Located less than three hours from Cancun, Chichen Itza (meaning "at the mouth of the well of Itza") is home to pyramids, ball courts and palaces. Chichen Itza is especially known for its architecture and art, but the reason most tourists come to Chichen Itza is the Kukulkan Pyramid. In 2007, this structure was recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Tulum, a coastal pre-Columbian city with Spanish-style walls, is only about 80 miles from Cancun. It is one of the few walled cities built by the Mayans. Abandoned in the 16th century, parts of Tulum have been restored, and according to Destination360, a travel website, Tulum is said to be one of the world's "most well preserved Mayan ruins." For architecture enthusiasts, the highlight of this site is the Castillo, or "castle," which is the square in the center of the city that was home to religious ceremonies and rituals.
Nestled in the jungle, the ruins of Coba draw many nature lovers. The area has many paths for biking and hiking through the jungle and an array of bird and butterfly species. Limestone paths connect the ruins at this site, which thrived from 600 to 800 A.D. Abandoned by the Mayan people for unknown reasons, the ruins remained untouched until the 1890s, when the site was found again and excavated. However, most of these ancient sites are still deep in the jungle.
The great pyramid of Nohoch Mul ("big mound"), at 138 feet tall, is the tallest Mayan structure on the Yucatan Peninsula. The drive to Coba from Playa del Carmen is about an hour, 45 minutes. Bikes are available for rent inside.
