Skip Chichen Itza and Check Out These Less-Touristy Mayan Ruins Instead
As someone who has lived in Mexico since 2018, and visited about 25 ruins sites all across the country, ruins are clearly some of my favorite places to see in Mexico.
Some are more famous than others, but there’s none more famous than Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins. It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all.
As you might imagine, Chichen Itza is extremely popular — and by popular, I mean that it gets super crowded.
I’ve been three times over the years (including once on a Sunday, which I don’t recommend), and it seems to get more and more crowded each passing year.
While I do think everyone should go once, here are some of the lesser-visited Mayan Ruins in Mexico that are just as cool, and FAR LESS crowded.
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1. Cobá Ruins
Located deep in a dense jungle (so bring your bug spray 🦟), the Mayan Ruins of Coba offers an experience similar to Chichen Itza — but without the massive crowds.
It is a complete Mayan city, just like Chichen Itza Ruins, but you can rent a bike to see the whole place as you ride around through the jungle.
Coba Mayan Ruins has several distinct areas or building groups. In each, you’ll see pyramids, other buildings and steles (large, carved stone tablets).
The largest pyramid at Coba Mayan Ruins, Nohoch Mul (AKA Ixmoja Pyramid), is actually the tallest pyramid in Yucatan at 137-feet-tall and 120 steps to the top.
Sadly, visitors are no longer allowed to climb it, but there are other structures at Coba where climbing is permitted.
The Ixmoja pyramid is part of the Nohoch Mul Group, but there are other notable areas at Coba like the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group and Macanxoc Group.
It is a very large site, so do hire a local guide to really explain everything that makes the Mayan Coba Ruins so unique.
2. Uxmal Ruins
One of the best Mayan ruins near Merida, is Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mall).
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the second most important archeological site in the Yucatan, behind Chichen Itza.
Though lacking the name recognition of Chichen Itza, the Mayan Ruins Uxmal site is equally impressive — and some say even moreso.
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.
3. Tulum Mayan Ruins of Mexico
The Archeological Zone of Tulum, or Tulum Ruins, is located just 5-10 minutes from Downtown Tulum on the northern end of Tulum Beach.
Since it’s actually located in Tulum National Park, this is the easiest way to see Mayan ruins in Tulum, Mexico.
Compared to other sites, the Mayan Ruins of Tulum Mexico is on the smaller side.
However, located on a cliffside overlooking the Caribbean Sea and white sand beaches below, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Viento (Wind Temple), the most photographed of Tulum Ruins buildings.
From there, continue onto the other buildings along the designated path.
These include the Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Castle), Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes) and more.
After touring the ruins, head down the staircase and onto the beautiful Tulum Ruins Beach cove beneath the site.
4. Ek Balam Ruins
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 all to yourself.
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.
5. Muyil Ruins
The actual name of these Mayan ruins is Chunyaxché, though you’ll mostly see it referred to as Muyil.
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 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 — like this one, the Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour.
7. El Rey Ruins
Located right in the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone), you’ll find the Mayan ruins of Kin Ich Ahau Bonil, known in Spanish as El Rey.
Meaning “The King,” many archeologists and historians believe the remains of a Mayan king are buried at this Mayan Ruins Cancun site.
This is a smaller site, though it has about 45 structures on it. The most important is Structure 2 — where the original pyramid’s base once sat.
In total, plan to spend about 30-45 minutes at the Mayan Ruins El Rey, but it’s one of the best things to do in Cancun without leaving the city.
8. El Meco Ruins
El Meco (AKA La Naranja) is a smaller site with 14 structures, including the main temple, El Castillo.
Meaning “The Castle,” 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.
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 find the Isla Mujeres Mayan Ruins of Ixchel (next on this list).
You can catch the Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry at the Puerto Juarez, Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol ferry terminals, for about $25 USD round-trip.
9. Temple of Ixchel Ruins (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 ik-shell) is a jaguar goddess, associated with the moon, childbirth, medicine, fertility and midwifery.
While not in Cancun itself, these are some of the best Mayan ruins by Cancun.
To get to the island, take the 20-minute Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry over for a nice day trip from Cancun, or even an overnight trip.
🏩 Looking to stay overnight? Check out these best hotels in Isla Mujeres.
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.
10. Mayapan Ruins
As an off the beaten path Mayan ruins site, you may have the whole place to yourself.
There are several structures here, including a large, central pyramid resembling the Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo) at Chichen Itza.
