The Riviera Maya is primarily known for its pristine beaches and lush jungle, but it’s also scattered by a great number of Mayan settlements.
Due to its closeness to the Caribean Sea, the ancient civilization established many of its communities in the area. This resulted in a very strong trading route that served many of the settlements located on the mainland. It’s where you’ll find some of the best ruins in Mexico!
Most of the Mayan cities in the Riviera Maya were abandoned in the 15th and 16th centuries, following the Spanish conquests.
Left to the mercy of the elements for the next few hundred years, the result is the mesmerizing ruins that are so sought-after by visitors to this day. And the ones you’ll get to marvel at!
From ruins perched on a cliff to thousand-year-old pyramids you can still climb, there are many astounding Mayan Ruins in Riviera Maya. Let’s check them out!
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TULUM
The Tulum Ruins are the most striking ones to the eye, situated on top of a cliff by the Caribbean Sea. The site boasts a prime location that influenced the prosperity of its inhabitants, serving as a crossroads for trade, both by sea and land.
The city, built around 1200 AD, was completely walled when the Spaniards found it (the term Tulum actually means wall!) and parts of its walls still remain.
Most of the settlement’s impressive structures have also endured the passing of time. One of the main ones is The Castle, which served as a lighthouse, an observatory, and even as the ruler’s residence.
Pssst! If you climb down the wooden stairs at the edge of it, you’ll reach a secret little beach where to cool off after exploring the ruins.
These Mayan ruins are near Akumal, so it’s very easy to visit from there and from any other town or city along the Riviera Maya.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee: 95 MXN ($6) at the time of writing.
These are the best tours of the Tulum ruins from Riviera Maya.
▶️ This Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote and Caves takes you on a guided visit around the stunning Tulum Mayan ruins. Then, head to the sea, where you’ll snorkel along the reef. Swimming in a cenote and limestone cave is also included in the trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Tulum Ruins and Cenote Guided Tour from Cancun is a half-day excursion that takes you around the ancient ruins of Tulum with a knowledgeable guide. You’ll then visit and get to swim in a nearby cenote. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
COBA
Coba is another striking Mayan site in the middle of the jungle. It’s home to one of the only Riviera Maya pyramids that you’re still allowed to climb.
Nohoch Mul is the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and it takes 120 steep steps to get to the top. The climb is worth it, as you’ll get beautiful views from 137 feet high!
The archaeological site of Coba has three main areas, and it’s said that only a very small percentage of it has been excavated. The rest remains hidden in the thick jungle.
It’s also the city with the largest network of sacbes, stone causeways in the entire Mayan world; another sign of its major significance.
Coba is esteemed to have been inhabited from the 13th to the 15th century, so it’s not as old as most of its neighbors. While you can explore these Mayan Riviera ruins on your own, if you’re interested in learning more about them you can hire a guide on-site.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM (last entry is at 3 PM).
Entrance Fee: 120 MXN ($7) at the time of writing.
Looking to go on a tour? Here are the best tours to Coba from the Riviera Maya.
▶️ The Coba Ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cenote and Mayan Family is a full-day tour. It includes a visit to the Coba ruins, where you’ll bike around the Mayan pyramids, and a trip to Punta Laguna to zipline and hike. You’ll also spend some time with a Mayan family. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Tulum & Coba Ruins with Cenote Swim Tour from Playa del Carmen offers a combo of archaeological visits. Wander around Tulum Ruins and Coba with a professional guide. Your trip ends swimming in a beautiful cenote. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Chichen Itza, Coba & Cenote with Buffet Lunch is a 12-hour trip. It includes visits to both the Coba ruins and Chichen Itza, as well as a stop in a cenote and a tour around charming Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
EL MECO
El Meco is a smaller archaeological site located north of Cancun. It houses the second tallest pyramid in the Peninsula, only surpassed by Chichen Itza.
There are 18 structures in El Meco scattered in three different plazas. They’re one of the best-preserved ruins in the area, so you’ll get to appreciate the intricate details engraved on the walls.
Be also on the lookout for the stone serpent heads at the bottom of the staircases, which represent the Mayan deity Kukulkan.
El Meco was one of the settlements involved in the trade network of the region, given its privileged location by the sea. After its inhabitants left, it was populated by iguanas, which still call the site home. You’ll find lots of them, sunbathing and strolling among the ruins!
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Entrance Fee: 80 MXN ($4) currently.
CHICHEN ITZA
Chichen Itza is not exactly on the Riviera Maya, but it’s one of the most stunning archaeological sites in the country and needed to be on the list. It’s the great Chichen Itza, after all!
Its most important structure is El Castillo, also known as the Kukulcan Pyramid. Besides being the biggest on the site, it’s worldwide famous because of the equinox phenomenon. Twice a year, with the afternoon sun, a serpent-shaped shadow slithers down the pyramid’s staircase.
It’s a mesmerizing spectacle to witness, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Chichen Itza is much more than El Castillo, though. There are 25 impressive buildings scattered in the 4-square-mile grounds. The site boasts the biggest ball court in the Mayan world, besides an observatory, and a marketplace. Chichen Itza alone is the reason for many people’s visit to Mexico!
