌋 ARENAL // LA FORTUNA (2 days)
- Hike in the Arenal Volcano National Park
- Indulge in a local chocolate/coffee tour (s/o to @northfieldscafe)
- Go on a wildlife safari float (s/o to Raúl for pura vida vibes!)
- Lounge in natural hot springs (highly recommend the budget-friendly Relax Termalitas in Fortuna)
- Visit La Fortuna waterfall
- Check out the Butterfly Conservatory

🦥 QUEPOS // MANUEL ANTONIO (2-3 days)
- Take a guided or DIY tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Chill out on the Espadilla beach
- Explore the cute towns
- Watch for wildlife in the trees!

🌿 MONTEVERDE // SANTA ELENA (2 days)
- Visit/hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Go ziplining
- Birdwatching on a canopy tour
- Monteverde coffee tour
- Do a nature night walk

My sister and I surprised our mom with this bucket list trip on her birthday, and we had a blast! 🥹

Send this itinerary to someone you know who has always wanted to go to Costa Rica 🦋💛✨🌿🦜🐒

#costarica #bucketlisttrip #puravida #costaricaitinerary #lafortuna #manuelantonio #monteverde #ecotourism
Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a q Swimming with the biggest fish in the world is a quite a humbling experience, and one that’s been at the top of my bucket list for ages! 🥺

Right now is prime whale shark season in La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, so Paul and I made sure to go before we jetted off to see family for the holidays! I’m still in awe of these gentle giants and the fact that we got to swim alongside them!

Read all about the best whale shake tours in La Paz + ethical whale shark tourism in my latest blog post! Link in bio 💛

Send this to a friend who loves whale sharks! 🐳🦈

#whalesharks #lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #ethicaltravel #responsibletravel #ecotourism #golapaz #mexicotravel #bucketlist #seaofcortez
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