Visit Maya Ruins in Akumal, Mexico

Chichen Itza

The ruins of Chichen Itza are a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the North of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 3 hours drive away from Akumal.

Chichen Itza means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza" in Maya , which was probably a reference to the three cenotes which provided plentiful water for the settlement.The most popular with visitors is the "Cenote of Sacrifice" which would draw worshipers of the Maya rain god Chaac.

The site contains many buildings in various states of preservation; including temples, palaces, stages, markets, baths, and ballcourts. Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulcan (the plumed serpent god), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).On the Spring and Fall equinox, at the rising and setting of the sun, the corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent along the side of the North staircase.

Tulum

Tulum is located about 25 kilometers South of Akumal and is one of the most visited arqueological site in the region, due in part to its proximity to Cancun. Visitors are also attracted to the site's dramatic oceanfront location. Tulum, or the walled city in Maya, was a commercial fortress and a thriving port providing supplies to the surrounding Maya settlements. It was built during the decline of the Maya civilization and therefore was not as architectonically extravagant as Coba or Chitzen Itza. The site is smaller in size allowing for a visit to be completed in a couple of hours. The ruins also have a gorgeous beach area where visitors can cool off in the ocean.

Read our guide to Tulum

Muyil

Muyil archaeological site is located on the mainland side of a lagoon in the Sian Ka´an Biosphere, about 25 kilometres South of the town of Tulum. Most of the buildings on the site date back to 1100-1200 AD. It is believed that Muyil was once an important trading post as it is ideally located in the proximity of two lagoons: Muyil and Chunyaxche.

The site has a fabulous walkway through the jungle to the lagoons, where you can hire a guide to take you on a boat tour around the mangrove area in the Biosphere. The jungle portion ends with a chance to climb up an observation tower to see the Sian Ka'an Biosphere from a fabulous bird's eye view.

Coba

Coba is one of the most amazing and imortant archeaological sites in the Riviera Maya, located at about 45 minutes from Tulum.

Coba has the highest Pyramid (Nohoch Mul with 42 meters) in the northern Yucatan. Also have the temple “Church” with 24 meters, the second highest structure in the city. 

The Ball game courts, and many other smaller structures.

You can rent bikes, bici taxi, or have a beautiful walk. 

They open from 8 to 4  pm