The Yucatan Peninsula offers a huge variety of attractions. You’ll find exquisite beaches along the Caribbean coastline, popular resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya, ecological reserves, and water parks. Moreover, the lovely colonial city of Mérida and the unique Yucatecan gastronomy are also noteworthy attractions. However, among the Yucatan’s most popular attractions are the fascinating ancient sites of the Maya civilization. Here are some of the larger ones that you should make an effort to visit, although there are many smaller ones also worth exploring.

Chichen Itza

For centuries, Chichen Itzá served as the political, religious, and military center of the northern Yucatan Peninsula. Consequently, this site stands among Mexico’s must-visit archaeological destinations. The city flourished from 300 to 900 AD, faced abandonment, and was later re-established from 1000 to 1250 under Toltec rule. This history explains the existence of two areas within Chichen, known as the “old” and the “new.” The most iconic structure at Chichen Itza is the Castillo, or “Castle,” which is dedicated to the Plumed Serpent, Kukulkan. Notably, during equinoxes, a play of light and shadow on the stairs creates the illusion of a serpent. The site’s name translates to “the edge of the well of the Itzaes.”
Location: 75 miles (120 km) east of Mérida and 60 miles (195 km) west of Cancun.

Coba

Coba thrived between 400 and 1000 AD, built around four small lakes. To date, only a fraction of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered. This ancient city was a hub connected by extensive networks of causeways called sacbeoob (the plural of sacbe, meaning white road). Among its prominent features is the Nohuch Mul Pyramid, the tallest pyramid in the area, boasting 120 steps to the top. If you’re not prone to vertigo, climbing to the peak promises breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle. In the Mayan language, Coba translates to “Ruffled Water.”
Location: 95 miles (150 km) from Cancun, 28 miles (45 km) from Tulum.

El Rey

The original name of this site remains unknown, but it translates to “the King” in Spanish. This name stems from a stone sculpture depicting a head with an elaborate headdress found at the site, which is now showcased in the Cancun Archaeology Museum. Excavations have revealed 47 ancient structures that once formed the heart of a small city focused on maritime trade and fishing.
Location: situated within Cancun’s tourist resort area at Km 18 on Kukulcan Avenue.

Mayapan

This site, known as “Mayan Flag,” was part of a triple alliance with Chichen Itza and Uxmal, but it reached its zenith following the decline of Chichen Itza, around 1250 to 1450. Mayapan is recognized as the last great Maya stronghold. The archaeological area spans two and a half square miles and encompasses remnants of nearly 4,000 structures, mainly residential buildings. Some constructions feature murals. Notably, Mayapan contains a Castillo, which resembles the one in Chichen Itza.
Location: 27 miles (43 km) southeast of Merida.

San Gervasio

This site was inhabited from 200 A.D. until the Spanish conquest in the 1500s and is the largest of the 30 Maya sites found on Cozumel Island. Moreover, it served as the political and economic center of the island, as well as a sanctuary for the Mayan moon goddess Ixchel, who represented childbirth and fertility. Consequently, pilgrims from across the Mayan world likely visited to worship her.
Location: On the northern part of Cozumel island, Transversal highway Km 7.5.

San Miguelito

Situated within the Cancun hotel zone, this archaeological site is located on the same property as the Cancun Maya Museum. The Maya inhabited San Miguelito for over 800 years prior to the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors (approximately 1250 to 1550 A.C.). The site features around 40 structures, with five open to the public, the tallest being a pyramid standing 26 feet high.
Location: Boulevard Kukulkan Km 16.5 in Cancun’s hotel zone.

Tulum

The original name of this city is believed to mean “dawn,” while its current name translates to “Wall.” The most striking feature of Tulum is its spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The fortress city of Tulum housed only five to six hundred people within its walls, presumably nobles, while commoners resided outside. Tulum reached its peak from 1200 to 1520 and was among the first sites referenced by the Spaniards. Key structures at Tulum include El Castillo, which served as a navigational guide, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Location: 81 miles (131 km) south of Cancun along Highway 307.

Uxmal

Uxmal is a significant site in the Puuc region, attaining its height between 600 and 1000 A.D. The name Uxmal translates to “Three harvests” or “Three times built.” A legendary tale describes how a dwarf outsmarted the king, subsequently becoming the new ruler and magically erecting the buildings of Uxmal. The Pyramid of the Dwarf (also known as the Pyramid of the Magician) is one of the site’s most prominent features. Additionally, many structures are adorned with intricate stone carvings.
Location: Uxmal is located 48 miles (77 km) south of Merida on federal highway 261.

Xcaret

Xcaret is an eco-park that encompasses a small Mayan archaeological zone. Due to its strategic location on one of the region’s most important coves, Xcaret served as a major commercial port. Its name translates to “Little inlet.”
Location: 35 miles (72 km) south of Cancun.

Xel-Ha

Xel-Ha is a water park that features ruins on-site, and its archaeological zone remains only partially excavated. This area was historically significant as a sacred site honoring various gods—it also served as a crucial ocean port and trade center. Xel-Ha experienced two notable periods of growth, first from 100 to 600, and then again from the early 12th century until the arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s. In Mayan, Xel-Ha means “where the water is born.”
Location: 75 miles (122 km) south of Cancun.