The 15 Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun and Near Cancun (Including the Hidden Gems)

Want to see the Cancun Ruins in Mexico?

You’re in the right place because this article highlights the best Mayan Ruins in Cancun, and those located just outside of the city.

Truth be told, the Mayan Ruins of Cancun might not wow you the same as some of the Mayan ruins near Cancun, located a few hours away.

However, that’s not to say you should skip these pyramids in Cancun, only that they are smaller sites you can explore in about an hour.

If you want to see the biggest and best Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Chichen Itza, you’ll have to venture outside Cancun.

For that reason, this article highlights the only four Mayan Ruins in Cancun (San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um), but also features 12 other Mexico Mayan Ruins near Cancun.

For a visual, there’s a handy map of the Cancun Ruins, so you can find them all.

Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

1. El Rey Ruins

💡 Quick Tips: El Rey Ruins Cancun

• KinIch Ahau Bonil means king of the solar countenance in Maya, referring to the king believe to be buried there
• Can you climb the pyramids at El Rey? No, there aren’t any large structures
• El Rey Hours: Open daily, 8am-4:30pm
• El Rey Admission: $50 pesos ($2.50USD)
• El Rey Parking: Free in a small lot in front of the site, though spaces are limited

🗿 Visiting El Rey Ruins in Cancun

Located in the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone) near Playa Delfines Beach, you’ll find the Mayan ruins of Kin Ich Ahau Bonil, known in Spanish as El Rey.

Meaning “The King” in Spanish, archeologists and historians believe the remains of a Mayan king are buried at this Mayan Ruins Cancun site.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

2. San Miguelito Ruins

💡 Quick Tips: San Miguelito Cancun Ruins

• San Miguelito’s original Maya name is unknown
• Can you climb the pyramids at San Miguelito? No
• San Miguelito Hours: Open daily, 9am-4:30pm
• San Miguelito Admission: $80 pesos ($4USD), which includes entrance to the Cancun Mayan Museum
• San Miguelito Parking: Free in a small lot at the museum

🗿 Visiting San Miguelito Ruins in Cancun

Located just minutes from El Rey, you’ll find the San Miguelito Mayan Ruins.

Opened to the public in 2012, these ruins are located at the same site as the Museo Maya de Cancun (Mayan Museum of Cancun). This is known as the best museum in Cancun Mexico.

Admission to the museum includes access to the San Miguelito archeological site, but don’t skip the museum itself to see the interesting Mayan artifacts uncovered at this and other sites.

At the ruins themselves, there are four distinct areas and a large central structure to see.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

3. El Meco Ruins

💡 Quick Tips: El Meco Ruins Cancun

• El Meco’s original Maya name is unknown
• Can you climb the pyramids at El Meco? No
• El Meco Hours: Open daily, 8am-4pm
• El Meco Admission: $55 pesos ($2.50USD)
• El Meco Parking: Free in a small lot on-site, though spaces are limited

🗿 Visiting El Meco Ruins in Cancun

El Meco (AKA La Naranja, or The Orange) is a smaller site with 14 structures, including the main temple, El Castillo.

Meaning “The Castle” in Spanish, this is an impressive five-level pyramid that stands 55-feet-tall (17 m), and was believed to have been used for religious rituals and worship.

☀️ Want to speak some Mayan in Mexico? Kin is the Maya word for sun!

From the top of this pyramid, you can see directly to the Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres island.

Meaning “Island of Women” this is a popular travel destination and one the best Cancun day trips, though many stay overnight in one of these amazing yet affordable Isla Mujeres hotels.

Given its geographic location directly in front of Isla Mujeres, historians assume El Meco once served as a point of connection with the island. 

El Meco is a great stop before jumping on the ferry to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where you’ll also find the Isla Mujeres Mayan Ruins of Ixchel.

You can catch the Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry at the Puerto Juarez, Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol ferry terminal for about $25 USD round-trip.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

4. Yamil Lu’um Ruins

💡 Quick Tips: Yamil Lu’um Maya Cancun Ruins

• Yamil Lu’um means hilly land in Maya, as it sits on Cancun’s highest point
• Can you climb the pyramids at Yamil Lu’um? No
• Yamil Lu’um Hours: Always open
• Yamil Lu’um Admission: Free
• Yamil Lu’um Parking: Since it’s not an actual site, there is no designated parking

🗿 Visiting Yamil Lu’um Ruins in Cancun

Yamil Lu’um, AKA Templo del Alacran (Temple of the Scorpion), is located right on Cancun Beach.

