The stunning ruins of Copán in western Honduras attract visitors from around the world. Yet out of all the top tier Mayan sites, it’s by far the most difficult to reach. That’s where this
The Mayan site of El Puente is just one of three or four archaeological sites in Honduras that’s accessible to the public. Yet it’s so obscure that even many locals have never heard
While the mighty city-state of Copán had elite residences situated right next to its royal precinct, many of its nobles lived further away in a district we now call Las Sepulturas. Incredibly, Las
Along with the likes of Chichén Itzá, Palenque and Tikal, the ruins of Copán in Honduras are among the most impressive ever left behind by the ancient Maya. Situated at the southeastern edge
Not only was Cihuatán the largest ancient city in what’s now El Salvador, but its history is both unique and mysterious. The city wasn’t founded until 900 AD, at a time when many other
Joya de Cerén may have never been the seat of a mighty king, nor did it contain a single pyramid. But today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is pivotal when it comes to
Scattered around the modern town of Chalchuapa, the Chalchuapa Archaeological Zone is home to no less than ten known ancient Mayan sites. But among them, only Tazumal and Casa Blanca are currently open to the
Before there was Guatemala City, there was Kaminaljuyu, one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the region – if not the Mayan world as a whole. Kaminaljuyu is quite old by
Zaculeu is one of Guatemala’s lesser-known Mayan sites but also one of its most unique. The ruins are situated just outside the city of Huehuetenango, located between Xela and the Mexican border. That
Often touted as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán is home to nearly a dozen villages, largely inhabited by indigenous Maya. And with so many towns and outdoor activities to
The various towns surrounding Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán are often said to have their own distinct atmospheres and personalities. But none of them can claim to be as colorful as Santa Catarina Palopó. Located
By the time of the Spanish conquest, most of the great Mayan cities had already collapsed. But traditional Mayan culture was still alive and well in the 16th century, as evidenced by sites
Few scenes capture the imagination like Tikal’s towering pyramids looming over a vast and dense jungle. But Tikal’s pristine environment also means that it’s not the easiest place to reach. And with rather
The Mayan civilization was home to many mighty cities, but few were quite as influential as Tikal. Not only was Tikal a political and cultural powerhouse for centuries, but its iconic towering pyramids
Guatemala’s Petén region is home to several accessible archaeological sites. But aside from the world-famous Tikal, Yaxha is the only other site that can easily be reached by tour. And that’s probably because
Belize’s various Mayan sites aren’t always that easy or cheap to reach. One major exception, however, would be Cahal Pech – just about thirty minutes on foot from the tourism hub of San
Caracol in southern Belize was one of the Mayan world’s most dominant cities, and is accordingly the country’s largest Mayan archaeological site. But it’s also the most difficult to reach, so most visitors
Xunantunich is one of Belize’s best archaeological sites, and it’s also one of the easiest and cheapest to reach. Like many Mayan sites in Belize, the Xunantunich ruins are comprised of just a
Inhabited from around 200 BC to 900 AD, Altun Ha would reach its zenith around 500-600 AD. And though it was likely just a medium-sized city in its day, the Altun Ha ruins are now one
Lamanai was one of the longest continually inhabited cities of the Mayan world. And its three grand pyramids reveal how important it must’ve been in its prime. Located in central Belize, most people
Located 25 km southeast of Mérida is a site that even many Mayan ruins enthusiasts have never heard of. The site of Acanceh was first established back in the Preclassic Period (700 BC–50 AD).
