If you are looking for art and culture during your Mexican holiday, you cannot miss the visit to some amazing places, such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Uxmal. Here, it is possible to admire some of the most beautiful and well-preserved Mayan ruins. Furthermore, you will have the chance to discover the history of these communities, which had a key-role in Mexican historical background.
Chichen Itza, one of the 7 wonders of the world
Chichen Itza is undoubtedly the most famous and important archeological site, it is a real city where it is possible to admire Mayan pyramids, Pelota courts and many other suggestive constructions. This area is located about 3 hours from Cancun, and it is easly reachable.
Kukulkan Pyramid, also known as El Castillo, is a majestic construction which will take visitors' breath away. It is 40 m high and each side boasts 365 steps.
The Temple of the Warriors is another important pyramid, it is lower than El Castillo but its top hosts a statue that was used for sacrifices in ancient times.
Chichen Itza also boasts seven Pelota courts, the largest one is located around 150 m from El Castillo. The latter is the bigger court in whole America, it is 166 metres long and 68 meters wide. Beside these important monuments, El Caracol is another site worth visiting. It is an old astronomical observatory used by the Mayan community to determinate the days of solstice.
Tulum, Mayan ruins on the sea
Tulum archaeological site is smaller than Chichen Itza but it is one of the most photographed and visited in Mexico. In fact, some ruins are located just opposite the white sandy beach lapped by the turquoise Caribbean Sea: it is a real picturesque landscape.
Tulum is located halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, it is possible to reach this site in 1 hour from both cities by bus or by car.
If you intend to go there, do not forget the swimsuit: here it is possible to swim in the Caribbean Sea and lie on the amazing beach in front of the ruins.
Uxmal, a city rebuilt three times
Uxmal was abandoned and rebuilt several times during the ages. This has probably helped the conservation of the most important structures and the main frescoes, which are visible inside the ruins.
Uxmal is located 80 km from Merida, in the north of Yucatan Peninsula. In its archaeological site, the Pyramid of the Magician is an unmissable spot. It is an elliptical base pyramid, 30 m high. It is thought it was built in 5 different stages. Also the Nunnery Quadrangle is a worth visiting. It is composed by four majestic buildings with some particular decorations on the façades.
Uxmal, as Chichen Itza, boasts a Pelota court and the Great Pyramid, which is the higher monument within the archaeological site.
Coba and Ek Balam are two other important archaeological sites in Yucatan Peninsula. They are also well preserved and easy to reach. Coba is located around 100 km from Chichen Itza, once arrived, it is possible to ascend one of the highest pyramids in the archaeological site and enjoy an amazing view from an altitude of 42 metres. Ek Balam, also near Chichen Itza, was a real city hosting 45 buildings and around 20.000 inhabitants, during its flourishing ages.
