The Palacio de Bellas Artes is one of the most famous buildings in Mexico City. In my opinion, its also the most beautiful. This elaborate theatre is right on the western edge of the Mexican capital’s Historic District and has become a major hub of …
The Templo Mayor is the most significant Aztec monument that occupied the site of modern day Mexico City. While today, Mexico’s Centro Historico is filled with colonial buildings and churches, street performers and bustling cantinas and taquerias, the ruins of another city lay underneath. Long …
When visiting a new city, one of the first things I like to do is find an observatory with a view. Torre Latinoamericana might not be Mexico City’s tallest skyscraper anymore, but it does offer some of the best views of the Mexican capital. Located on the edge of the relatively low-lying Centro Historico, the views from Torre Latinoamericana’s 44th floor vantage point are unmatched. Its the perfect place to watch the sunset over Mexico City, and was actually how I spent my first evening in the city. I recommend visiting the tower about an hour before sunset so that you can see Mexico City by day and night. I was rather impressed that there was more to do in Torre Latinoamericana than just take in the views though. In this post I’ll let you know everything you can expect.
At the time of its completion, Torre Latinoamericana was the tallest building in Mexico City. The tower was originally built to house La Latinoamericana Seguros insurance company. Originally occupying a smaller office building on the site of the old Convent of San Francisco, the company’s headquarters were demolished in 1947 to make way for a tower that would signify the company’s importance, as well as the overall growth of Mexico. The tower was initially only going to have 27 floors, but subsoil research programs revealed that a 40 plus storey tower would be possible, and so the project commenced. By 1956, the tower was complete, standing some 183 metres in height. The insurance company moved into the 4th to 8th floors, while the rest of the building was rented out.
Upon being completed, Torre Latinoamericana was the tallest building in Latin America, and the 45th tallest in the world. Its been passed multiple times in both categories, however it remains significant for being the first major skyscraper built in an active seismic zone. This was achieved through concrete piles embedded deep into the subsoil forming its foundations. While common practice today, it was innovative engineering for the time.
The tower’s stability was put to the test only a year after completion when Mexico City was rocked by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake on July 28, 1957. It survived unscathed, resulting in the tower’s recognition by the American Institute of Steel Construction, commendations which endure in the form of plaques in the lobby today. The tower went on to withstand the 8.1 magnitude quake of September 19, 1985 (which lasted two whole minutes and caused significant damage throughout the city). Today, Torre Latinoamerica is regarded one of the safest buildings in Mexico City as a result of all it has survived.
You’ll enter Torre Latinoamericana from the street level. While there are skip the line tickets available on the official website, at the time of my visit you couldn’t purchase them with foreign credit cards. If thats still the case when you visit Mexico, you’ll have to queue up at the bottom to purchase your tickets. I got to the tower entrance just before 7.00pm, and I’d say I waited about 20 minutes to get to the front of the line. In the waiting area, there’s a display showing other skyscrapers and observatories around the world. Once you’ve got your ticket, you’ll be guided into an elevator and whisked up to the Torre Latinoamericana’s 37th floor.
On the 37th floor, you’ll wait for a second elevator to take you further up into the main observatory area. The observatory consists of an indoor double storey section (42nd and 43rd floor), with a spiral staircase leading up to the open air 44th floor terrace. Getting up on the 44th floor, standing underneath the tower’s antenna and looking out across the city is an unforgettable experience (if a bit windy). It really helped orientate myself in Mexico City as I could see across the entire city as evening rolled along. You can see all the city’s landmarks from the observation deck, ranging from the Centro Historico to the east to Bosque de Chapultepec at the end of Reforma to the west. You can even see the volcanic mountains such as Iztaccihuatl and Popocatepetl on the horizon.
As great as it is to be in the open air, I think the indoor levels are better for taking photos. Instead of metal grating obscuring your shots, you’ll have clear glass windows looking out across the city.
When you can pull yourself away from the views, you might be surprised that there’s actually two historical exhibits in Torre Latinoamericana. Entry to the first of these is even included with your admission. Located on the tower’s 38th floor, the Museo de la Ciudad de Mexico tells the story of the history of the Torre Latinoamericana site (and Mexico City in general). While there’s definitely better museums in the city, this is an excellent way to fill in time at the attraction, while learning about the city’s past. The content is primarily conveyed through photos, though there are a few models through the space as well, including a scale model of the actual tower.
Signage throughout the exhibit is only in Spanish, so its worth reading up on Mexico City’s history before your visit. That said, you’ll get the general gist from the visual displays if you only speak English. The exhibit space is broken up across 4 periods. The first section looks at the site prior to Spanish colonisation in 1522. Initially, the zoo of the Aztec king Moctezuma II occupied this space in the pre-Columbian city of Tenochtitlan. You’ll see images of the old city, as well as a few stone utensils that were buried and subsequently found in the tower excavation effort.
