Archaeological zones to visit in Yucatan

Yucatán is a state of Mexico that is well worth visiting for its gastronomy, history, architecture and archaeological sites.

This destination is perfect to delve into the Mayan culture, learn about its history and vestiges, due to the large number of archaeological sites found in this area of ​​Mexico.

So this time we share a list of some archaeological sites that you should visit and explore if you travel to Yucatan.

Chichen Itza

One of the most popular and well-known archaeological zones in Mexico, thanks to the fact that it was recognized as one of the Seven New Wonders of the Modern World.

Chichen Itzá means “the city on the edge of the well of the Itzáes” and its emblem is its majestic pyramid, El Castillo, which is dedicated to Kukulkan, a deity from Mayan mythology related to wind and water, and whose name is can translate as Feathered Serpent. The pyramid has snake heads at the foot of the main staircase, which has 365 steps for the days of the year.

They can also visit the Sacred Cenote, which has a diameter of about 60 meters and a depth of 15 meters; It is estimated that it was a point of pilgrimage in the Mayan world, where rituals were practiced and offerings were made to the gods. It is connected to the Kukulkan pyramid by a path of approximately 300 meters.

The Chichen Itza Observatory is another of the sites that can be seen in this place. This building is also known as “Caracol”, due to the spiral staircase inside, an astronomical function is attributed to it, since the openings in its walls were oriented towards Venus and other stars.

The Temple of the Warriors should not be missing on your visit to Chichen Itza; It is located on the eastern side of the Great Plaza and is surrounded by columns with a platform where the upper temple is located, which in turn is divided into two rooms.

Also read: How to get to Chichén Itzá from the Mexican Caribbean

Chichen Itza can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the entrance costs 524 pesos for foreign travelers and 182 for national travelers.

Here we share more Tips for visiting Chichén Itzá.

uxmal

Uxmal stands out for its intricate designs and its well-preserved architecture, which is the most representative of the Puuc Region. The facades of its buildings are decorated with masks of Chac, the god of rain, fretwork, hieroglyphic panels and high crests.

The most representative buildings are the Pyramid of the Fortune Teller, the Cuadrángulo de las Monjas and the Casa de las Palomas.

The Pyramid of the Fortune Teller is one of the most impressive and emblematic constructions of the Mayan civilization. The pyramid owes its name to a local legend that tells that a nano called Uxmal, who had divinatory abilities, built the pyramid in a single night.

The Pyramid of the Magician is known for its unusual oval shape and steep stairs on all four sides. This construction played an important role in Mayan cosmology and religion, and its design is linked to astronomical and ritual aspects.

Uxmal can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., the ticket price is 441 Mexican pesos for foreigners, and 150 pesos for Mexican travelers.

Here you can find more information to organize your visit to Uxmal.

Ek Balam

Ek Balam, which means black jaguar in Mayan, had its maximum development during the Late/Terminal Classic (600-850/900 AD) and was possibly the seat of the kingdom of “Tlalol”. The first known king of Ek’Balam is Ukit Kan Le’t Tok (the father of the four flint fronts) who was the builder of most of the sumptuous palace currently known as the Acropolis and many other works.

Structure 35 Sub, located inside the Acropolis and known as Sak Xok Nahh (white house of reading), served as the tomb for Ukit Kan Le’t Tok, who was buried with a rich offering made up of more than 7,000 pieces. such as ceramic vessels, shell, snail and tumbaga objects.

Ek Balam can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., and the ticket price is 441 Mexican pesos for foreigners and 121 for Mexican travelers.

To better organize your visit to Ek Balam, here you can find more information.

Coba

Cobá is an archaeological zone that immerses the traveler in a jungle environment and allows you to explore the ancient trade routes of the Mayans.

Cobá developed near five lakes that were a fundamental factor for its development and subsistence. With an extension of approximately 70 km2, the city was connected by extensive roads made of stone, known in the Mayan language as sacbé (white road), of variable length and width. The longest of them, with 100 km., reaches the site of Yaxuná, very close to Chichén Itzá.

This place is perfect to explore it by bicycle due to its great extension.

The Nohoch Mul Pyramid is one of the highest pyramids in the region; its name means “Great Mound” in Mayan. The structure is made up of several levels and a series of steep stairs that allow travelers to climb to the top. From there, a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle environment can be enjoyed, providing a unique perspective of the region’s jungle and lakes.

Cobá can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is 90 pesos.

Here you can know more details to organize your visit.

Tulum

Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Tulum ruins offer a unique experience. This coastal enclave was an important commercial port and defensive fortress.

Tulum was a coastal city that prospered between the 13th and 15th centuries AD. Its name in the Mayan language means “wall” or “fortress”, and this is due to the wall that surrounds the site and served as a natural defense against possible invasions. The site is known for its well-preserved structures, including the El Castillo pyramid, which stands in a prominent position on a cliff facing the sea. This pyramid also functioned as a lighthouse for Mayan navigators.

In front of the Castle there is a platform for dances and to the southwest is the Temple of the Initial Series, where the earliest documented date in Tulum was found: 564 AD.

In addition to El Castillo, in Tulum you can find several temples, palaces and ceremonial platforms that shed light on the life and beliefs of the Mayan civilization. The site also contains frescoes and relief engravings depicting mythological figures and everyday scenes of the time.

Tulum can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., and the ticket price is 90 pesos.

Here you can find more information to organize your visit to Tulum.