It is just a single structure that sits in a grassy area between The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa and Grand Park Royal Cancun hotels.

Yamil Lu’um Mayan Ruins is. one of the best-located Mayan temples in Mexico, and makes for great photos with Cancun Beach in the background.

You access Yamil Lu’um by walking on the beach or by passing through one of the two hotels on either side of it (if they allow you).

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

BONUS: Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)

The Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA), or Cancun Underwater Museum, is one of the top attractions in Mexico, and best things to do in Cancun.

Admittedly, there are no underwater Mayan Ruins here, but it seemed like a cool place to add to this list.

MUSA is one of the largest underwater sculpture gardens in the world.

While scuba diving, snorkeling or on a glass bottom boat tour, you’ll see some (or all) of the 500-plus pieces of art created by various artists. Many are now partially-covered in underwater tropical plants.

There are several tours that are available to take you to this amazing underwater museum.

You can choose to dive, snorkel, or even take a glass bottom boat to be able to see and enjoy this fascinating place.

▶︎ Book your Cancun Underwater Museum tours here.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

Best Mayan Ruins Near Cancun Mexico

Cancun is one of the best tropical destinations in the world. However, if you’re willing to venture outside Cancun city limits, you’ll be handsomely rewarded.

Within 30 minutes to a few hours of the city, you’ll find many of the best Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, and most of the most famous pyramids in Mexico.

5. Chichén Itzá Ruins

💡 Chichen Itza Tips

• Book your Mayan Ruins Tours to Chichen Itza here
• Chichen Itza means at the mouth of the well of the Itza in Maya, in reference to the Itza family
• How big is Chichen Itza? It is 4 square miles (10 square kilometers).
• Can you climb Chichen Itza pyramids? No
• Chichen Itza Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Chichen Itza Admission: $481 pesos ($24 USD)
• Chichen Itza Parking: $80 pesos ($4 USD) in their on-site lot

🗿 Visiting Chichen Itza Ruins Near Cancun

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, does Chichen Itza even need an introduction?!

It is centrally-located in the Yucatan, so no matter if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, Merida, or Riviera Maya — there will be plenty of Chichen Itza tours available.

Of all Mexico Yucatan destinations, Chichen Itza is closest to the Valladolid pueblo magico, one of the 177 Mexico magic towns.

Staying overnight at a Valladolid hotel, or combining your Chichen Itza trip with a stop at nearby Cenote Ik Kil, are both great options.

The most popular way to see the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza is with a guided tour.

As such an important Mayan site, it warrants paying a guide to really learn why it’s so important and all the things to see at Chichen Itza — otherwise, you’re essentially just looking at rocks 🪨

If you’re not going with a group tour, you can hire a guide on-site.

When arriving at the Chichen Itza entrance gate, you’ll see accredited guides selling day tours for about $1,500 pesos ($75 USD).

If you’re planning to hire one, remember to bring enough pesos to pay them.

👀 What to see at Chichen Itza Ruins

At Chichen Itza, there are several Mayan pyramids and unique sites to explore. It is a very large site, so plan for at least three hours to see it all.

Also, this really is a place you’ll want to visit with a knowledgeable guide, so consider booking a Cancun to Chichen Itza Tour.

6. Tulum Ruins

💡 Tulum Ruins Tips

• Book your Tulum Mayan Ruins Tours here
• The Maya word for Tulum is zama, which means dawn because it is located in the east, so you can see the sunrise from the coast
• Can you climb the pyramids at Tulum Ruins? No
• Tulum Ruins Hours: Open daily, 9am-3pm
• Tulum Ruins Admission: $75 pesos ($4 USD)
• Tulum Ruins Parking: $160 pesos ($8 USD) in their on-site lot

🗿 Visiting Tulum Ruins

The Archeological Zone of Tulum, or Tulum Ruins, is located just 5-10 minutes from Downtown Tulum on the northern end of Tulum Beach.

It makes for one of the most popular day trips from Cancun, because Tulum is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Compared to some of the other sites, the Mayan Ruins of Tulum Mexico is on the smaller side.

However, it’s also one of the most beautiful, with its privileged location on a cliffside overlooking the Caribbean Sea and white sand beaches below.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

7. Cobá Ruins

💡 Coba Ruins Tips

• Book your Coba Mayan Ruins Tours here
• Coba means waters stirred by the wind in Mayan, as Coba is surrounded by two lakes
• Can you climb Coba Ruins? No, Climbing Nohoch Mul Pyramid is no longer allowed
• Coba Ruins Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Coba Ruins Admission: $75 pesos ($4 USD)
• Coba Ruins Parking: $50 pesos ($2.50 USD) in their on-site lot

🗿 Visiting Coba Ruins

Located deep in a dense jungle (so do not forget your bug spray 🦟), the Mayan Ruins of Coba offers a different experience entirely from the Tulum Ruins and Chichen Itza Ruins.

