Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Morelos… All these destinations have something in common. They are all part of what is considered the Riviera Maya. It is one of the most popular areas in Mexico in terms of tourism. It gathers not just amazing beaches, but crystal clear cenotes and amazing Mayan Archaeological Sites as well. These archaeological sites, also referred to as “ruins”, are the origin of today’s Riviera Maya society, where millenary cultural practices and knowledge are held by the few existent inhabitants from these places.
Mayan Ruins Riviera Maya
There are many Mayan ruins all along the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. The most popular is, as you may expect, Chichen Itza, due to its recognition by UNESCO as one of the New World Wonders, but it’s far from being the only interesting one. In fact, some travelers agree that some other sites have maintained their authenticity even better than Chichen Itza, despite the constant flow of tourists, such as the Coba site, which is still in the deep Mayan jungle.
Ichkabal, the new archeological site
Ichkabal is a newly opened archaeological site located in Bacalar, very close to another ancient Maya ruin called Dzibanché.
Although this Maya site has been known to locals for many years, archaeologists officially discovered it in the late 1990s.
So far, it’s considered one of the largest Maya cities in the Riviera Maya and the Yucatán Peninsula. The main pyramid alone reaches up to 46 meters in height, surpassing the Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichen Itzá, which stands at 30 meters.
Ichkabal opened its doors to the public at the beginning of 2025, allowing visitors to explore the site Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m.
The best part? Admission is completely free.
Riviera Maya To Chichen Itza
Tourists staying at Riviera Maya resorts may wonder how to get to Chichen Itza and other nearby ruins from their hotels. It is common that tour operators include hotel pick-up within their tour packages. In case they don’t, you still have options to reach Chichen Itza and other Riviera Maya archaeological sites on your own. For instance, you could rent a car and drive directly to Chichen Itza from your resort. Depending on your location, it might be a long ride, so it could be a good idea to have a light breakfast before hitting the road.
Riviera Maya Pyramids
There are many Mayan pyramids along the Riviera Maya. From small ones to the second tallest of the whole Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the most popular are El Castillo at Chichen Itza, Nohoch Mul at Coba, and the Acropolis at Ek Balam.
Mayan Ruins Near Riviera Maya
The most famous Mayan ruins in Riviera Maya are Tulum, Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam, Yamil Lu’um, El Meco, Xaman-Há, Uxmal, Kohunlich, Xel-Há, and San Miguelito.
Tulum Excursions
As the only beachfront Mayan ruins in the whole Riviera, Tulum offers amazing views of the Caribbean shore and a well-maintained archaeological site. Constructions are protected by small fences, so it is not possible to climb any of its buildings. As it became a touristy place and started receiving lots of visitors, it had to be maintained so travelers could still find ruins in good shape. Tulum, as an ex-commercial path for the exchange of goods, also served as a place to watch out for possible invaders. Some of its buildings allowed their inhabitants to guide incoming traders and keep the weather on watch.
Ruins near Akumal
The closest Mayan ruins to Akumal is Xel-Ha archaeological site. Despite being not so popular, it is worth visiting. It even has a cenote. It was the main port for Coba. A big part of what was the port city is now covered by Xel-Ha park.
So, if you are looking for the best option in terms of Riviera Maya ruins, now you know there are plenty of archaeological sites to choose from. Check out our tours page for private and shared tour options.