A Cancun vacation is more than just beaches and bars and savvy travelers know it. This destination is located in a region rich in history and culture and Mayan ruins tours in Cancun are must do activities for the Mexico bucket list!

There are 18 archaeological sites in the state of Quintana Roo alone! The “Big Three” sites in the Yucatan Peninsula are the most popular, Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba welcome thousands of international visitors every year seeking knowledge about this fascinating civilization and the beauty of the ancient architecture. If you’ve been at these Mayan ruins in Cancun, done that and got the t-shirt, where do you go next?

Ek Balam Mayan Ruins

Ek Balam, the Yucatec Mayan word for “black jaguar”, is a fascinating Mayan ruins site near Valladolid, Yucatan. Less visited than the big three, visiting Ek Balam Mayan ruins means fewer crowds and more time to delve into the beauty and history of the site. Climbing the Acropolis is an experience that will take your breath away, the well-preserved carvings are truly astonishing. Combine an Ek Balam tour with a visit to a sacred cenote for a perfect Yucatan day trip from Cancun.

Muyil Mayan Ruins

One of the earliest coastal settlements of the Maya, Muyil sits in a beautiful setting within the Sian Kaan biosphere. This is small site, intimate and lush and a wonder to explore. Seldom visited, it’s an opportunity to enjoy quiet moments of reflection as you wander the grounds and admire the Peten architecture. The site is still used by local women as a shrine to the goddess of fertility Ixchel, you may see their offerings of flower petals along the paths and in the ancient structures.

Ichkabal Mayan Ruins

Ichkabal? Never heard of Ichkabal? That’s because it’s not even open to the public….YET. First reached by archaeologists in 1995, the site is located near the town of Bacalar in Quintana Roo about 340 kms south of Cancun. Dating back to 300 BC, the site is older than Calakmul and has a pyramid taller than Chichen Itza and is considered to be a site of major political importance. It is the oldest and largest Mayan ruins in Cancun and we are eagerly awaiting the invitation to explore in 2018 (the anticipated opening date will be announced soon), will you be one of the first?

With so many incredible Mayan ruins tours in Cancun to do, you’ll just have to come back again and again! We’ll be here when you do, let us help plan your Mexico escape!

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