Many visitors say it even feels more authentic, as it’s much less touristy and less crowded.

More of a complete Mayan city than a pyramid site, many will rent a bike to see the whole place, or hire a tricycle-taxi to get around.

Coba Mayan Ruins has several distinct areas or building groups. In each, you’ll see pyramids, other buildings and steles (large, carved stone tablets).

🗿 Ixmoja: Tallest Pyramid in Yucatan

🤔 Chichen Itza vs Coba Ruins

Of course, the two ruins are both impressive. However, Chichen Itza is quite touristy and crowded, while the Mayan Ruins Coba site is the exact opposite.

Many people also enjoy being able to rent bikes at Coba, for a leisurely ride through the jungle to see all the ruins of Coba.

Also, if you want to climb some Mayan pyramids in Yucatan, you’ll have to head to Coba — because you can’t climb any pyramids or structures at Chichen Itza.

⚠️ Note: As of 2020, you are no longer allowed to climb Coba Ruins, including climbing Nohoch Mul Pyramid.

Coba is located in Quintana Roo state, and not too far from all the best Tulum cenotes to swim in after your Coba visit.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

8. Ek Balam Ruins

💡 Ek Balam Ruins Tips

• Book your Ek Balam tours here
• Ek Balam means black jaguar in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Ek Balam? Yes
• Ek Balam Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Ek Balam Admission: $413 pesos ($21 USD)
• Ek Balam Parking: Free in their on-site lot

Ek Balam Mayan ruins is located about two hours from both Cancun and Tulum, and just a short drive of about 30 minutes from Valladolid, Mexico.

As one of the more off the beaten path Mayan ruins in Mexico, it’s not uncommon to have the place (nearly) all to yourself — especially on weekdays in the off-season.

It is a visually interesting site, with thatched roofs covering many of the pyramids; a gorgeous contrast with the stone pyramids.

Towards the interior of the buildings, don’t miss the elaborate carved stone statues tucked away beneath the thatched overhangs.  

You can climb the main pyramid at Ek Balam, the Great Acropolis, for some spectacular jungle views of the surrounding area.

Overall, it’s a gorgeous Mayan ruins site, so make sure your phone is charged when you visit because you’ll want tons of photos.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

9. Temple of Ixchel Ruins (Isla Mujeres)

💡 Isla Mujeres Ruins Tips

• Book your Isla Mujeres tours here
• Ixchel is the name of a prominent Mayan goddess
• Can you climb the pyramids at Ruins of Ixchel? No, there aren’t any large structures
• Ruins of Ixchel Hours: Open daily, 9am-5:30pm
• Ruins of Ixchel Admission: $30 pesos ($1.50 USD)
• Ruins of Ixchel Parking: Free in their on-site lot

While not in Cancun itself, these are some of the closest Mayan ruins to Cancun.

To get to Isla Mujeres Island, take the 20-minute ferry from Cancun. Isla Mujeres make for a nice Cancun day trip from Cancun, or even an overnight trip.

▶︎ Check out all the best hotels in Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres, the Island of Women, got its name from the large number of statues of the goddess Ixchel found all over the island by Spanish conquistadors.

Ixchel (pronounced ick-shell) is a jaguar goddess, associated with the moon, childbirth, medicine, fertility and midwifery. 

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea at Punta Sur, the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, you’ll find the Ruins of Ixchel Temple.

It sits on the highest elevation point in the entire Yucatan Peninsula, and at the edge of the sea, so historians say this structure functioned as a lighthouse, not a ceremonial center.

Nowadays, it’s one of the best things to do in Isla Mujeres. Besides the ruins themselves, there’s a rock and sculpture garden.

You’ll also see plenty of iguanas who live in the rocks of these ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico.

Given it’s beachfront location, this is one of the most beautiful ruins in Yucatan, Mexico.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

10. Muyil Ruins

The actual name of these Mayan ruins is Chunyaxché, though you’ll mostly see it referred to as Muyil (pronounced moo-yeel).

It is located just south of Tulum in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Muyil Ruins, though not too far from Tulum Ruins, look totally different.

