Mayan Ruins in Mexico's Yucatan: How to Choose

Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, Coba, Tulum and Uxmal are the five main Maya ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. Each one suits a different kind of day, so the right choice depends on where you stay. Smaller sites near Cancun and Merida suit a shorter outing.

The closest Maya ruins to Cancun are El Rey, San Miguelito and El Meco, all within the city area. El Rey and San Miguelito sit in the Hotel Zone, and El Meco lies on the north side of town. They are small sites, about 10 to 25 minutes by road from downtown.

From Playa del Carmen, Tulum is about 1 hour south and Coba about 1.5 hours inland. Muyil sits about 20 minutes south of Tulum town.

At Coba, you can climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid again. The climb reopened in December 2025 on a new wooden staircase laid over the old stone steps. It runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with up to 15 people in each group and up to 15 minutes at the top.

You cannot climb El Castillo or the other temples at Chichen Itza.

At Ek Balam, you can climb the main pyramid, the Acropolis. The stone steps are steep, with a rope down the middle to hold. INAH sets the rules and can close the climb for weather, maintenance or safety, so we confirm on the day. Wear shoes with grip and take the steps slowly, especially on the way down.

At every other site, follow the barriers and signs, since rules can change. Ask us on WhatsApp before your trip.

Ek Balam is the easiest second site, about an hour from Chichen Itza. Our private Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour visits both in one day with hotel pickup.

From Tulum, Chichen Itza with Coba also works, since Coba sits on the road toward Valladolid. Tulum and Chichen Itza in one day is possible but very long. Uxmal, the Ruta Puuc, Mayapan and Dzibilchaltun sit on the Merida side, so plan them as separate day trips from Merida.

If you only see one site, choose Chichen Itza. Most first-time visitors prefer it for El Castillo and its fame as a world wonder.

Choose Tulum for a short visit by the sea, or Coba if you want to climb a pyramid. Choose Ek Balam or Uxmal for quieter sites with fine carving.

For two sites from Cancun or the Riviera Maya, pair Chichen Itza with Ek Balam. From Merida, see Chichen Itza and Uxmal on separate days.

To see Chichen Itza at your own pace, read our private Chichen Itza tour page. You can also compare all Chichen Itza tours.

Merida has several Maya sites with pyramids within about 1.5 hours. Uxmal, about 1 hour south, has the rounded Pyramid of the Magician.

Dzibilchaltun is about 25 minutes north of the city, and Mayapan is about 45 minutes south. Mayapan, a walled city that rose after Chichen Itza lost power, has a smaller copy of El Castillo as its main building. The Ruta Puuc sites of Kabah, Sayil and Labna lie south of Uxmal, and Kabah is about 1.5 hours from Merida. Xcambo, near the north coast, is about 1 hour away.

Izamal, about 70 km east of Merida, is a colonial town built over an old Maya city. The Spanish took apart its main buildings and reused the stone for the new town. With Maya ruins, colonial buildings and today's town side by side, it is known as the city of three cultures. Its largest pyramid, Kinich Kak Moo, gives a wide view from the top. The site is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:00 p.m.

Ake, about 50 minutes east of Merida near Tixkokob, is known for the Building of the Pilasters, with 36 square columns on top. A Maya road, or sacbe, about 32 km long linked Ake with Izamal. Part of the site sits inside an old hacienda, and it is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Our Merida pickup page explains private day trips from the city.

Plan 2 to 4 hours at Chichen Itza and 1 to 1.5 hours at Tulum. On our two-site tour, the Ek Balam visit lasts about 1.5 hours. Add the drive time from the table, both ways.

Chichen Itza is the busiest site, so arrive early if you can. Uxmal usually has low to moderate crowds. For visit times and crowds at the other sites, ask us on WhatsApp and we suggest a plan for your day.

Calakmul and Edzna, in Campeche, are much farther away and suit a trip of several days.