Ancient Mayan Ruins Near Playa del Carmen

A Playa del Carmen vacation would simply be incomplete without a visit to the nearby ancient Mayan ruins. The Maya is a Mesoamerican civilization, known for the only fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as its art, architecture, and mathematical/astronomical systems. The Mayan ruins near Playa del Carmen offer fascinating history, culture and adventure.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Only an hour from most Playa del Carmen hotels, the Mayan ruins of Tulum have one of the most breathtaking settings of any city past or present. This major Mayan ruin sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Tulum is also unique for a wall that surrounds the town on three sides. This wall averages seven meters in thickness and is three to five meters high. It also has an interior walkway, from where spears and rocks are believed to have been thrown. With the ocean on the forth side, Tulum could easily defend itself from potential enemies.

The ruins of Tulum are just north of the main town where one can find several restaurants and convenience stores for supplies.

Mayan Ruins of Chichén Itzá

The Chichén Itzá ruins, arguably the most impressive Mayan site on the Yucatán peninsula, is about three hours from Playa del Carmen. Its famous pyramid offers a challenging climb and a breathtaking view of the jungle. This ruined city has several hundred buildings; some have been partially restored and others are still covered with jungle vines and bushes.

Guided excursions to Chichén Itzá can be easily reserved through Playa del Carmen hotels.  Some of these Mayan Riviera excursions also include a visit to Valladolid and the Dzitnup cenote.

Mayan Ruins of Coba

The grand Mayan ruins of Coba reside less than two hours from Playa del Carmen beaches, and they are unique from other big sites in the Yucatán. Four natural lakes surround it, which is a rare sight in the Yucatán. These lakes gave the city its name, which means "waters stirred by wind". It is not as excavated nor reconstructed as Chichén Itzá or Tulum, but Coba still has a number of big structures surrounded by jungle growth, birds and monkeys.

It's not difficult to find your way around Coba, as there are signs pointing you in the right direction. It'll take you about 1 1/2 hours to see the groups of buildings that are open for visitors. The guides speak English, Italian, German and of course Spanish. Most of them are Mayan Indians with knowledge of the flora and fauna in the area, as well as the ruins themselves.

Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam

The Mayan city of Ek Balam is rarely visited but offers exotic temples and jungle. It's a bit off the beaten path since it's located about 20 minutes north of Valladolid. From local Playa del Carmen lodging, it's almost a 3 hour trip, which is best handled by car, but it’s a real treat for those into Mayan art and architecture.

You will need about an hour or two to see the site at a nice slow pace. There are authorized guides available, which is a great way to gain a greater understanding of this interesting site. There are also plaques with information in English, Spanish and Mayan in front of the more important structures.