Best Mayan Ruins to Visit on a Cruise
Published February 18, 2025
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Are you interested in discovering more about the Mayan ancient civilization and exploring some of their most remarkable ruins globally?
Find out the best Mayan Ruins to visit on a cruise.
History of the Mayan Ruins
The Mayan civilization was the Meso-American culture whose realm extended from present-day southern Mexico to Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize, and Honduras.
They governed the area for centuries and constructed numerous remarkable cities along a complex system of roads.
They were expert mathematicians, artists, astronomers, and agriculturists.
However, by the year 900, many of the cities had been deserted, though what they abandoned were extraordinary hints for revealing the intricacies of their past.
Numerous tourists have probably learned about their prominent cities, such as Tulum and Chichen Itza.
There exist many Mayan ruins dispersed throughout Mexico's southern regions, including Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas.
To grasp the Mayan civilization is to truly immerse oneself in their experiences and stroll through their historic avenues.
Presently, their culture continues to flourish in various isolated communities and the Mayan language has remained vibrant and intact.
Best Mayan Ruins to Visit on a Cruise
Check out the best Mayan ruins to visit on a cruise.
Ek' Balam
This is one of the best Mayan ruins to visit on a cruise (Ek Balam translates to "black jaguar").
It's a municipality that was inexplicably prohibited shortly after reaching its height in the eighth century.
Still largely concealed by jungle, this stunning place includes one ball court, pyramids, and, most importantly, an Acropolis.
Right at the summit of this Acropolis stands Ek' Balam's primary pyramid, adorned with a large jaguar mouth, shaman figures, stucco skulls, and additional embellishments.
This pyramid, called El Torre, ranks among the biggest Mayan edifices inside the Yucatan, spanning over 200 feet in width and 500 feet in length, reaching 100 feet in height.
It contains the grave of the leader Ukil-Kan-LekTok, who reigned during the city's peak in 800 AD.
The city operated for over a millennium, and currently, only its central area has been unearthed.
The whole settlement spanned approximately a square mile of 4.6.
Bonampak
The term "Bonampak" means "painted walls," and this title is perfectly suitable for this Chiapas Mayan location.
The primary framework of this archaeological area is literally adorned with vivid, colorful murals.
Indeed, they are the best-preserved murals found throughout the Mayan civilization.
Established circa 580 AD, the city utilized the lovely Usumacinta River for commerce with notable Mayan cities such as Piedras Negras and Yaxchilan.
Bonampak is still somewhat away from the tourist path due to the trek needed to reach it.
Its location is approximately two and a half hours straight from Palenque along a tight road winding via the jungle.
However, tourists are granted a personal experience amidst breathtaking views.
The murals in this place depict narratives of Mayan traditions, encompassing festivities and sacrifices, as well as music and warfare.
The artworks are over 1000 years old and are well-guarded, though guests can still view them from the ramp within the entrance.
Kohunlich
Hidden in the jungle lies another Mayan Ruins secret: the remnants of Kohunlich.
Enclosed by a thick jungle, resonating with howler monkeys’ cries, the Kohunlich ruins are covered in grass and moss, appearing to merge with the surrounding nature.
It truly is a captivating aspect of the Mayan history.
This 21-acre area mostly stays unexcavated, and though it was not a significant capital, it's thought to serve as a trade city in between capitals.
Temple of the Masks is the most remarkable building here, a construction adorned with large stucco masks.
Then, another notable structure is 27 Steps, the climbable site that offers a fantastic view of the jungle from its summit.
A top choice for accommodation in this Mexico region is the Resort Explorean Kohunlich, an all-inclusive, four-star resort named after the Mayan Ruins.
The unique resort is hidden deep in the jungle, just a short drive from Kohunlich ruins, providing a lovely pool and stunning bungalow-style accommodations.
Calakmul
For over 1200 years, Calakmul City played a crucial role in the Mayan civilization.
Currently, the place is situated in Campeche state, covering over 7000 World Heritage land acres within Calakmul's Biosphere Reserve.
This whole area is cloaked in dense, tropical jungle - the second biggest American tropical forest following the Amazon.
Indeed, the jungle remains so dense that Calakmul stayed undiscovered and unblemished for years.
It was only designated in 1993 as one of the World Heritage sites.
At its peak, around the sixth century, roughly 65,000 inhabitants resided in this city.
Its main competitor was Tikal, located just over the border inside Guatemala.
The primary structure in this location is called The Great Pyramid, which covers five acres at its base and reaches a height of 174 feet at its peak.
It stands as the highest Yucatan pyramid and climbing it is permitted.
On a bright day, those climbing it can spot the nearby El Mirador location in Guatemala City.
Becán
Situated in Campeche, Becan remains among the Mayan sites close to Calakmul and also stands out as a very remarkable one, though it remains largely overlooked.
