Want to visit the best Mayan Ruins near Tulum? This article highlights the top sites to explore, including the enchanting Tulum Ruins located right in the city.
For those wishing to explore more of the ancient ruins, consider renting a car in Tulum for a flexible travel experience, especially to more remote locations. Visiting these hidden gems often allows for a more personal, unforgettable experience.
Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
No visit to Tulum is complete without experiencing some of the stunning Mayan Ruins. Are you ready to discover the Top 10 best Mayan Ruins near Tulum to include in your itinerary? Let’s dive in!
To reach Tulum, you will fly into Cancun International Airport. You can either rent a car from the airport or wait until you reach Tulum. If you prefer transport from the airport to Tulum, this private transfer offers comfort upon arrival.
1. Tulum Mayan Ruins
Located just 20 minutes from the Tulum city center, the Tulum Ruins are a must-see during your visit. Overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea and a pristine white sand beach, they present a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
While the Tulum Mayan Ruins are smaller compared to other archaeological sites in the Yucatan, their captivating scenery makes them one of the most beautiful sites in Mexico. Highlights include the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Castle), and Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes). Visitors can easily navigate via a designated pathway to ensure they do not miss anything.
You can tour the entire site in about one hour, but it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid the heat, as there is little shade. After visiting the ruins, you can head down to Tulum Ruins Beach for a refreshing swim.
A staircase leads from the ruins down to the beach, though access may vary with tides. Entry to Tulum Ruins costs only $80 pesos ($4 USD), and there are guides available at the entrance for those who prefer a thorough exploration in Spanish.
Address: Carretera Federal, Cancun – Chetumal Km 230, 307, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico. A parking lot is available for rental cars, or you may opt for the train service for 10 pesos.
2. Chichen Itza
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is renowned and deserves a visit. It is one of the two most-visited ancient ruins in Mexico, welcoming nearly two million tourists each year, the other being Teotihuacan near Mexico City.
From Tulum, you can reach Chichen Itza by driving your rental car, taking the ADO bus from the city center, or joining a tour. The drive takes roughly 2-2.5 hours.
While you can visit the ruins independently, hiring a guide is highly recommended to enrich your understanding of Mayan culture. Chichen Itza’s vast site spans about four square miles (10 sq. km.), and a visit of at least three hours is advised to fully appreciate its monuments.
Upon entering, you’ll first see El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan, widely photographed and one of Mexico’s largest pyramids. Other notable structures include the Temple of the Warriors, The Observatory, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.
Free parking is available, costing just 30 pesos.
3. Coba
Coba Ruins are perfect for those wishing to climb ancient structures. Located about an hour from Tulum, deep within the jungle, Coba features the tallest pyramid you can climb in the Yucatan, Nohoch Mul Pyramid, which towers at 137 feet (42 m). Though the ascent involves 120 steep steps, the panoramic views from the top are rewarding.
Visitors can explore other groups of structures within Coba, such as the Chumuc Mul Group and Macanxoc Group. To see the site effectively, many choose to rent a bike at the entrance, available for about $5 USD for two hours, allowing for leisurely exploration.
Address: Coba archaeological site, 77793 Q.R., Mexico
4. Muyil
Just south of Tulum lies Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel) in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This smaller site features steep-walled pyramids resembling the iconic ruins of Tikal in Guatemala.
Accessing Muyil can be challenging during the rainy season due to rugged road conditions, so many visitors opt for a tour. Boat tours through the Sian Ka’an, including stops at Muyil, are available, as well as unique float tours where you can drift through the reserve.
A day tour from Tulum includes a boat ride to Muyal Lagoon and a picnic lunch with an expert guide.
Address: Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juárez km 25, 77710 Chunyaxché, Q.R., Mexico
5. Ek Balam
Translating to “Black Jaguar,” Ek Balam is home to a stunning jaguar temple located atop the Great Acropolis, the tallest structure on this site. The climb provides spectacular views over the surrounding jungle.
The most convenient way to reach Ek Balam from Tulum is via rental car, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Public transport is available but will take significantly longer, as there are no direct bus routes.
After exploring Ek Balam, consider visiting Valladolid, a colorful colonial town known for its charm and delicious dining options. Nearby cenotes such as Cenote Oxman, Cenote Saamal, and Cenote Zaci are perfect for a refreshing swim.
6. San Gervasio
San Gervasio is located on Cozumel Island, requiring a drive to Playa del Carmen followed by a ferry ride. As the only Mayan ruins on Cozumel, it offers a distinctive experience along with various other activities like snorkeling and diving in the nearby Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
7. Temple of Ixchel Ruins
The Ixchel Ruins, perched on a cliff on Isla Mujeres, provide stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Historians believe the structure may have served as a lighthouse due to its elevation.
To access these ruins from Tulum, drive to Cancun, and take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. The Ixchel Ruins can be found at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
8. Chacchoben
Chacchoben lies about two hours south of Tulum and is best accessed by rental car for convenience in travel time. As one of the prime Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya, it’s known for its excavated and restored pyramids.
Located in the lush jungle, Chacchoben sometimes offers encounters with local wildlife. Just a short drive away is Bacalar, another magical town known for its stunning freshwater lake, Lake Bacalar, renowned for its blue waters.
9. Uxmal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Uxmal, located around five hours from Tulum, is regarded as one of the second-most important Mayan sites after Chichen Itza. Unlike its more crowded counterpart, Uxmal is often less frequented by tourists, allowing for a more intimate experience with its history and architecture.
Key structures at Uxmal include El Adivino, the tallest pyramid, along with others like the House of the Birds and the Nunnery Quadrangle. Look out for the distinctive “Puuc” architectural style prevalent throughout the buildings.
10. Dzibilchaltún
Located approximately 3.5 hours from Tulum, Dzibilchaltún is known for its proximity to Merida, a rapidly growing destination in the Yucatan. In addition to its archaeological treasures, the site features a museum and a cenote, perfect for a refreshing plunge.
The Temple of the Seven Dolls is the most notable structure, and if you visit during the equinoxes, it’s a unique opportunity to witness the sun align perfectly through the temple’s center.
Best Mayan Ruins Near Tulum
With so many ancient cities available in and around Tulum, decision-making may feel overwhelming. To simplify your choices, here’s a quick overview:
- Closest ruins: Tulum Ruins, found in the Tulum Archaeological Zone.
- Must-visit ruins: Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most-visited locations in Mexico.
- Mayan ruins for climbing: Coba, known for the tallest climbable pyramid in the Yucatan.
- Best off-the-beaten-path ruins: Ek Balam, great for adventure seekers.
- Most beautiful ruins: Muyil, featuring a stunning pyramid comparable to Tikal in Guatemala.
How to Get to Tulum
Tulum is situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately 2 hours south of Cancun. The Tulum ruins are set overlooking the Caribbean Sea, just a 30-minute drive from the city center.
For visitors planning to explore other areas, it is advisable to rent a car for convenience. Early visits to the ruins will help to avoid crowds typically found during peak hours.
No matter which site you decide to visit, the experience of exploring these ruins in Mexico is undeniably memorable.
Which place on the list caught your eye the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
