The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a great region to visit Mayan pyramids, lay down on pristine beaches, and see wildlife in lush rainforests. This realistic list has the best places to see in “The Mayan Riviera”.
Isla Mujeres is an island off the coast of Cancun. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to nice beaches and MUSA underwater museum accessible on a snorkeling tour.
Coba is a popular tourist spot halfway between Tulum and Chichen Itza. This site was among the last to allow visitors to climb structures and pyramids. While easily accessible, Coba pales in comparison to other archaeological sites in Mexico.
Tulum is beautiful Mayan site nested on the cliffs of the Caribbean sea. Its picturesque views and accessible location made Tulum extremely popular with tourists. Research and arrive early to avoid tourist traps.
Calakmul is a Mayan archeological site in the Campeche jungle. Getting there via a beaten-up road is an adventure in itself. Lots of wildlife encounters and limited number of tourists round up an unforgettable visit.
Chicanna, Becan, and Balamku are lesser known archaeological sites in Campeche. While they do not attract crowds, the sites’ architecture hidden in the jungle and location along the major highway make them well worth a visit.
Palenque is a highlight of any Mexico trip. Ancient ruins hidden in rainforest, nested on mountain slopes, often covered in fog and clouds ensure a surreal experience.
Edzna is a small and secluded Mayan archaeological site an hour away from Campeche. Its remote location attracts less visitors and keeps admission fees reasonable. The Main Temple, Plaza of Edzna, and the Ball Court are beautiful structures that you could enjoy largely in solitude.
Uxmal is a picturesque Mayan site on the Yucatan peninsula in close proximity to Merida. Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery, Ball Court, and Governor’s Palace are impressive structures full of ancient history.
Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan sites in the world. Located on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, El Castillo and other human made structures attracts millions of tourists every year.