It covers around seven acres, featuring 20 buildings that are accessible to the throngs.
Its enormous pyramids distinguish this site, although they supposedly were constructed more for display than utility; e.g. the existence of numerous counterfeit staircases and deceptive doorways.
During its peak, Becan served as a significant Rio Bec region capital and was among the numerous cities that fought against Tikal.
A canal encircles this place and there are signs of fortifications and passages.
Palenque
Hidden within the misty jungles of Chiapas is one of the most remarkable Mayan cities in Mexico.
The earliest documented reference to Palenque originates from the sixteenth century yet its history goes back to approximately the third century.
Though it may not be the biggest Mayan city, it holds great significance because of its vast inscriptions - a documented history that enabled scholars to grasp the intricacies of Mayan culture and history.
This place is dotted with numerous ruins that, although they appear dull gray today, were previously adorned with vibrant shades of red, blue, and yellow.
The Temple of Inscriptions is the most remarkable building here, which holds numerous hieroglyphics.
The whole area received designation as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987.
A great way to experience Palenque is by staying overnight at El Panchan. It is a quaint village for backpackers featuring cabanas for rent and a restaurant.
Taking a trip through southern Mexico, you can stay a night inside El Panchan to make great friendships with fellow travelers.
You can also go on a day journey to the Cascadas Roberto Barrios stunning waterfalls situated close to Palenque Ruins.
Chichén Itzá
Discussing Mayan ruins without mentioning Chichen Itza is impossible.
Chichen Itza has an image that is among Mexico's most famous.
Situated in Yucatan, which is part of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, it has been a prosperous Mayan city originating from approximately the fifth century.
Chichen Itza was also among the biggest Mayan cities, covering about 2 square miles.
This place thrived as a center of trade and featured homes, places of worship, and its own outlying areas.
A key Chichen Itza feature is the El Castillo, an extraordinary step pyramid designed with mathematical and scientific principles that exemplifies the Mayans' grasp of astronomy.
This pyramid features 365 steps, and during the autumn and spring equinoctial circle, a shadow falls on it resembling a serpent – an encomium to Kukulcan, the most significant Mayan deity, known as the feathered serpent.
Getting there early is a very effective way to explore Chichen Itza.
Since it’s the most frequented Mayan site globally, lots of tourists come there every day.
Its park gets opened at 8 am, so aim to get there even prior to the gates opening.
You'll appreciate this advice when you realize how sweltering it can become in the afternoon.
Then, after visiting Chichen Itza, make a stop at Valladolid, a delightful Pueblo Magico located on the way between Cancun and Chichen Itza.
Valladolid is among the most overlooked culinary destinations in Mexico, therefore if you are hungry after visiting Chichen Itza, it is an excellent place to visit.
Yum Ka'an Buen Sabor stands as a top Valladolid restaurant to sample traditional Mayan dishes.
Coba
In contrast to popular places like Palenque and Chichen Itza, Coba has remained somewhat lesser-known regarding its popularity.
This is due to the fact that it remained closed till the 1970s, as the dense jungle made access difficult.
Currently, just a tiny fraction of the area has been uncovered though it ranks among the biggest Mayan cities, covering approximately 30 sq.
Bicycles can be rented to navigate the 4 square miles accessible to people.
What is interesting about Coba City is that it's among the few Mexico archaeological sites that tourists are still allowed to climb.
Nohoch Mul is the major structure to climb, the pyramid, which is accessed by slippery, steep stone steps.
The view makes it worthwhile, as it extends for miles in all directions across the green, dense jungle.
Coba is also surrounded by several cenotes, which make great enhancements to a trip.
Relax from the humidity and heat in Choo-Ha, Multum-Ha, and Tankach-Ha, they are all a short drive away from Coba City.
Yaxchilán
Traveling to Yaxchilan truly feels like entering an expedition of Indiana Jones.
To get to the site along Chiapas's Usumacinta River, one needs to take a bus or colectivo to the Frontera Corozal, from where boats can be boarded to reach the ruins.
You're free to visit it yourself, but the majority of visitors choose a guided tour to reduce the hassle of bargaining for boat prices.
However, the bolder individuals gain a genuinely unforgettable experience.
This jungle city used to be a sizable community that frequently engaged in battles with the neighboring Palenque.
What renders Yaxchilan unforgettable are its numerous stelae, mural artworks, and carvings.
Indeed, it boasts part of the finest sculptures found in any Mayan location.
Visiting Yaxchilan is genuinely to set out on an experience that will linger with one for a very long while.
Lamanai
Journey to the northern part of Belize and explore the historic Lamanai Maya city.
This enigmatic location is currently undergoing excavation, even though several of the biggest structures at the place have already been revealed.
