Archeological sites

Coba:

Coba is an archeological site thought to be one of the largest Mayan cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. Visitors will find the cave has been illuminated and paths have beeb built for easy access.

Location: Coba is located one hour away from Cancun. Take federal road # 180, only 128 kms south until you reach Coba town. The site is found on the east side of the town.

Chichen Itza:

The most visited tourist destination in the Yucatan, these Mayan ruins are a must see. Dating back to 600 AD, the main feature is the Kulkulkan pyramid.

Location: 201 km west of Cancun (two hours by bus); full-day escorted tours depart daily.

Tulum:

Another popular destination to visit Mayan ruins, this area is smaller than Chichen Itza but is the only major Mexican ruin by the sea, with a breathtaking drop off overlooking the azure waters.

Location: Tulum was around 130km south of Cancùn, making it another prime location for a day trip.

Las Ruinas del Rey:

“The ruins of the king” are located in the middle of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, this archeological dig is a must see because of its two main plazas. The site may have been a royal burial ground.

Address: Boulevard Kukulcan | Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun 77500, Mexico Tel: 998-883-2080

Yamil Lu’um:

Located in the Hotel Area, this site is Cancun’s highest point. The smallest of Cancun’s ruins, this site is made up of two structures—one that most likely functioned as a temple, and another that was probably a lighthouse.

Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 12, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Dzibanche

Dzibanche is a well preserved pyramid/temple complex located on the southern tip of Quintana Roo. Dzibanche literally means “written on wood,” alluding to a small piece of wooden lintel in building number 6 of this complex. The enormous settlement is composed of several courtyards, pyramidal temple platforms similar to Tikal, and is surrounded by ceiba trees, sacred to the Mayan culture. Perfect for a day trip, Dzibanche can be visited along with two other sites nearby, Kohunlich and Kinichna.

Location:
Located at 81 kms. Northeast of Chetumal City, the state’s capital. Access to this site is through the federal road #186 Chetumal – Escarcega, and on the km 58 take the detour of 14 kms. This drive leads to the Morocoy village; when you get to the village keep going 2 kms. Take the road going to San Pedro Peralta and turn left where you see the signs. There is an off road 7kms long that leads you straight to the site.

Oxtankah

“Oxtankah” means “Three neighborhoods.” It was a settlement built by the Mayans in prehistoric times, and later abandoned for 800 to 900 years. The Mayas then returned and built a much humbler site. When the Spaniards came to Mexico it is said they lived at Oxtankah and were driven out by Indians after two years. This site is so interesting because of arquitectural characteristics influenced by both Mayan and European cultures. The settlement is located in a pristine forest and is in close proximity to the

Caribbean Sea. Since this is the closest site to Chetumal, a visit to Oxtankah is a must. It is well preserved and makes for an interesting archeological day trip.

Location: Located 16 km north of Chetumal city. To access the site, take the Chetumal – Calderitas road, and from the village continue by the asphalt road running along the bay. 4.5 km to the north you will see the sign marking the parking lot for the site.

Chacchoben

The Chacchoben ruins are located on the southern side of Quintana Roo’s state. Chacchoben is a Mayan word meaning “red corn.” The site was used as a ceremonial center reserved only for ruling families and noble people. The area has a park like feel to it, surrounded by lush palm trees providing ample shade in the heat of the day. Some flora and fauna found in this site are: zapote, fig trees, pepper trees, ramones, chacas, corozos, white cedars and mahogany. Visitors can also witness an array of song birds and tucans.

Location:
The heart of the settlement is located 85 km from Chetumal City and only 3 km from Lazaro Cardenas town. The main road to access the site is through Chetumal – Escarcega road and the Chetumal – Merida road (short route). The monumental area of the settlement lies next to the road and is easy to see.

Kohunlich

Kohunlich is the “Mayanized” word for “Cohoonridge,” the name of a fruting palm tree very common to the south part of theYucatan peninsula. The site is about 21 acres and is surrounded by a dense tropical rainforest. The city appears to have served the purpose of being a regional stop along trading routes connecting Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. On the site there is an enormous plaza surrounded by pyramids, a raised acropolis, and a palace complex with a courtyard. On the eastern side of the site there lies the pyramid of masks, constructed in honor of the sun god. The arqueological site also serves as a haven for birds, lizards, and mammals.

Location:
Located 69km west of Chetumal City. Access to the site is through the federal road 186 to Chetumal – Escarcega; when arriving at km 60, corresponding to the Francisco villa town, take the detour of 9 m. The detour goes directly to the site.

San Gervasio

San Gervasio is the name of the Mayan ruins located on Cozumel Island. The site was dedicated to the Mayan goddess of fertility Ix Chel. During ancient times Mayans would travel to the island to make offerings at certain times during the year. San Gervasio is the only ruin that has a permanent grant for the preservation and research of the site. The ruins are surrounded by a lush tropical jungle and serve as a beautiful place vistors can enjoy on their trip to Cancun.

Location :
San Gervasio is on Cozumel Island, only 7 kms east from town San Miguel in Cozumel and is very accesible through the island road built in 1972. In the town of Cozumel there are numerous travel agencies offering organized guided visits. Local taxi services offer transportation to and from the hotels on the island.