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Guide to the Top Maya Archaeological Sites in Mexico and Central America

Locations, Cost, and Transportation Advice

By Remote Storm TravelPublished 3 years ago 10 min read
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There are hundreds, if not thousands, of Maya ruins scattered throughout Central America and Mexico, so this list won’t cover each one. Instead, a focus is placed on sites that have begun excavation and have developed infrastructure to safely and responsibly visit (with the exception of El Mirador, which is listed due to its adventurous nature).

The List: Mexico

  • Teotihuacán
  • Tulum
  • Templo Mayor
  • Chichén Itzá
  • Ek Balam

The List: Central America

  • Caracol [Belize]
  • Lamanai [Belize]
  • El Mirador [Guatemala]
  • Tikal [Guatemala]
  • Copan [Honduras]

MEXICO

Teotihuacán

Location: 40 km (25 miles) North of Mexico City

Teotihuacán was settled around 400 BC, and partially burnt around 600 AD when it was mysteriously abandoned. Many visitors come to see the Temple of the Sun, the third largest pyramid in the world. Other highlights of the site include the Avenue of the Dead, Pyramid of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. You can visit by tour, or independently (which will allow more time at the site). Visit early if you can, to avoid the heat.

Still in quarantine? Visit Teotihuacán virtually here.

How to Get to Teotihuacán:

By bus: From Terminal Centre del Norte in Mexico City, look for the bus company Autobuses Teotihuacán at gate 8. Purchase a round trip ticket for 100 pesos to Los Piramides. Time: 1 hour each way.

By tour: If you choose to take a tour, most hotels and hostels can help you arrange one. Just keep in mind you will have less time to explore the site yourself, and you may not arrive as early as you want to beat the heat.

Cost and Hours:

75 pesos for adult admission. Open 365 days a year, 9am to 5pm.

Tulum

Location: In the city of Tulum in the Yucatan – it’s hard to miss, clinging to the edge of the ocean cliffs.

This seaport fortress was a major trading route and religious center between 1200–1521 AD. El Castillo, the castle and primary structure you will see in photographs, is surrounded by crumbling ruins and leaning, wind blown palm trees. A beach is located within the site, so wear your swimsuit and bring a towel if you want to relax amongst the ruins. This site has become increasingly popular, so visit early to avoid the crowds coming by tour bus from Cancun.

How to get to Tulum:

From Tulum: If you’re staying in the city of Tulum, you can walk, ride a bike, or take a quick taxi there.

From Cancun: If you choose to go by tour, you might find it difficult to join a group under 20 people. Tulum is very easy to explore on your own, and buses run frequently between Cancun and Tulum, taking only 2 hours (making a day trip possible). Buses run from the ADO terminal, but prices fluctuate – check schedules and cost here. Shuttles and private drivers can be hired by your hotel at slightly higher prices. More local buses, or “colectivos” can be found across from the ADO terminal, run daily, and are the cheapest option.

Cost and Hours:

80 pesos per adult for admission. Open Monday – Sunday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Templo Mayor

Location: Situated in the center of Mexico City

These ancient ruins were discovered beneath Mexico City’s streets in the late 70s. The ruins of this temple were once part of the city of Tenochtitlan, which was located on Lake Texcoco (the lake has since been filled to accommodate urban growth in Mexico City). A museum is located on site where you can learn more about the history.

How to get to Templo Mayor:

By Metro: Take the Blue Line to Zocalo Metro Stop. 5 pesos per trip. More about the Mexico City Metro here.

By Taxi: You will have to deal with traffic congestion and higher costs, but any taxi driver can you take you to Templo Mayor. Ask for “El Zocalo.”

Cost and Hours:

75 pesos per adult for admission. Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Chichén Itzá

Location: Located in the Yucatan, about two hours from either Merida or Cancun

Chichén Itzá is bigger than you think. While most people are familiar with the El Castillo Pyramid seen in most photos, the actual site is much more extensive, consisting of other highlights such as the Observatory, the Great Ball Court and the Temple of Warriors. Chichén Itzá served as an economic and political center, facing decline in the 11th century. Be prepared to face a deluge of salespeople, which puts a bit of a damper on the experience, as they are located throughout the site.

How to get to Chichén Itzá:

By Plane: Technically, you can fly to Chichén Itzá, as a small airport is located next to the site. You can opt for a plane or helicopter, but this is definitely the most expensive option.

By Bus: ADO will get you to Chichén Itzá from Cancun, Merida, and Tulum. Typical schedules involve a few morning routes, with return routes in the evening. It may be difficult to locate a bus in the late morning or early afternoon.

By Tour: This is probably the most popular option, but may also place you in a very large group with very little time to explore. While I visited the site independently, there are a few tour groups that advertise touring the site in a socially responsible manner (with focus on small group size and environmental impact), such as Cancun Sightseeing and tours operated from Hacienda Chichen.

Cost and Hours:

232 pesos per adult for admission. Open 365 days a year, 8 am to 4 pm.

Ek Balam

Location: Yucatan Peninsula, 30 minute drive from the city of Valladolid.

Meaning “Black Jaguar,” Ek Balam is one of the more recent Maya sites to be explored and excavated. Active between 600 BC and 1600 AD, this is one of the few sites in Mexico where you are allowed to climb a pyramid. Though please keep in mind, that the more people climb, the faster the building is likely to deteriorate. If you choose to climb, be careful (don’t kick the stone, collect any “souvenirs,” or otherwise contribute to degradation).

