18 Ruins you must visit in Quintana Roo

What is the first archaeological site that comes to your mind when you think about Cancún? Chichén Itzá, right? Well, surprise! Although it is pretty close to Cancún it is not in Cancún. It's not even in the same state! Chichén Itzá ruins are located in Yucatán. Quintana Roo (the state where Cancún & the Riviera Maya are located) has 18 archaeological sites that surprisingly, are not that common! Have you been to all of these sites?

El Meco

Photo Credit: "El Meco" by HJPD is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? North of Cancún. Around 20 - 25 minutes from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs. Restrooms are available.
Fee: $55 MXN.
Why visit it? Given its location, it’s highly probable that it had an important significance in the navigation route along the coast. Don’t forget to take a picture of “El Castillo”!
Interesting facts: “El Meco” is actually a nickname that was given to a caretaker in the XIX century. In México, “El Meco” is a pejorative nickname given to people with genu varum (bow-legged).
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. No food or drinks are allowed. No flash pictures.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

San Miguelito

Where is it? Cancún Hotel Zone. At Museo Maya de Cancún. 15 - 20 minutes from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 9:00 - 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms, parking lot, lockers & rest areas are available.
Why visit it? Conjunto Norte, Palacio Chaak, Conjunto de los Dragones & Conjunto Sur are must-see structures!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing & sunscreen.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

El Rey

Photo Credit: "El Rey" by Xe3osc is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? Km. 18 on the Cancún Hotel Zone. 20 minutes away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Why visit it? 1 of the 2 archaeological sites in the Hotel Zone!
Interesting facts: The name of this site was given due to an anthropomorphic figure that resembled a king.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing & sunscreen.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

Playa del Carmen

Photo Credit: Xaman - Ha" by Amazing Templates

Where is it? Playacar, Playa del Carmen. 1 hour away from the Cancún International Airport.

Why visit it? Closest ruins to Playa del Carmen!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent.

Plan to stay: 1 hour

Xcaret

Photo Credit: "Xcaret" by AMAPO is licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0 

Where is it? Next to Xcaret Park. 1 hour from Cancún International Airport.

Things to consider: The site is open from 9:00 - 15:00 hrs.
Fee: $65 MXN. Restrooms are available. This fee covers only access to the archaeological site, not the entrance to Xcaret Park.

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent.

Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Rancho Ina - CALICA

Photo Credit: "La Casa Azul" by Luis Adrián Rojas Yáñez.

Where is it? Tulum - Cancún Highway, South of Playa del Carmen. 15 minutes from Downtown Playa del Carmen.
Things to consider: The site is located within CALICA’s property, so it is not formally open to public access. Visits must be arranged through INAH at least 7 days beforehand!

Why visit it? CALICA is a representative site of the Mayan post-classic mural painting of the area.

Recommendations: All visitors must be accompanied & follow the instructions given by a CALICA member staff.  Sandals are prohibited, wear tennis or closed shoes.

Plan to stay: 1 hour

San Gervasio

Photo Credit: "San Gervasio" by Banja-Frans Mulder licensed under CC BY 3.0

Where is it? Cozumel. Around 30 minutes from the Cozumel Ferry Pier.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN + additional fees charged by the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel. Restrooms, parking lot, handicrafts store & convenience store are available.
Why visit it? Manitas, Chichán Nah, El Álamo & Nohoch Nah are some of the must-see structures at San Gervasio.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

El Caracol - Punta Sur

Photo Credit: https://www.encirclephotos.com/image/tumba-del-caracol-at-punta-sur-near-san-miguel-cozumel-mexico/

Where is it? Punta Sur, Cozumel. 30 min from the Cozumel Ferry Pier.
Things to consider: There are no restrooms on the site. There is no cost for visiting the site, but since the ruins are located within the Ecological Reserve of Punta Sur, the entrance to the park must be paid.  -Adult: $14 USD    -Child: $8 USD
Why visit it? Although it is a rather small structure, the peculiar decoration of the roofing of the building makes it a unique structure in the region. El Caracol at Punta Sur offers a marvelous sight of the Punta Sur Sea of Cozumel!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Xelhá

Where is it? 115 Km. South of Cancún. 16Km. to the North of Tulum. 1 hour from the Cancun International Airport.
Some things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hours.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms and parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Take a look at the Mural Painting in "Los Pájaros" building
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Tulum

Photo Credit: "Tulum" by Popole Chien is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? 128 Km. South of Cancún. 1:30 hours from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hours.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms and parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Privileged location & great shape of the structures & mural paintings.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Cobá

Where is it? 109 Federal Highway to Nuevo Xcan. 47 km north-west of Tulum. 2:10 hours from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:30 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN. There is a parking lot (fee must be paid) & restrooms. There are some near places with food & handicrafts for sale. There are guides available also.
Why visit it? You can climb the ruins!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Muyil