Its High Temple, standing at 33m, is among the most remarkable temples to visit.
Caracol
Caracol stands as the biggest Belize Mayan site and a favored spot for international tourists.
Perched atop the Vaca Plateau at an elevation of 1650 feet high, you should definitely visit Canaa, the largest Caracol ancient pyramid.
Uxmal
Located just outside Merida in Yucatan, this old Mayan city was once inhabited by 20000 individuals.
The name of the city means "Thrice Built", alluding to the tallest edifice, Pyramid of the Magician, constructed atop prior pyramids.
This city serves as a significant stop along Ruta Puuc, a roadway that links nearby Mayan cities.
The cities of Kabah, Sayil, and Labna are interconnected, and Puuc denotes both an area and a particular architectural style.
Uxmal reached its zenith approximately in the tenth century, but in the fifteenth century, the city was left behind.
Currently, it is recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites featuring numerous structures that guests can ascend and covering approximately 150 acres.
You can explore Uxmal alone or with guides.
Going alone will provide you with plenty of time to leisurely explore and roam wherever you desire.
Conversely, using a guide will offer you a deeper insight into the culture and history of Uxmal. So, the choice is yours regarding how you would like to approach it.
In case you own a car, accessing several ruins along Ruta Pu'uc is quite simple.
Kabah features several stunning structures that remain well-preserved and it's approximately 18 kilometers away from Uxmal.
Copán
Copán, situated inside Western Honduras, ranks among the top Maya sites within the nation.
At its height, the city was among the most significant Maya sites in the area yet was inexplicably deserted.
Copán features numerous distinctive statues, sculptures, and temples, which are remarkably well-preserved, given that this place dates to the ninth century.
Temple 16 towers over the surroundings and ranks among the most stunning Central American Maya ruins.
Also, explore tours in Honduras, which feature Copán in their itinerary.
Edzná
Situated in Campeche's northern section, Edzna is an impressive Mayan location that sees significantly less foot traffic compared to other places in the area.
It is characterized by its principal temple, located on a platform of 130 ft called Gran Acropolis.
Also, it contains one ball court that remains beautifully intact.
This city was deserted roughly in the year 1500, yet historians think it may have been occupied in 600 BC.
This is yet another instance of the Puuc architecture style.
Temple of the Masks is another significant structure in Edzná, which remained hidden until 1988.
The city reached its height from AD 400 to 1000, during which approximately 25000 people resided there.
Tikal
A well-liked day excursion from Belize, Tikal is among the most impressive Mayan ruins you can explore in the area.
Nestled deep within this Guatemalan jungle are numerous restored temples spread across a vast area, with some rising over 200 ft tall.
The city once hosted approximately 150000 individuals and there remains a great deal that archaeologists have not yet rehabilitated.
You are permitted to ascend to the summit of certain old Mayan temples in this place from where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the jungles encircling the area.
For your trip to Tikal, look for tours in Guatemala.
El Rey
The Hotel Zone in Cancun, filled with resorts, boasts an archaeological location, allowing visitors to easily access Mayan heritage without straying far away from their accommodations.
El Rey's ruins located at the Hotel Zone's southern tip were previously part of the temple complex that’s over 1000 years old.
Currently, the site contains 47 buildings and the entire complex can be explored in under thirty minutes.
Many individuals opt for taxis to get to the ruins though you can likewise register for a guided tour.
What’s excellent about the El Rey ruins is that you will seldom encounter crowds.
The majority of visitors are on buses traveling to places such as Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum.
Visiting El Rey requires hardly any time, allowing you to enjoy their culture while also lounging by the pool – before the other hotel guests return from their extended excursions.
Tulum
Nearly as famous as the historic Chichen Itza is the Tulum seaside ruins.
It is situated atop a cliff that gazes over the alluring Caribbean Sea.
It’s among the most frequented locations in Mexico, attracting over 2 million visitors annually.
The initial name of this location was Zama, signifying sunrise, which is no surprise since the sunrises in this place are breathtaking and definitely justify the early rise to enjoy.
At its peak, roughly in the thirteenth century, this city served as a link between the Honduras inhabitants and various locations in the Mexico Gulf and Yucatan Peninsula.
Its sand, located under the ruins, reminiscent of sugar, is a favored place to swim after exploring the historic city.
So, make sure to pack a swimsuit when coming to this location.
Also, buy a ticket that offers the ruins tour followed by a chance to snorkel by the beach.
The perspectives of Tulum from the waters are really stunning.
Then, visit the Ojo d’ Agua restaurant for tasty healthy options such as salads, tacos, fruit bowls, and ceviche.
This ceviche is truly delightful, featuring tuna, mango, avocado, pineapple juice, green apple, and lemon.