How to get to Ek Balam:

By Colectivo Taxi: A 30 minute taxi ride will probably cost you around 40-50 MXN, depending on the number of people in each car.

By Bus: From Cancun, take an ADO bus to Valladolid. From Valladolid, take a colectivo (buses run every hour).

Cost and Hours:

413 pesos per adult for admission. Open 8am to 4pm.

Central America

Caracol

Location: 80 kilometers (2 hours) south of San Ignacio

Caracol was one of the largest Maya civilizations in Belize, and excavation continues to this day (with only a small portion completed at this time). The Sky Palace (or Caana) is the most popular site at Caracol, towering above everything else, but there are over 35,000 additional buildings, including an observatory, ball court, and a museum where you can learn more about Caracol’s history.

How to get to Caracol:

Getting to Caracol is not easy. If you choose to rent a car and drive, be advised that Caracol is located on the border with Guatemala, where the relationship is tense. Because of this, the Belizean Defence Force monitors the area, and advises that tourists follow their conv0y to Caracol for safety. Your journey will be more comfortable if you rent a 4X4 vehicle, as the roads are not well cared for. Additionally, you can hire a tour guide from various locations in the Cayo District, such as MayaWalk Tours out of San Ignacio.

Cost and Hours:

15 BZ or 10 USD per adult for admission. Open 8 am to 4 pm

Lamanai

Location: On the shore of New River Lagoon, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Orange Walk Town.

Lamanai (meaning submerged crocodile) was my favorite Maya site to visit. Still actively being excavated, and hidden deep in the jungles of Belize, accessed by boat, the crowds were smaller, and the natural beauty was exquisite. Though I will say, the tour boats often offer alcohol on the journey to Lamanai, and given the heat, I witnessed an American tourist pass out and have to be carried out by locals due to dehydration. Lamanai is in the jungle, it’s humid and hot, so carry lots of water.

How to get to Lamanai:

By Tour: Tours leave from Belize City and Orange Walk Town. There are numerous tour agencies to choose from, most of which offer the same package deal at around $85 USD.

Independently: If you choose to visit independent of a tour, you will most likely want to stay in Orange Walk. In the morning you can head to the river, and ask around for a boat ride (which will also need to include the journey back).

Cost and Hours:

10 BZD per adult for admission. Open seven days a week, 8 am to 5 pm.

El Mirador

Location: The Mayan Biosphere Reserve. The closest town is Carmelita, 52 kilometers away.

Described as the cradle of Maya civilization, El Mirador is home to some of the most impressive Maya Pyramids, tucked away in Mirador-Rio-Azul National Park. Getting there is an adventure in and of itself, as it requires a long bus ride, and several days of trekking through the jungle.

How to get to El Mirador:

Getting to Mirador involves a 3 hour bus ride from Flores and at least a two-day hiking trek. It’s best to organize a tour, which will give you 3-6 days of exploration. Check out Lokal Travel for trekking tours and prices.

Cost and Hours:

Around $13 per adult for admission (though the cost will most likely be included in your tour). Because the site involves a series of hiking trails in order to visit it in its entirety, there are no set hours (that I could find). You will most likely be camping on-site during your trek, if you chose the multi day trekking tour.

Tikal

Location: Northern Guatemala

Tikal is a National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was once one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. About 30% of Tikal has been excavated, and it is one of the most frequented tourist sites in Guatemala. But despite the crowds that visit, it’s well worth the visit. The site is so large, that while you will see other tour groups, you won’t feel overwhelmed.

How to get to Tikal:

By Tour: Most tours originate from Flores. TikalGo tours will take you to Tikal from cities around Guatemala, as well as Belize. I chose to take an evening tour, which provided the option for viewing the sunset from the top of one of the temples, as well as fewer crowds. Scaffolding is located on several temples, allowing visitors to climb, though as noted above, be careful when choosing to do this, as continual wear to the stone will cause the temples to erode over time. I would advise against climbing temples that are clearly not established safely for tourists to climb.

By Bus: “Chicken” buses leave regularly from Flores, as early as 3:30 am and take about 1.5 hours.

Cost and Hours:

150 GTQ ($20) – higher if you are participating in the sunrise tour. Open daily, 6 am to 5 pm.

Copan

Location: Western Honduras, near the border of Guatemala, 1 kilometer from the town of Copán Ruinas.

If you’re looking to explore a Maya site without the crowds, Copan is one of your best options. The Museum of Sculpture located on-site will provide a deeper historical understanding of the site, offering 2 stories of exhibitions and models. The primary areas of interest at Copan are the Acropolis, the Tunnels, the Ball Court, the Hieroglyphic Stairways and the Great Plaza.

How to get to Copan:

By Bus: You can reach Copán Ruinas from San Pedro Sula by bus (about 3 hours), though I wouldn’t stay long in San Pedro for safety purposes. You can stay the night in Copán Ruinas, and visit the ruins in the morning.

By Tour: Tours originate from San Pedro Sula, and from Antigua in Guatemala.

Cost and Hours:

$15 USD per adult for admission (additional cost for the museum). Open 8 am to 4 pm daily.

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About the Creator

Remote Storm Travel

A solo traveler providing inspiration to unique destinations with a focus on architecture, archaeology, and culturally immersing experiences.

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