10 Best Mayan Ruins Near Mérida
Where to Rediscover the Yucatan Past?
Mérida’s location and deep-rooted connection to Maya history make it an excellent home base for exploring the myriad of Mayan ruins around the Yucatán Peninsula. This vibrant capital, with its colonial architecture and lively streets, offers a unique blend of past and present. The legacy of the Maya intertwines with Spanish influences, seen in landmarks like the Mérida Cathedral, built from ancient Mayan stones.
Around the city, the ancient Maya world unfolds. From the iconic pyramid at Chichén Itzá to the intricate stonework at sites along the famous Ruta Puuc, each site offers its own marvels and mysteries. Read on to discover the sites in the Yucatán and what they reveal to us about Maya culture and society.
1. Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Ideal para: História, Foto
Chichén Itzá is a testament to the sophistication of Maya civilization and a must-visit for those interested in history and ancient engineering. The centrepiece of this UNESCO World Heritage site is El Castillo, the unmistakable towering stone pyramid dedicated to the serpent god Kukulkan. It also boasts the largest ball court from ancient Mesoamerica and is the site of El Caracol, an astronomical observatory with windows aligned to the positions of celestial bodies.
As this is one of the most famous and well-preserved archaeological sites in Mexico, you will bump elbows with other visitors. Arrive at the site in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler and the spaces less crowded.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 4.30 pm
Telefone: +52 985 851 0137
Chichen Itza
2. Uxmal
A vast archaeological complex
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas
About an hour from Mérida, Uxmal is the first and most impressive in a series of archaeological sites known as the Ruta Puuc, or Puuc Route. It’s one of the most extensive sites of the Mayan world, a broad complex of pyramids, ceremonial centres and terraces.
The Pyramid of the Magician rises 35 metres above the treetops, with its terrifyingly steep stairs and distinctive rounded sides. The stunning Governor’s Palace features intricate stone carvings and latticework, a particularly fine example of Puuc architecture. Visitors are permitted to climb many of the structures at Uxmal, with some offering views of the surrounding jungle. So, be sure to bring your camera.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 999 944 0033
Uxmal
3. Dzibilchaltun
3,000 years of Maya history
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas
Dzibilchaltún is a lesser-known site just 10 minutes from Mérida. The city was inhabited from around 1500 BCE until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, making it one of the longest continuously occupied Maya sites. The Open Chapel is a fascinating testament to this history: this 16th century Franciscan chapel stands in the centre of the main esplanade, surrounded by Mayan buildings.
The Temple of the Seven Dolls, while modest in size, offers a bit of magic to visitors during the spring and autumn equinoxes. The doors of the temple are precisely aligned so that the sunrise can be seen directly through them to dazzling visual effect.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 4.30 pm
Telefone: +52 999 913 4034
Dzibilchaltun
4. Kabah
Home to intricate Puuc architecture
Ideal para: História, Famílias, Casais
Kabah lies along the famous Ruta Puuc and is one of the region’s largest sites, although much of it is not yet excavated. An uncrowded site, it’s ideal for a leisurely visit. The striking Palace of the Masks is a sight to behold, its wide façade adorned with 300 stone masks of Chaac, the revered rain god of the arid Puuc region.
Notably, Kabah is connected to its powerful neighbour Uxmal by an ancient sacbe, an 18-kilometre ceremonial causeway. Bookended with stone arches, the sacbe’s role is still a mystery to historians, who theorise it had spiritual value in addition to its functionality.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 999 913 4034
Kabah
5. Xlapak
Ancient ruins in the hills
Ideal para: História, Econômico, Aventura
A small site of Mayan ruins scattered throughout the low-lying jungle, Xlapak offers tranquil exploration. There is no entry fee to visit this modest site. As you navigate the jungle paths, crumbling ruins appear through the trees, giving you the sense of having discovered them yourself.
Many of the structures at Xlapak are quite age-worn, but the Palace is notably well-preserved and worth close examination. This sepia-toned structure showcases the classic Puuc architectural elements, with flat lower walls supporting intricate stone mosaics above.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Xlapak
6. Sayil
Home to the stunning Grand Palace
Ideal para: História, Foto
A significant site along the Ruta Puuc, Sayil is evidence of the advanced level of organisation in Maya society. Thought to have been a major agricultural and trading centre, the city flourished around the 9th and 10th centuries and left behind a large number of structures over several square kilometres.
Upon entering the site, you’ll find yourself facing its crown jewel, the Great Palace. This massive three-story palace is decorated with stone columns and contains 94 rooms used as living spaces, or for administrative purposes and storage. Also scattered throughout Sayil, visitors will find several carved stelae, stone monuments that provide insight into the cultural and ceremonial practices of the Maya.
Localização: Carr. Internacional No. 261, 97840 Muna, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 999 944 0033
Sayil
7. Labna
A small but mighty site
Ideal para: História, Aventura, Foto
Labna’s remote location means you’re likely to have the place to yourself. Despite its small size, the site is highly valued for its insights into Maya culture. It was once a ceremonial centre, and a columned temple along with a palace for the rain god still stand today.
The site is well-integrated into the landscape, with ruins scattered among the natural backdrop of hills and trees. The two-story El Palacio features complex stone latticework and a pattern of Chaac masks on its façade. The elegant Arch of Labna, perhaps the most famous structure at the site, is one of the finest examples of a Maya arch and is used as a symbol of Maya architecture.
Localização: Carretera Uman - Hopelchen km 101, 97887 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 999 944 4068
Labna
8. Coba
Ancient ceremonial roads nestled in the jungle
Ideal para: História, Aventura, Viagens alternativas
Located 2.5 hours east of Mérida in Quintana Roo, Cobá presents an aspect of Maya civilization different from the Puuc area. Nestled in dense jungle, it is unique for its large network of ancient sacbe roads and its collection of pyramids.
The main pyramid Nohoch Mul is one of the tallest on the Yucatán peninsula at 42 metres. Be sure to check out the other significant pyramid at the site is La Iglesia, found within the central group of structures that includes a ball court where the Maya played their ceremonial ball game.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +52 984 206 7166
Coba
9. Ek Balam
A Mayan metropolis
Ideal para: História, Foto
Ek Balam was once a thriving metropolis and the seat of the Maya kingdom. Although only the centre of this extensive city has been excavated, within this area are a staggering 45 structures, including pyramids, sculptures and other Mayan gems. This is an especially good site to hire a tour guide to contextualise what you’re seeing.
The most striking building at Ek Balam is the Acropolis, a massive pyramid that houses the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’, a notable ruler of the city. This pyramid is unique for its remarkably well-preserved stucco facades and sculptures. The jaw-dropping entrance to the tomb is framed by the mouth of a jaguar, representing a Maya entrance to the underworld.
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 999 913 4304
Ek Balam
10. Tulum
A visually captivating seaside site
Ideal para: História, Foto, Viagens alternativas
One of the most picturesque and well-known Maya archaeological sites, Tulum rests high on 12-metre cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It’s one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya, surviving 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico.
El Castillo is the most iconic structure at the site, serving both as a temple and a beacon for navigators. Positioned on the edge of the cliff, it offers dramatic views of the coastline. Visit also the other structure of note, the Temple of the Frescoes, which contains murals depicting Maya deities and iconography.
Localização: Zona Hotelera Tulum, 77765 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Abre: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +52 983 837 2411
Tulum
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