The settlement was established around 400 AD, and inhabited for a thousand years before it was abandoned in the 1400s. During its golden years, Chichen Itza was one of the most important military and religious hubs of the region, and home to 30,000 people.
It was finally abandoned after long centuries of droughts and famine.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The last entry is at 4 PM.
Entrance Fee: 614 MXN ($36) at the time of writing. Children pay half the entry fee.
Chichen Itza is about 93 miles from Riviera Maya, and the drive there takes a little over 2 hours. Below you’ll find the best tours to visit in a hassle-free manner.
▶️ The Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Tour with 3 Options lasts a full day. It includes transfers from Riviera Maya, as well as a tour guide during the journey. After your tour of the ruins, you’ll get to swim in a cenote and visit Valladolid. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Chichen Itza Early Access Tour, Cenote & Buffet Lunch allows you to avoid the crowds by visiting the site first thing in the morning. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and then get to swim in a cenote. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re looking for private Chichen Itza tours from Riviera Maya, this Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour, Sacred Cenote & Lunch is for you. You’ll have your own transfer and guide for the day, and besides visiting the ruins you’ll get to swim in a cenote. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
EL REY
El Rey (which means The King in Spanish) is one of the smallest archaeological sites, but it’s also very well located, right in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. If you’re staying nearby, you can easily walk there.
Like many of the settlements in the Riviera Maya, it was also part of the trade route. It’s also supposed to have been involved in salt extractions in the area. Fishing was also one of their main sources of income and food.
The name of the ruins, though, is based on the human remains found on the site that according to historians correspond to a king. This suggests that the settlement could have been a royal retreat besides being a thriving village.
The site is esteemed to have been inhabited from the 13th to the 15th century, so it’s not as old as most of its neighbors. While you can explore these Mayan Riviera ruins on your own, if you’re interested in learning more about the site you can hire a guide on-site to enjoy a more comprehensive visit.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Last entry is at 4.30 PM.
Entrance Fee: 75 MXN ($4).
XCARET RUINS
Xcaret Ruins are located in the spectacular theme park Xcaret, which offers all sorts of adventurous activities in the jungle.
The archaeological site is rather small and not as well-maintained as some of the most famous Mayan ruins. However, it played a very important role in the Mayan trading network during its heyday.
The ruins are at the end of a beautiful rainforest trail, but you’ll have to access Xcaret Park first. For this reason, the entrance is more expensive than the other ruins’. You’ll get to enjoy all the activities offered at the park, though, which are impressive!
Xcaret Park is a fantastic day trip destination in the Riviera Maya, and definitely worth the visit. The Mayan ruins are a great plus!
Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 AM to 10.30 PM.
Entrance Fee to Xcaret Park: $119 (children 11 years old or younger pay half).
▶️ This Xcaret Park Day Trip, Transportation and Cultural Night Show grants you use of all the activities and facilities. You’ll be able to visit the Mayan ruins, and also enjoy the spectacular night show. It includes pick-up from most hotels in Riviera Maya. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ You can otherwise get the Xcaret Admission and get there on your own. The ticket includes access to all the attractions plus the night show, and can be upgraded to include a buffet lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
EK BALAM
Ek Balam is another fabulous archaeological site located in the state of Yucatan, also deserving of a mention. It’s one of the latest ruins to be discovered, having remained hidden until the late 20th century!
The site is still only partly uncovered, situated in the heart of the jungle that kept it concealed for so many centuries. It still boasts splendid and very massive structures, though.
The Acropolis, esteemed to have been the residence of the king, is 100 feet tall and over 500 feet long. And it can actually be climbed! It’s very well-kept, and preserves the detailed decorations that cover its walls.
Ek Balam Ruins are one of the longest-lasting settlements in the region. It’s supposed to have been established around 300 BC, and intermittently inhabited until the arrival of the Spaniards.
Surrounded by stone walls that protected the ancient Mayan city, it showcases 45 structures. These include a ball court, a white road that connected it to other settlements, and intricately carved monuments and statues.
Since it’s not fully uncovered, there was probably a greater number of buildings on the site. It was home to close to 20 thousand people at its peak, after all.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee: 531 MXN ($29) at the time of writing.
▶️ This Full-day tour to Ek Balam and Cenote Maya from Cancun and Riviera Maya offers a guided visit to the ruins. You’ll also take part in a blessing ceremony and swim in a cenote. This tour departs from Cancun and various points in the Riviera. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
UXMAL
Also in the Yucatan state is Uxmal, one of the most important – and largest – cities in the Mayan world. Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the most representative settlements of Mayan culture and architecture.
It’s also one of the best-preserved ruins from the Mayan empire, even though its heyday was all the way back to 500 – 900 AD.
Its inhabitants, which were approximately 20 thousand at its peak, worshipped the god of rain, Chac. This was possibly because the site didn’t have any nearby water sources. Therefore, they depended on nature to grow their crops and collect water through artificial cisterns.
There are over 30 structures in Uxmal, several of which can still be climbed. Like many other Mayan ruins, it features one main pyramid that steals all the attention.
The Pyramid of the Magician is 130 feet tall and stands out for its rounded sides. It was built on top of 5 existing pyramids that remain underneath it. The name Uxmal actually means thrice-built, and refers to this very structure.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Entrance Fee: 531 MXN ($29) at the time of writing.