Situated between the modern city of Mérida and the Gulf Coast, Dzibilchaltún long played a pivotal role in the regional salt trade. While not the most elaborate Mayan ruins you’ll find in the region, the
The Ruta Puuc, or ‘Puuc Route,’ is a term used to collectively refer to five Mayan sites located south of Mérida. Not only do they share similar histories, but each former city-state was built
While many visiting Tulum stop at the Tulum Archaeological Zone and nearby Cobá, the area is home to a third Mayan site that remains off the radar for most travlers. Muyil, which is located
Just 7 km south of Kabah, the ancient Mayan city of Sayil shares a lot in common with neighboring sites in the Puuc region. The city, however, was founded in the 8th century AD
Located around 50 km from Mérida near the town of Maxcanu, Oxkintok is one of the more obscure Mayan archaeological sites. But it’s arguably among the best. The extensive ruins are home to
Established in 1964, Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology is easily the country’s top museum, and also among the best in the world. The museum is home to over 600,000 objects belonging to
Located in the state of Tlaxcala, the sister sites of Cacaxtla and Xochitécatl are an easy day trip from Puebla. Visitors to the region with the slightest interest in Mesoamerican art or history shouldn’t miss
Located about 38 km southwest of Cuernavaca is one of Mexico’s most underrated archaeological sites. Formed during one of the region’s most tumultuous periods, Xochicalco’s downfall came suddenly after just 250 years as
The deep blue Montebello Lakes aren’t what most people expect when they picture Mexico, but the stunning National Park is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those visiting Chiapas. In the following guide,
Stepping inside, it was immediately clear that this was no ordinary church. The floor was completely covered in pine needles, and everywhere I looked, local healers waved around live chicken as incense smoke
Located in the Central Highlands of Chiapas, San Cristóbal de las Casas is easily one of southern Mexico’s most charming colonial towns. In fact, many consider it among the most magical of all of Mexico’s
The overlooked ruins of Comalcalco in Tabasco state are remarkable for a couple of reasons. Not only did they mark the very western edge of the Mayan civilization, but Comalcalco is the only
Situated deep in the jungle near the border with Guatemala, Yaxchilan and Bonampak are two of Mexico’s most geographically remote Mayan ruins. But with the number of tour groups now visiting each, they’re
Overlooking the Valley of Ocosingo in the state of Chiapas is one of Mesoamerica’s largest and most unique structures. The Toniná Pyramid consists of seven tiers, many of which are home to temples, palaces
With its well-preserved buildings and gorgeous jungle setting, few archaeological sites can rival the magic of Palenque. The surviving structures largely date back to the 7th century AD, many of which housed elaborate
While millions of international tourists flock to Quintana Roo each year, the state remains home to hidden gems that fall well under the radar. In Quintana Roo’s south, right near the border with
Despite being one of the most powerful Mayan cities in history, Calakmul only attracts a fraction of the attention of sites like Chichén Itzá. Located deep in the jungle about two hours by
The region of Río Bec, situated in modern-day southern Campeche, was among the most prosperous and densely populated parts of the Mayan world. No less than 45 Río Bec sites have been discovered in total,
Deep in the jungle, about 50 km southeast of Campeche, lies the once-mighty city of Edzná, one of Mexico’s most under-appreciated Mayan ruins. Known for its unique five-story pyramid, the site is not
Campeche is perhaps best known as a base for visiting the nearby ruins of Edzná. But many are surprised to encounter a beautiful colonial city with enough attractions to keep one occupied for
The are a few different ways to enjoy a day trip to Progreso from Mérida. One option is to relax on the beach, explore town and grab some food before heading back home.
Located about 50 km south of Mérida, Mayapán could be considered the last of the great Mayan capitals. But despite its historical importance, the site remains well off the tourist trail. What makes Mayapán unique is
Kabah is one of several Mayan sites in the Puuc region, named after the nearby Puuc hills. But many visitors only see Uxmal, which is a shame, as sites like Kabah have much
Located 62 km south of Mérida, Uxmal is one of Mexico’s most outstanding archaeological sites. Not only are its structures monumental in scale, but many are adorned with some of the most beautiful
Mexico is full of fascinating archaeological sites, while the country is home to dozens of charming towns designated by the government as Pueblo Mágicos (Magic Towns). But there’s no place quite like Izamal,
Mérida is fast becoming one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most popular destinations for expats and tourists alike. As the nearest city to Mayan sites like Uxmal, the Yucatán capital makes for a great base for day trips.
Located 25 km north of Valladolid, Ek Balam only gets a fraction of the crowds of nearby Chichén Itzá. But it’s easily one of the region’s most remarkable sites. Not only can those
As crowded as it can get, a visit to Chichén Itzá quickly reveals why the ancient Mayan site is so popular. As the most dominant city in the Yucatán throughout the Early Postclassic period
Located right in between Mérida and Cancún, Valladolid is the closest city to Chichén Itzá, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. But Valladolid, officially recognized as a Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town),
While Tulum may be one of Mexico’s most-visited archaeological sites, it’s hardly the largest or most spectacular. But what makes visiting the Tulum ruins truly special is their stunning seaside setting. Out of all the
Situated 42 km northwest of Tulum, Cobá, known for its towering pyramids, was once the prominent city-state of the eastern Yucatán Peninsula. And today, visiting the Cobá ruins is a must for those basing themselves in
When looking at lists of the top Mayan sites in Mexico, the San Gervasio ruins will seldom get mentioned. And perhaps justifiably so, as the site lacks the magnificent pyramids or relief carvings
Not many people realize that one can find ancient Mayan pyramids right in the heart of Cancún’s Hotel Zone. As far as Mayan ruins go, San Miguelito isn’t much to write home about, but