Where to Find Mayan Ruins in the Caribbean

Some of us love the beach, others love to explore ancient ruins. Both are great reasons to visit the Caribbean! However, if you’re part of the latter group, you know that it’s a good idea to know the exact locations of the ruins you want to visit, so that you can see as many as possible during your trip. So, do you know where to find Mayan ruins in the Caribbean?

Mayan ruins in the Caribbean: Mexico

Map of mayan ruins in the Caribbean. (Pinterest)

Did you know that most Mayan ruins are located in Mexico? In fact, there are small pockets of people living in the Yucatan Peninsula that still use the ancient mayan language.

1. Chichen Itza

The Mayan ruins in Mexico are simply incredible– you’ve got to see at least one site in your lifetime. The most famous one, of course, is Chichen Itza. The crowning glory of this site, the famous El Castillo pyramid, is easily recognizable. It is on the list of the new 7 wonders of the world.

Today, Chichen Itza is probably the most visited of all mayan ruins in the Caribbean. Thanks to its status as one of the wonders of the world and its proximity to Cancun, it welcomes more visitors than ever. So, be prepared to share the trails that link the various ruins together with lots of tourists from all over the world.

Know Before You Go

Chichen Itza is a very large site. Expect to spend at least half your day exploring. Walking trails connect a large number of ruins together.
Guides are available at the park’s entrance, charging different prices for different languages. They can give you historical insights and explanations about each building at Chichen Itza. However, you don’t necessarily need a guide in order to explore.
There are many vendors throughout the site, hawking all kinds of souvenirs. Although the noise they create can be a bit of a distraction at times, they offer deals on attractive handicrafts that you may not find elsewhere (especially if you bargain with them in Spanish). Tip: Don’t buy the souvenirs outside the park’s entrance– they are much more expensive than the ones inside.

2. Tulum

Tulum is the name of a town on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, and it’s also the name of some magnificent ruins perched high on a hillside within this town. The ruins are near a beach and are very well preserved. The main building, called “El Castillo” (the castle) overlooks the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Know Before You Go

Tulum, once a walled city, was one of the last to be built by the Mayans. Pay a tour guide at the gate in order to learn more about the history of the site.
Pack plenty of water and sunscreen. There is a lot of walking involved in exploring Tulum, and the weather can get quite hot.

3. Uxmal

Uxmal, also located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites. Its well-preserved buildings and courts, an excellent showcase of Mayan culture, have been declared part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located just an hour from Merida, Uxmal is one of the most important Mayan sites in Mexico.

Know Before You Go

Go during the morning to have ample time to explore all sites. As of 2019, it is still permitted for tourists to climb up many of the structures.
At night, a light and sound show projects onto the ruins to wow visitors with a story from Mayan history. Grab your tickets as soon as you can, because they are limited and can sell out fast.
There is a restaurant and several souvenir shops at the entrance to the park. Prices for souvenirs here tend to be slightly cheaper than those in Merida, so take advantage of the price difference, and bring something back for your friends and family!
After you visit Uxmal, visit the Museum of Chocolate, located nearby. You’ll get a glimpse (and a taste!) of the history of chocolate in Mexico. Also nearby are the Kabah Mayan ruins, another archaeological site on what is known as the “Ruta Puuc” or the “Mayan Trail”.

Mayan ruins in the Caribbean: Belize

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the Yucatan Peninsula, also has several sites in the Caribbean where you can find Mayan ruins. These include Altun Ha, Cerros, and the Caracol Natural Monument Reservation.

1. Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the most well-known Mayan ruins sites in Belize. There are several temples and other buildings to explore. Unlike many Mayan ruin sites, tourists are still permitted to climb up some of the temples.

Know Before You Go

Be sure to bring your bug spray, because these ruins are in a humid, vegetation-filled area.
If you’re staying in Belize City, Altun Ha is about 50 minutes away.
This is a good place to visit with family. Walking around isn’t difficult for visitors of any age, and there are no steps to climb (unless you want to!)

2. Caracol Natural Monument Reservation

Caracol Mayan Ruins in Belize. (Black Orchid Resort)

This large archaeological site is located about 40 kilometres south of Xunantunich and the town of San Ignacio Cayo in Belize. Since it’s basically out in the middle of the jungle, visitors are few and far between. You may even have the site all to yourself!

Know Before You Go

Getting to Caracol Natural Monument Reservation isn’t easy, but it’s worth it! You’ll have to travel about 2 hours through the jungle from more populated areas to get there, but the ruins are fantastic, and there are lots of wild animals around to see as well.
We recommend going with a guide, since there is limited information about the ruins available in the park itself.
It is still permitted to climb up many of the structures, so don’t miss out on your chance to do so!

Looking for a place to stay in beautiful Belize? We’ve got you covered!

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