"Muyil" by Pierre-Selim Huard licensed under CC BY 4.0

Where is it? Federal Highway 307. 25 Km southeast of Tulum. Around 2 hours away from Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $45 MXN. Restrooms, rest areas & parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Less visited than Chichén Itzá & Tulum!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Chacchoben

Photo Credit: "Chacchoben by Texcarson licensed under CC BY SA 3.0"

Where is it? 293 Federal Highway to Chunhuhub - Merida. 37 Km. North of Bacalar. 3:30 hours from Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms, touristic information, handicrafts, food & parking lot available for an extra charge.
Why visit it? Las vasijas, la gran plaza, gran basamento & los gemelos are must-see structures!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Kinichná

Photo Credit: @andresv.marin

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. Close to the town of Morocoy. 5 hours away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Dzibanché

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. Close to the town of Morocoy. 5 hours away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms are available.

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Oxtankah

Photo Credit: Vist Chetumal

Where is it? Chetumal - Calderitas Highway. 5 hours from Cancún International Airport. 25 min from Chetumal.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms, parking lot & information center are available.
Why visit it? Oxtankah is the city with more relevance discovered in Bahía de Chetumal. Also, there's a round temple with a spiral ramp.
Some recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Chakanbakán

Where is it located? Chetumal - Escárcega Highway. 5 hours from Cancún International Airport. 1:10 hours from Downtown Chetumal.
Things to consider: The site is not open for public access. Visits must be arranged through INAH. No restrooms available.
Why visit it? It is considered an ecological reserve. Don’t forget to visit: Acrópolis, Ukuchilbaxal, Kihuiksinan, Uchbenbut & Kulpool.
Interesting facts: Most of the structures in this site haven’t been explored!
Recommendations: Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Kohunlich

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. 5 hours from the Cancún International Airport. 1 hour from Bacalar.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Why visit it? Visit Temple of the Masks, 27 steps & residential buildings.
Interesting facts: The name of this site comes from the english “Cohune ridge”, which is related to the existence of Cahoon Trees in the area.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. No food or drinks allowed. No flash pictures.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

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Ruins in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan

There are many kinds of travelers: those who prefer to spend the whole day at the beach, shopping at the malls, or taking the sun at the hotel pool; and those who rather go outside and find some adventure. If you belong to the second group, then the Riviera Maya is the perfect place to be! 

Everybody thinks that this destination is just beautiful beaches and fancy hotels, but there’s another side to it, THE RUINS SIDE!

The remains of ancient Mayan cities are now perfect places to take long walks, listen to amazing stories, and overall, have fun! These are the four ruins you must visit on your next vacation to Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

1.- Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan, just two hours away from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The most popular building among this group of ruins is “El Castillo,” one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s supposed to be a temple built in the name of Kukulkan. This temple has 18 terraces that represent the 18 months in the Mayan calendar and, on specific dates, a shadow in the shape of a snake is formed on its sides.

If you are interested in the whole story, you can go on a trip with an expert guide. He will tell you everything about this event and the history of this place. You can also find some near caves and cenotes, as well as restaurants and shops where you can buy some souvenirs.

2.- Coba

This ancient Mayan city is located in Quintana Roo, 76 miles from Playa del Carmen. It’s surrounded by a dense jungle and two large lagoons that you can watch from the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Climbing this building is the main attraction in Coba, but not the only thing you can do. There are guides who can give you a tour through the site and you can rent bikes so you can have a more comfortable trip.

3.- Ek Balam

Near the city of Valladolid in Yucatan, 30 min away of Chichen Itza, you will find the archaeological site of Ek Balam. A beautiful and well-preserved group of buildings make up this place from which only the central portion has been completely discovered. The most important structure here is “Acropolis” or “The Tower,” an impressive palace with over 500 ft of height.

The name Ek Balam comes from the Mayan language and is usually translated into “Black Jaguar,” although, some experts also translate this words into “Jaguar Star.” It’s the less known ruins site in the surroundings, but it has as much beauty and interesting information as any other.

4.- Tulum

Tulum is one of the most known Mayan ruins in the Riviera Maya. The translation of Tulum is “wall,” making reference to the three walls located around this city. However, the original name of the town is “Zama,” which means “dawn.” The combination of beautiful beaches and amazing ruins offer an amazing landscape that you won’t find in any other place. This site is the only Mayan city built at the edge of the beach.

The ruins in the Riviera Maya and Yucatan are just stunning and filled with beauty, but sadly, many people don’t know the history behind those amazing structures. So, when coming to the Riviera Maya, don’t miss the chance to visit those wonderful places and learn more about the Mayan culture. You won’t regret it!

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