At Muyil, you’ll see what is known as Peten architecture, with steep walled pyramids similar to those at the famous Tikal Mayan Ruins in Guatemala.

As Muyil is a smaller Mayan Ruins site, many will combine their visit with a boat tour or float tour (where you float down the river with a guide) of Sian Ka’an.

▶︎ Book your Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour here.

Muyil Ruins Tips

• Book your Maya Ruins Tours to Muyil Ruins & Sian Ka’an Tours here
• Chunyaxche means wide ceiba trunk in Maya, referring to the ceiba tree
• Can you climb the pyramids at Muyil? No
• Muyil Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Muyil Admission: $45 pesos ($2.50 USD)
• Muyil Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

11. Xel-Há Ruins

⏰ Cancun to Xel-Ha drive time: About 1.5 hours in normal traffic
🚙 Cancun to Xel-Ha distance is 71 miles (114 km)
🗺 Cancun to Xel-Ha map

An off the beaten path Mayan ruins site that’s often overlooked as it shares a name with the popular Xel-Ha Water Park.

The Xel-Ha Ruins (pronounced shell-ha) are actually located right next to the park, and many combine the two for a nice day trip.

As far as the Xel-Ha Ruins themselves, there are several here like El Palacio (The Palace) and the House of Birds.

Inside the House of Birds, there are a few rooms where you can see ancient paintings on the walls made in red and blue paint, two sacred colors for the Maya.

Xel-Ha Waterpark

There are also two cenotes at Xel-Ha.

If you’re wondering, What is a cenote?, they are sinkholes containing freshwater from the river that flows under the entire Yucatan Peninsula.

There are about 6,000 cenotes in Yucatan, many you can swim in, but these you can not.

If you do want to swim in some cenotes, visit the Xel-Ha Ruins first, then head only a few minutes away to Xel-Ha Park.

Called “the largest aquarium in the world,” it has plenty of cenotes to snorkel and swim in, and adventure activities like zip lining, cliff jumping and swimming in caves.

Xel-Ha Ruins Tips

• Buy your Xel-Ha tickets here
• Xel-Ha means mixing of the waters in Maya, referring to the Caribbean Sea mixing with a freshwater river inlet
• Can you climb the pyramids at Xel-Ha? No, there aren’t any large structures
• Xel-Ha Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Xel-Ha Admission: $65 pesos ($3.50USD)
• Xel-Ha Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

12. San Gervasio Ruins (Cozumel Island)

As these aren’t in Playa del Carmen, they are just across the Caribbean Sea — so they are the best ruins near Playa del Carmen for sure, and also located not far from Cancun.

For those headed to Isla Cozumel, these ruins are the best place to learn about Mayan history on the island.

To get to the San Gervasio Ruins, you’ll first travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then take the Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry.

Known for having the best snorkeling in Mexico, back on land, you’ll want to visit the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio, or Tantun Cuzamil in the Maya language.

San Gervasio Ruins Tips

• Book your Cozumel tours here
• Tantun Cuzamil means flat rock in the place of the swallows in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at San Gervasio? No, there aren’t any large structures
• San Gervasio Hours: Open daily, 9am-5pm
• San Gervasio Admission: $90 pesos ($5USD)
• San Gervasio Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

13. Xcaret Mayan Ruins (Polé Ruins)

⏰ Cancun to Xcaret drive time: About 1 hour in normal traffic
🚙 Cancun to Xcaret distance is 47 miles (76 km)
🗺 Cancun to Xcaret map

Located inside of the Xcaret Park, the Pole Mayan ruins (pronounced pole-lay), are the best Mayan ruins Playa del Carmen has.

Seeing them is really only worth it if you’re spending the day at Xcaret, which is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Located 15 minutes away, Xcaret is a Mexican amusement park meets water park.

It has more than 50 attractions including cenotes to swim in, Voladores de Papantla Flyers, the beloved Xcaret Nighttime Show, an elaborate series of dance and cultural performances, and Mayan Ruins.

As far as the Pole ruins themselves, they date back to about 1400 AD.

They were the once-home to a Mayan community dedicated entirely to maritime trade, and their position right on the Caribbean Sea made this possible.

Xaman-Há Ruins near Playa del carmen

There is also a small site called Xaman-Há Ruins on Playacar Beach near Playa del Carmen.

You’ll be right in the area if you’re visiting Pole Mayan Ruins, so don’t miss the chance to check it out.

Xaman-Há, though small, is one of the few Mayan Ruins in Riviera Maya still remaining.

