Cancun is an exclusive beach destination, with endless nightlife and perfect for enjoying a shopping spree. However, Cancun is also a cultural destination due to the historical wealth inherited from the ancient Mayan civilization with all their archaeological sites.
If you are planning a trip to Cancun and want to know more than restaurants, bars, shopping centers, and beaches, you should not miss the chance to visit the best tours to archaeological sites that you can take from Cancun.
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site
Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world and named as a Cultural Heritage by Unesco. This archaeological site is one of the perfect places to receive the Spring Equinox and it is located approximately two hours from Cancun.
In Chichén Itza you can visit various buildings that were of great importance in Mayan life, but for safety reasons, in some temples, climbing is not allowed.
The Kukulkan Castle
Kukulkan Castle is perhaps the most important temple in Chichen Itza. This pyramid has an approximate height of 24 meters and has 365 steps; a building with mathematical precision and aligned with natural phenomena.
Located in the center of Chichen Itza, the Kukulkan Castle is visited every year by thousands of tourists, especially during the spring equinox, a unique spectacle where the feathered serpent can be seen descending through the steps.
Likewise, tourists who visit Chichen Itza in the spring usually wear white to charge up their energy, meditate somewhere surrounded by trees, or practice yoga.
The Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza was of great importance for the Mayan culture, as it was used to perform sacrifice rituals, and for offerings to the gods, especially to Chaac during the dry seasons.
Unlike other cenotes in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, swimming is not allowed in the Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza.
The Ball Game
Did you know that the Mayans also played a game similar to soccer?
The Mayan Ball Game in Chichen Itza was a kind of religious ceremony in which two teams made up of the most agile and strong Mayans, in turn, represented the gods, confronted each other.
The Chichen Itza Ball Court course is 170 meters (558 ft) long and 70 meters (230 ft) wide. It also has two stone rings where the Mayans scored their goals.
Nowadays it is believed that the winning team had the honor of giving away their lives in sacrifice rituals to honor the gods, while other people believe that the members of the losing team were the ones sacrificed,
What do you think?
Travel Tips for Visiting Chichén Itzá as an Expert:
- Bring water to stay hydrated
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect your skin
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages the day before, the heat in Chichen Itza is intense
- Wear cotton clothing to keep you cool, as well as comfortable walking or tennis shoes
- Bring a camera. If you carry professional equipment you will have to pay an additional charge to use it in Chichen Itza
- Do not bring drones, some archaeological sites do not allow their use for security
- Buy handmade souvenirs by the Mayan community
- Bring cash
Average Ticket Price: Between $10 and $20 USD if you travel on your own and may vary according to the season. The cost when purchasing a guided tour may vary.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tulum Archaeological Site
The archaeological ruins of Tulum possess an amazing beauty that combines a unique architectural structure and extensive gardens overlooking the Mexican Caribbean, which is believed to have been founded as a commercial port and as a fortress against the attack of pirates.
The Tulum archaeological zone is located in the municipality of Tulum, approximately 2 hours from Cancun.
At your arrival at the archaeological zone, you will find several commercial stores, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a small train that will take you to the site’s entrance to start your adventure in Tulum.
Inside Tulum, you will be able to admire the lush tropical vegetation of the Mayan jungle, as well as several species that still inhabit these Mayan lands, such as monkeys and badgers.
The vibrant turquoise color of the Mexican Caribbean magically contrasts with the green hues of the gardens and the Mayan jungle.
During your tour in Tulum, you will find several Mayan buildings that will shake up your Instagram account.
El Castillo
This imposing building located on the top of the Tulum cliff served during the day to guide commercial vessels. Next to this building, you will find stairs that descend directly to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya.
El Palacio
El Palacio -The Palace- is one of the largest buildings in Tulum and is believed to have been the residence of Mayan nobles who lived in this walled city.
How to get to the Tulum archaeological site?
If you are visiting Tulum on your own, you must rent a car and head south; the route is duly marked, so your GPS is all you need to get to Tulum.
If you wish, you can also buy a tour to Tulum that includes transportation, but keep in mind that you must adjust to the available schedules as some tour providers pick up some other tourists directly at their hotels in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
Tulum Travel Tips:
- Wear sunglasses, a cap or hat, and sunscreen
- Consider that if you wear professional photographic equipment, you will have to pay an additional charge
- Take time to walk around Tulum
- If you travel on your own, wear a swimsuit to cool off on the beach
- After your visit to the archaeological zone; visit the town of Tulum where you will find shops, restaurants, bars, do not forget the gelatos!
El Rey Archaeological Site in Cancun
Did you know that in the Cancun Hotel Zone there is an archaeological site?
If you want to visit an archaeological site but do not want to go very far from Cancun. The El Rey archaeological site is a perfect option.
El Rey was one of the most important commercial ports for the Mayans and it served as a link to the port of San Miguelito, another archaeological site in Cancun!
El Rey has 47 Mayan buildings with various vestiges; including what is the tomb of an important Mayan king, as well as cave paintings.
Tips for visiting the El Rey archaeological site in Cancun:
- Visit El Rey with a guided tour to learn important details about the archaeological site
- Wear sunglasses, a hat or cap, and sunscreen
- Bring a swimsuit, El Rey is located nearby Playa Delfines, so you can take advantage to cool off
- Visit the shopping malls of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and go shopping
- Take the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of San Miguelito which is currently the Mayan Museum of Cancun
Have you visited any of these archaeological sites near Cancun? Share with us which were your favorites and your recommendations!