There are endless reasons to explore Mexico’s majestic Yucatán – haciendas, pink salt lagoons, flocks of flamingos, white-sand beaches, and cenotes. However, history buffs are particularly drawn to the area for the ancient cultural history in the region’s countless Maya archaeological sites. Here’s how to take an epic week-long road trip to explore the Yucatán Maya archaeological sites.
Where to start:
Arrive in the capital city of Mérida and spend the night there, or choose a hotel off the Ruta Puuc such as the FlyCatcher Inn Boutique Hotel or the gorgeous Hacienda Temozón to ensure an early start the next day.
Day 1: Ruta Puuc, part 1
From Mérida, embark on your adventure early along the hilly Ruta Puuc, where you can discover the architectural remains of the Puuc Maya civilization. Make a quick stop at Oxkintok at 8 AM when the site opens. Although the site is expansive and not as well-preserved as others, it provides valuable insight into the layout of a pre-Columbian Maya town. Archaeologists believe Oxkintok was inhabited from 300 BCE to 1500 CE.
Don’t linger too long at Oxkintok; instead, head to one of the most breathtaking Maya sites – Uxmal. This massive site requires a full day for exploration. Tour buses tend to arrive by 10 AM. Uxmal is in remarkable condition and showcases some of the best-preserved ornate reliefs that narrate stories of Maya folklore found on the Governor’s Building. The ceremonial Casa del Adivino or Temple of the Magician, rising 115ft tall, features uniquely curved corners. You can deepen your understanding of Mayan celestial beliefs at the Planetario Maya at Uxmal.
Where to stay: Spend the night at The Pickled Onion
Where to eat: The restaurant at the Pickled Onion serves delicious traditional Yucatecan dishes including Poc Chuc and Pollo Pibil.
Day 2: Ruta Puuc, part 2
For your second day, rise early and proceed to Kabah, translating to “powerful hand.” Climb the stairs of the Palace of Masks for stunning views that include the sacrificial altar. As you ascend, look out for gigantic faces depicting Chaac, the Maya rain god.
Next, visit Sayil where you will marvel at the three-tiered Palace, an astonishing 280ft long. The site features other impressive buildings, including stelae with intricate reliefs, making for a thrilling adventure through the forest reclaimed structures and dirt paths.
Just down the road lies Xlapak, which, although smaller and less maintained, merits a visit for its detailed columns and latticework on the Palace. The Ruta Puuc concludes at Labná, where you can walk through an ancient archway adorned with Puuc reliefs. Ensure your arrival before 5 PM as the site closes then.
Where to stay: Return to Mérida for the night and choose to stay at Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel, featuring its famous pink pool, or indulge in a stay at La Hacienda Xcanatun.
Day 3: Dzibilchaltún
After two rigorous days on the Ruta Puuc, take it easy on the third day of your journey. Enjoy a leisurely morning walking around Mérida before heading in the late afternoon just north to Dzibilchaltún.
This ancient Maya city was occupied for nearly 3000 years, boasting over 8400 structures, yet only a few have been excavated. The equinoxes are the most popular times to visit when the sun aligns with the main door of the Temple of the Seven Dolls, creating a captivating effect.
If you begin to feel warm walking around the expansive grounds, cool off with a swim in the on-site cenote or visit the air-conditioned Museo del Pueblo Maya to learn more about the structures at Dzibilchaltún.
Where to stay: Consider staying at Hotel Reef Yucatán in Progreso
Where to eat: Dine at a beachfront restaurant on Progreso Beach.
Day 4: Xcambo and Mayapán
On the fourth day, enjoy some time at the beach before making your way to Xcambo. Your journey will take you past the stunning pink salt lakes of Laguna Rosada and flocks of flying flamingos.
Xcambo may be small, but it has many well-preserved structures. Climb to the tops of the various structures for breathtaking vistas; if you’re feeling tired, just ensure you save your energy to reach the top of the Pyramid of the Cross.
Afterward, embark on an hour and a half drive south to Mayapán, the center of Maya civilization from 1200 to 1440 CE. Here, you will discover a variety of notable structures, including impressive masks of Chaac and the Round Temple. Be sure to climb to the top of Kukulcán Castle for stunning views of the landscape.
Where to stay: Opt for Hacienda Sac Chich for a convenient headquarters to set off early the following day.
Day 5: Aké and Izamal
Kick off your fifth day with an early visit to the archaeological site of Aké by 8 AM. The site is compact, requiring minimal exploration time. Aké translates to “place of reeds” in Yucatec Maya. Ascend to the top of the Palace for a unique experience walking through rows of columns atop the structure, featuring uniquely designed steps.
In the afternoon, travel to Izamal, known for its striking yellow architecture and restored pyramids. Once a pivotal religious center for the Maya gods Itzamná and Kinich-Kakmó, Izamal features numerous temples, including the best-preserved temple dedicated to the sun god, which can be climbed. Towering at about 112ft, it’s the third tallest pyramid in Yucatán.
Where to stay: Consider Mayaland and experience the light show at Chichén Itzá.
Where to eat: Enjoy lunch at Kinich Restaurant, featuring delectable papadzules made with rolled tortillas stuffed with egg, drizzled in a delicious roasted pumpkin-seed sauce.
Day 6: Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is the second largest archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Crowds typically gather by 10 AM, making it beneficial to secure an early ticket and hire a guide who can impart the history of the area, details of sacrificial ceremonies at the cenote, and explain how The Castle pyramid actually functions as a calendar. When you arrive, consider asking fellow tourists to share the expense of a guide.
During equinoxes, the sun illuminates the staircase on The Castle pyramid, creating the mesmerizing illusion of a snake slithering down the structure, making this time of year particularly popular.
Where to stay: Spend the night in Valladolid at Mesón del Marqués.
Day 7: Ek’ Balam
The final stop is Ek’ Balam, dedicated to the jaguar, a revered Maya symbol. The highlight here is the 104ft-tall pyramid that you can climb. The steps are narrow, so take your time as you ascend. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see Chichen Itzá from the summit.
Ending your trip
From Ek’ Balam, you have the option to drive back to Mérida, a two-hour trip, or head to the coast to unwind on the Riviera Maya, with Playa del Carmen only a two and a half hour drive away.
Keep in mind
Many archaeological sites in the Yucatán have strict rules against using drones and tripods without prior permission. Consequently, if you bring them, you’ll likely need to pay to store them in a locker, as it’s wise not to leave valuables in your car. Their use can cause damage to the sacred sites, which is why such regulations are enforced.
Stay hydrated, as these archaeological sites are expansive and require considerable walking. While larger sites may feature small cafes providing refreshments, consider bringing your own reusable bottle to mitigate plastic waste. Be generous when applying mineral sunblock, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and shield yourself from the sun with a hat.
