Mayan Ruins
Ancient archaeological sites that showcase incredible architectural achievements and cultural heritage.
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Explore our curated selection of Mayan Ruins across the peninsula.
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The Best Yucatán Road Trip Ideas: 4 Incredible Day Routes from Mérida
Looking for the perfect Yucatán road trip that lets you experience ancient Maya cities, pristine beaches, cenotes, haciendas, and magical towns—all in one unforgettable day? This guide gives you four expertly curated, full-day road trip itineraries starting and ending in Mérida, crafted for travelers who want to soak in the state’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you love ruins, wildlife, photography, or great food, these Yucatán road trips deliver the very best the peninsula has to offer.
Exploring Uxmal: Ancient Maya City
Plan a day at Uxmal with key highlights, ticket tips, Ruta Puuc add-ons, and practical advice for beating the heat.
Kiuic: Frozen-in-Time Puuc City in the Kaxil Kiuic Reserve
A rare, permit-only Puuc city inside a private reserve—hilltop palaces, rich abandonment evidence, and dry-forest trails for those who arrange access in advance.
Chacmultún: Hilltop Palaces of Red Stone (Tekax)
Puuc-style palaces perched on natural hills—Chacmultún’s red-tinged stone, big terraces, and sweeping views make a quiet, dramatic counterpoint to the classic Puuc circuit.
Xcambó: Salt-Road Temples on Yucatán’s Emerald Coast
Coastal temples and pink salt flats: Xcambó blends Classic-era salt trade, restored pyramids, and sea-breeze scenery on Yucatán’s Emerald Coast.
Balankanché: The Jaguar Throne—Chichén Itzá’s Sacred Underworld
A rare chance to stand inside a Maya rain-god sanctuary: in-situ offerings, a towering ‘ceiba’ formation, and powerful ties to Chichén Itzá—currently closed, so confirm status before you go.
Kulubá (Tizimín): Classic & Terminal Classic Palaces in the Jungle
Northeast Yucatán’s jungle-wrapped palaces: a Late Classic ‘Palace of the Pillars’ later interrupted by an Itzá-style hall—Kulubá captures the Classic → Terminal Classic transition in stone.
Yaxuná (Yaxunah) Archaeological Site: Deep History & Its Chichén Itzá Connection
A quiet, living-community site just south of Chichén Itzá: early E-Group plazas, the far end of Cobá’s 100-km sacbé, and vivid traces of the Itzá conquest—finished with a swim at Cenote Lol-Há.
Xlapak Ruins: Complete Visiting Guide
Quiet Puuc-style gem near Santa Elena with exquisite Chaac-mask façades and a shady loop trail. Easy 45–90 min visit. Hours, fee, tips, and driving directions inside.
Aké Archaeological Zone: Columns, Sacbé & Deep Maya History
Explore Aké’s column-topped pyramid, ancient sacbé toward Izamal, and a historic henequén hacienda. Hours 8–5 daily; quiet, budget-friendly, and deeply atmospheric.
Labná: Complete Visiting Guide (Ruta Puuc)
Quiet Puuc jewel with a famed Gateway Arch, ornate Palace, and easy trails. Practical guide with hours, price, what to bring, and nearby Ruta Puuc sites.
Sayil Mayan Ruins: Complete Visiting Guide
Explore Sayil, a quiet Puuc Route gem with ornate Puuc architecture and the Great Palace. Practical guide with hours, cost, tips, and how to combine nearby sites.
Kabah Ruins: Complete Visiting Guide
Kabah on the Ruta Puuc offers Puuc-style palaces and the iconic Codz Pop façade—grand masks, quiet paths, and easy exploring. Complete guide with hours, fees, tips.
Ruta Puuc: Complete Visiting Guide
Plan the Ruta Puuc from Mérida: Uxmal plus Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak & Labná, with hours, 2025 fees, route map tips, what to bring, and how to tour or self-drive.
Cenote Xlacah: Complete Visiting Guide
Cenote Xlacah remains closed for restoration—follow official INAH updates before you plan a visit and use this guide to prep for its eventual reopening.
3-Day Yucatán Adventure: Mérida to Chichén Itzá
Explore the best of Yucatán in 3 days: from colonial Mérida to ancient Chichén Itzá and sacred cenotes. A perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
