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The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most important archeological sites of this ancient civilization and becoming the most important archeological sites in the world.
Here are 10 archeological sites in Mexico near around Yucatan Peninsula that are a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the ancient Mayan heritages.
10+ Archeological Sites in Mexico to Visit in Yucatan
1. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most well-known archaeological sites in Mexico. The ancient Maya site, located in the Yucatan peninsula, was a center of political power and religious activity for the Maya people.
Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
It was also globally voted as one of the new seven wonders of the world.
2. Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins are one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico. The ruins are located in the state of Yucatan, on the east coast of Mexico.
Tulum was a major city during the Maya civilization, and was one of the last cities to be inhabited by the Maya. The city was abandoned around the year 1200 AD.
Read more about Tulum Ruins: How to Visit the Tulum Mayan Ruins
3. Coba Ruins
Coba Ruins, one of the archaeological sites in Mexico, is located in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Coba Ruins are a complex of Maya ruins that date back to the Postclassic period.
The site was once a thriving city with a population of over 50,000 people. Today, the Coba Ruins are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.
4. Ek Balam
Ek Balam is an archaeological site located in Yucatan, Mexico. It was once a thriving city, home to Maya people. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved ruins.
Ek Balam was first settled around 600 BC. By the time the city reached its peak in the late 800s, it was home to around 20,000 people. The city declined in the early 900s and was eventually abandoned.
The site was rediscovered in the early 1800s and has since been excavated by archaeologists. Today, visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Ek Balam and learn about its history.
5. Dzibilchaltun: One of the Most Interesting Archaeological Sites in Mexico
Yucatan is home to many archaeological sites, but one of the most interesting is Dzibilchaltun. This site was once a bustling city, and today it is a popular tourist destination.
Dzibilchaltun was founded around 600 BCE, and at its peak, it had a population of around 20,000 people. The city was an important center for trade and politics, and it played a role in the Maya civilization.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Dzibilchaltun and see the beautiful temples and pyramids that remain. The site also has a museum that contains artifacts from the city’s history.
6. San Gervasio: One of the Most Important Archaeological Sites in Mexico
The island of Cozumel is home to many archaeological sites in Mexico, one of which is the ruins of San Gervasio.
The site is located in the central part of the island and was once a Maya city. Today, the ruins are a popular tourist destination and offer a glimpse into the past.
San Gervasio was first settled by the Maya around 500 BC. The city reached its peak during the Classic period (AD 250-900), when it was an important center for trade and politics.
The site includes several temples, palaces, and other buildings that were used for religious and political purposes.
The ruins of San Gervasio provide insight into the lives of the Maya people who once lived there. The site is a reminder of the rich history and culture of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
7. Xcaret Mayan Ruins
The ancient Mayan ruins at Xcaret are some of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico.
The site is located in the state of Yucatan, and it is a great place to learn about the Maya people and their culture.
The ruins are well-preserved and there are many interesting things to see.
8. Cenote Sagrado
The Cenote Sagrado, also known as the Sacred Cenote, is a natural pit located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
The cenote was once used by the Maya people for religious and ceremonial purposes. Today, it is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico.
The Cenote Sagrado is situated in the town of Chichen Itza, which was once the capital of the Maya civilization.
The cenote is approximately 60 meters (200 feet) in diameter and 20 meters (65 feet) deep. It is believed that the Maya used the cenote as a place to offer human sacrifices to their deities.
The first recorded exploration of the Cenote Sagrado was conducted by Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo in 1567.
9. El Castillo de Chapultepec
El Castillo de Chapultepec is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. The site is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, and it dates back to the Late Pre-Classic period.
El Castillo de Chapultepec was a ceremonial center for the Maya people, and it served as a link between the earthly world and the afterlife.
The site is best known for its huge pyramid, which stands at a height of 60 meters.
El Castillo de Chapultepec is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, and it is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in learning more about the Maya culture.
10. Palenque
Palenque is an ancient Maya city located in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas. The site is situated along the Usumacinta River in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Palenque was a major political and economic center during the Classic Period of Maya civilization (c. 250-900 CE).
The city reached its height between 600 and 700 CE, after which it went into decline. Palenque was eventually abandoned by the Maya sometime around 900 CE.
The ruins of Palenque cover an area of approximately 3 square kilometers and consist of a series of stone temples, palaces, pyramids, and other buildings.
The most famous structure at the site is the Temple of Inscriptions, which contains the longest known Maya hieroglyphic text.
11. Teotihuacan: One of the Largest Archaeological Sites in Mexico
Once a bustling city of over 150,000 people, Teotihuacan was one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico.
Located in the Yucatan, Teotihuacan was home to many different cultures and civilizations.
Today, the site is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can see the remains of the ancient city.
