Ancient Mayan Worlds Of Mexico
Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Tulum, and Coba are sacred Mayan sights just minutes from Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Guided tours of Mayan ruins and ancient cultures of Mexico are available through many reputable tour companies. Consider renting a vehicle and exploring sacred Mayan ruins of Mexico on your own!
Chichen Itza -
The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are among the most famous in Mexico. Allow a full day to visit Chichen Itza. The site is approximately 3 hours from Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The most photographed ruin here is El Castillo, commonly referred to as Pyramid of Kukulkan. The massive structure was built to celebrate the Maya calendar and the architectural elements of the pyramid represent days, months, and years.Panoramic views of the Yucatan jungle and the ancient city below are the reward for climbing the 91 steep steps to the top of El Castillo. Wear sun protection and stay hydrated when visiting Chichen Itza.
Uxmal -
The ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal in northern Yucatan are notorious for their ornately carved facades. The structures, which represent great ceremonies, are considered among archeologists to be a complex due to their varied elevations. The Pyramid of the Magician's temple doorway features intricate masks of what are believed to represent the rain god Chaac. Unlike neighboring Mayan cities, Uxmal did not have a cenote to provide water, thus their culture was placed on appeasing the rain god. The Governor's Palace is a favorite site with its double-headed jaguar throne.
Tulum -
The Tulum archeological site is marked by the towering Castillo cliff-side fortress/temple overlooking the crystalline Caribbean. Tulum served primarily as an ancient seaport and monitored the ocean trade route between Honduras and the Yucatan. Unlike many other native civilizations, Tulum remained inhabited long after the Spanish descended on Mexico. Temple of the Frescoes is another notable ruin of ancient Tulum.Coba -
Mostly covered with thick jungle vegetation, Coba was once one of the most important city in the Mayan civilization. While Coba is impressive in size and mystery, it is rugged and the least reconstructed of Mayan sites in the region. The archeological site of Coba stretches roughly 26 square miles. Archeologists are working steadily to excavate and study more structures. Impressive ruins at Coba include the Temple of the Church and Pyramid of the Painted Lintel.