It is called the Castle of Kukulcan and stands 50-feet-tall (15 m).
There is also a large round structure, The Observatory, which you won’t find at other Yucatan Mayan ruins sites.
This structure more closely resembles the round Tollan Toltec Ruins, seen in the city of Tula near Mexico City, and historians say Mayapan has a Mayan-Toltec connection.
Mayapan is said to be the last Mayan city ever built and inhabited, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
It was one of the most important pre-Columbian cities in Yucatan, along with Uxmal and Chichen Itza — though it sees far less visitors than both.
The Mayapan Yucatan Ruins are located in the city of Tecoh, just 28 miles (45km) southwest of Merida.
When visiting, combine it with a swim in any of the 25 or so cenotes near Mayapan, like Cenote Telchaquillo, Cenote Nah Yah, Cenote Noh-Mozon and Cenote Suem.
11. Kohunlich Ruins
Located about an hour southwest of the popular travel destination of Bacalar, Mexico, you’ll find the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins (pronounced ko-hoon-leach).
It is a popular day trip from Bacalar, and also Mahahual, one of the best beaches in Yucatan, located just two hours away.
The Mayan Ruins Kohunlich site is quite large, at about 20 acres.
It is located in the jungle surrounded by trees and lush vegetation, and you’ll often hear the howler monkeys that call this jungle home making noise off in the distance.
There are a few buildings to explore at Kohunlich, including the Temple of the Masks.
This pyramid was built in about 500 AD and has a central staircase adorned with five different 8-foot-tall (2.5 m) masks.
There’s also the Residential Buildings, with the ancient Mayan beds they slept on.
12. Chacchoben Ruins
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is among the most visited of all Mayan ruins Costa Maya has.
The “Mayan Coast” is located near the popular cruise destination of Mahahual, Mexico, and many cruise ships take visitors here for a day trip to see the ruins.
There are two groups of structures to see here, including three excavated and restored pyramids — with the largest one containing Mayan hieroglyphic writing.
As Chacchoben is surrounded by jungle, you can see everything from roaming iguanas to spider monkeys.
13. Calakmul Ruins: Best Campeche Mayan Ruins of Mexico
The Calakmul Mayan Ruins (pronounced cah-lack-mool) was the largest Mayan city in Campeche State.
It is also one of the best off the beaten track Mexico destinations, and worth a visit, even though it’s not easy to get to.
Given Calakmul’s remote jungle location, many travelers don’t even know it exists.
It is located about five hours by rental car from the closest major city, Campeche City, including a two hour drive from the nearest main road into the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
🏩 Visiting Calakmul? Book at least one night in Hotel Casa Maya Calakmul, as these ruins are not advisable as a day trip.
However, the trek is definitely worth it. Calakmul is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,with two very large pyramids you can climb.
The largest one, Structure 2, is more than 148-feet-tall (45m), and the tallest Mayan pyramid on Earth.
Structure 1 is a bit smaller, but still offers incredible views of the surrounding jungle from the top.
After ascending these pyramids, you’ll be looking out over all the trees that surround the site; seeing it from a perspective you could never have imagined from the ground.
14. Becan Ruins
Though not too far from Calakmul Ruins, the Becán Mayan Ruins are much easier to get to and see far more visitors since there are daily tours to Becan.
While they are located in Campeche state, Becan is a popular day trip from other parts of Yucatan, like Bacalar Lagoon.
Becan is actually a very large site, with 20 or so structures.
The largest pyramid stands at about 90-feet-tall (27m), and offers amazing views of the entire site from the top.
There are other pyramids and plaza-style structures, with rooms you can walk into and explore.
15. Edzna Ruins
Located close to Campeche City, there are many Edzná tour options if you don’t have a rental car.
You can also find great day trips from Merida to Edzna; though they are in different states, it’s only about 2.5 hours from Merida to Edzna.
Of all Mexico pyramids I’ve seen, I consider Edzna the most beautiful — and when I visited with my boyfriend, we were the only people there!
The central structure, called the Temple Building of Five Stories, has five levels and stands 131-feet-tall (40 m).
Though you can’t climb this one, there are others you can, like the Small Acropolis and The Palace.
The Temple of the Masks is another amazing structure, only recently excavated in 1988.
This building has two distinct masks located on the base of the temple: one representing the Mayan Sunrise God, located on the east side, and the other, the Sunset God, located on the west side.