Xcaret Ruins Tips

• Buy your Xcaret tickets here
• Polé means merchandise/goods in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Xcaret Ruins? Yes
• Xcaret Ruins Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Xcaret Ruins Admission: $40 pesos ($2USD); this is paid separate from the Xcaret Park entrance
• Xcaret Ruins Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

14. Uxmal Ruins

⏰ Cancun to Uxmal drive time: About 5.5 hours in normal traffic
🚙 Cancun to Uxmal distance is 238 miles (382 km)
🗺 Cancun to Uxmal map

Admittedly, Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mall) is the farthest of all Mexican Ruins near Cancun on this list.

However, it is a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s considered the second most important archeological site in the Yucatan, after Chichen Itza.

Though lacking the name recognition of Chichen Itza, the Mayan Ruins Uxmal site is equally impressive — and some say even more so.

As it’s less crowded and less touristy, seeing only about one-tenth the yearly visitors as Chichen Itza, many argue Uxmal feels more authentic.

Besides the smaller crowds at Uxmal, you’ll also enjoy all the other perks of an off the beaten path Mexico ruins, like not being approached by hordes of souvenir vendors.

Uxmal also provides for a more peaceful visit overall, where you can relax while admiring the site.

Where is Uxmal Mayan Ruins?

Uxmal is a bit remote, and the closest city is Merida at about 52 miles (84 km) away.

From other areas of the Yucatan, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, know this is a 4-5 hour drive, so you’ll want to book at least one night at any one of these best hotels in Uxmal, Mexico.

Chichen Itza vs Uxmal: Which is better?

While this is a matter of personal preference, as they are both quite impressive, there is one definitive reason you’d want to pick Uxmal.

You can climb the pyramids and buildings at Uxmal, which Chichen Itza does not allow for climbing on any structures.

While visitors can not climb the tallest pyramid in Uxmal, called El Adivino (AKA The Pyramid of the Magician), you can climb the Great Pyramid right next to it.

From the top, you’ll get the most amazing views of Uxmal and the surrounding Yucatan jungle.

You can also climb the other buildings — House of the Birds, House of the Turtles, Nunnery Quadrangle, and more — to see Uxmal’s intricate carved stone designs.

Uxmal is one of five sites on the Ruta Puuc, all with buildings in the same beautiful Puuc carved stone aesthetic.

Uxmal Ruins Tips

• Book your Uxmal Ruins tours here
• Uxmal means thrice built in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Uxmal? Yes, except El Adivino
• Uxmal Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Uxmal Admission: $428 pesos ($22USD)
• Uxmal Parking: $80 pesos ($4USD)

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

15. Ruta Puuc: Sayil, Labná, Xlapak & Kabah

Though Uxmal has the most name recognition, there are actually four other Puuc Ruins sites.

The complete list of Puuc Route sites are Sayil, Labna, Kabah, Xlapak and Uxmal — and they all fall under the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, not just Uxmal.

What is the Puuc Route (Ruta Puuc)?

The Ruta Puuc is a 36-mile-long (58 km) drive that goes along Highway 261/Hopelchen-Uman Highway.

Coming from Merida, Uxmal is the first site at 52 miles (84 km) away.

If you follow the road heading southeast, you’ll pass Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna, in that order.

The word puuc means hills in Maya, and though the Yucatan is mostly flat, these five sites are on elevated land areas.

Puuc has also come to signify the intricate architectural styles on the carved stone you’ll see on structures at these sites, and the carved masks of the Mayan rain god, Chaac.

The only way to see all the Puuc Route sites is by renting a car in Cancun, as there’s no public transport from Cancun.

From Merida, there’s the Ruta Puuc Bus, which has one trip on Sundays with the Oriente bus company.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

Puuc Route: Kabah Ruins

This ancient city is about 1,300-years-old and has a series of Mexican Mayan temples and structures to climb and explore.

Along the walls of the central and most impressive structure, the Palace of Masks, you’ll see a display of more than 300 masks of Chaac, the Mayan Mexico rain god.

• Kabah means the powerful hand in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Kabah? Yes
• Kabah Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Kabah Admission: $55 pesos ($2.50USD)
• Kabah Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

Puuc Route: Xlapak Ruins

Though the smallest of the Puuc Route sites, it’s FREE to enter, so don’t pass up the chance to explore it.

At Xlapak, you’ll find three palaces within separate complexes.

Of the three, the main nine-room palace stands with several decorative masks depicting the Mayan god of rain, Chaac.

• Xlapak means old walls in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Xlapak? No, there aren’t any large structures
• Xlapak Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Xlapak Admission: Free
• Xlapak Parking: Free in their on-site lot

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

Puuc Route: LABNÁ RUINS

Labna is about 1,400-years-old, though it’s well-preserved — especially the intricate Labna Arch (see photo above).

There’s also El Palacio (The Palace), a long structure decorated with Chaac masks in honor of the Mayan rain god, and El Mirador (The Lookout), a pyramid with a temple on top.

• Labna means old houses in Maya
• Can you climb the pyramids at Labna? No
• Labna Hours: Open daily, 8am-5pm
• Labna Admission: $55 pesos ($2.50USD)
• Labna Parking: Free in their on-site lot

Mayan Ruins in Cancun Map

For your convenience, all the best Cancun pyramids and ruins mentioned in this article have been pinned to the Cancun map above.

I hope it makes planning your trip to the Ruins of Cancun Mexico a little easier, so all you have left to do is enjoy!

Mayan Ruins in Cancun: Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Mayan ruins in Cancun?

Yes — There are four Mayan Ruins in Cancun: San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um.

They are all located within city limits, but there are plenty of other ruins and pyramids near Cancun, like Chichen Itza Ruins, Tulum Ruins and Coba Ruins.

What is the best Mayan Ruin to visit in Cancun?

“Best” is a relative term, so this is difficult to answer.

The most visually impressive ruins in Cancun are likely El Meco, but the San Miguelito Ruins are cool because they’re at the Cancun Mayan Museum, which houses a lot of artifacts.

Yamil Lu’um, located on Cancun Beach, is very easy to visit.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

How far is Cancun from the Mayan Ruins?

Wondering, How far are the Mayan Ruins from Cancun Mexico? The distance will depend on which of the four ruins in Cancun you want to visit.

However, most are located on Cancun Beach, in the Zona Hotelera AKA Cancun Hotel Zone, and only a few miles from Downtown Cancun.

What are the closest Mayan Ruins in Cancun?

The Ruins in Cancun Mexico, San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um, are all located in Cancun.

This makes those four the closest ones you can visit if you’re staying in Cancun.

If you want to visit those nearby, most sites are only about an 1-2 hours away.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

What are the closest Mayan Ruins near Cancun?

There are several Mayan Ruins near Cancun Mexico, and the closest ones are the Ruins of Ixchel, located on Isla Mujeres.

To get to Isla Mujeres Island, you’ll take the Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry from Puerto Juarez, Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol, the ferry terminals in Cancun.

How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun?

Chichen Itza is 124 miles (200 km) from Cancun.

Wondering, Is it safe to go to Chichen Itza from Cancun? Yes, it is safe to rent a car in Cancun and drive to Chichen Itza, safe to take the ADO bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza, and also safe to go on a tour when visiting Chichen Itza.

best mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

Which Mayan Ruins can you still climb?

Of the 15 Mayan Ruins in Cancun and Mayan Ruins near Cancun on this list, you can climb about half.

The popular Mayan Ruins in Mexico you can’t climb are Chichan Itza and Tulum Ruins.

Want to climb the tallest pyramid in Yucatan? That’s the 137-feet-tall (42 m) Ixmoja Pyramid at Coba Mayan Ruins.

⚠️ Note: As of 2020, you are no longer allowed to climb Ixmoja Pyramid — but you can still climb Ek Balam Ruins (pictured above).

How can you visit the Mayan Ruins from Cancun?

If you’re staying at one of the hotels or all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, you can easily take the public buses or a cab to visit the four ruins in town — San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um.

There’s no Uber in Cancun and no Lyft in Cancun, but it’s easy to get around by bus or taxi.

Did the Mayans live in Cancun?

Yes — The entire Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, as well as parts of nearby countries like Belize and Guatemala, were all part of the ancient Mayan Empire.

The Maya civilization thrived from about 2000 BC to 1679 AD, until the Spanish Conquest in Mexico.

My Final Thoughts on the Best Mayan Ruins in Cancun Mexico

There are just four Mayan Ruin sites in Cancun — San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um, which is why so many visitors venture outside the city.

The most famous Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like Chichén Itzá Ruins, Tulum Ruins and Cobá Ruins, are near Cancun, but not in Cancun.

Still, for those traveling to Cancun and staying in Cancun Mexico, it’s very convenient there are actually a few ancient ruins you can see without leaving Cancun city limits.

Whether you stick to Cancun, or venture outside of town, don’t miss the amazing Mexico Mayan Ruins on your trip.