Following the arrival of Cortez, the Convent of San Francisco was built on the old zoo’s remnants and became the largest such convent in New Spain. The monastery was late demolished at the decree of President Comonfort on 17 September 1856 in order to open up Independence Street. The Franciscan Order was abolished shortly afterwards and the site saw various occupants prior to the insurance company’s arrival in 1930. Other landmarks of the period are also detailed in this section.
The final part of the exhibit space focuses on the tower itself. There’s displays following its construction and the technology used. You can even see an original elevator pulley up close. There’s also information dedicated to the impact earthquakes have had on the surrounding area and the enduring legacy of Torre Latinoamericana.
The second exhibition is on the tower’s 36th floor, and this one costs extra (an additional $80 MXN at the time of writing). Considering how affordable that is, upgrading my ticket to include the Museo del Bicentenario was a no-brainer for me. This exhibition goes bigger picture and focuses on the history of Mexico itself. All the key moments of the Spanish Empire, Struggle for Independence and Mexican Revolution are chronicled (though again, signage is mostly in Spanish only). The collection on display is significant for containing numerous unknown and unpublished documents from key figures throughout Mexican history.
While I couldn’t read much of the signage, I thought this was an interesting crash course in the nation’s history, which was perfect for me considering it was my first night in the capital. I was particularly fascinated by the map of the Mexican empire, extending its reach into Texas, California and the south-western of America. At the time, Mexico was the third largest territory in the world (behind the Russian and Chinese empires).
I was also interested by the display focusing on Portifiro Diaz. This dictator ruled Mexico for a 31 period known as the Porfiriato. Despite doing much to modernise the country and keeping Mexico politically stable, his crack down on dissent and wealth accumulation by the richest under his watch were instrumental in starting the Mexican Revolution. The ensuing ten year period of instability following his resignation ultimately ushered in Mexico’s modern constitutional democracy.
In addition to the observation deck and historical exhibits, the Torre Latinoamericana contains all the amenities you’d expect for this kind of attraction. The 37th floor hub (which is also where you’ll take the elevator back down to exit the building) contains a cafe and gift shop. If you make your way to the tower’s 40th floor, you’ll come to the Nivel 40 Skybar. Its an excellent place to sit back, take in the view and enjoy a margarita or two. It also has the bathrooms with the best view in all of Mexico City, but I’ll let you discover that for yourself! If you just want to come to the bar, you can skip general admission, but you won’t be able to visit the rest of the building if you choose that option. Naturally, a minimum spend applies.
The tower also contains a restaurant on the 41st floor called Miralto. I didn’t eat here, but from what I have been told, its a fairly expensive dining option. Considering how much authentic Mexican cuisine you can find in the streets of the Centro Historico below, I personally wouldn’t eat here, but let me know if you’ve enjoyed it!
I was worried before heading up Torre Latinoamericana that I was going to run out of things to do while waiting for the sun to go down. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. This observation deck is an excellent spot to take in Mexico City from above, and I’d personally recommend it on your first night in the city if possible. I truly think its the place to come for the best views in all of Mexico City, while also learning a bit about the city. With that said, if you know of any other places offering great panoramic vistas of the Mexican capital, let me know!
As the second largest Catholic country in the world, the Church plays a major role in modern Mexican life. Mexico City’s Catedral Metropolitana is the biggest cathedral in Latin America. Its fitting considering Mexico City is also the world’s largest Catholic diocese. The massive eye-catching …
Did you know that Mexico City is the largest city in all of North America? Neither did I before I looked into planning a trip to this metropolis. The capital city of Mexico is even larger than New York, and there’s just as much to …
As one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a highlight of any Yucatan vacation. This ancient site is the largest and best preserved set of Maya ruins in the entire Yucatan Peninsular. The renowned UNESCO site, which once supported over 35,000 people is now an extremely popular day trip in the area. Being the first Wonder of the World that I had seen with my own eyes, I was blown away for the duration of my Chichen Itza visit. With so much to see, you should count on spending a few hours at the site. With so much to see in this 15 square kilometer complex, in this post, I’ll cover the highlights that you can’t leave without seeing.
To really appreciate Chichen Itza, you need to know the history behind this monumental site. The site’s name itself is Mayan for “mouth of the well of the Itza tribe”, a reference to the sacred cenote that likely played a key role in the Maya establishing the settlement in this location.
This ancient city was one of the major hubs of Mayan culture in the Yucatan, having been founded in approximately 600 AD. Under its original inhabitants, the city quickly became a commercial, religious and military power with sprawling territory and trade networks. Despite this, Chichen Itza was abandoned for largely unknown reasons in the 9th century. It was repopulated about a century later however, with the Toltecs invading after migrating here from regions surrounding modern Mexico City. From the late 10th century onwards, Toltec and Mayan culture blended at Chichen Itza, resulting in the Mayan adopting their own version of the god Quetzacoatl (Kukulkan) to whom sacrifices and worship was carried out throughout the city’s temples (as evidenced by numerous carvings and inscriptions throughout the site).
Eventually, the Maya moved their political capital to Mayapan, however Chichen Itza continued to serve as their religious capital throughout the Postclassical Period. By the 14th century, Chichen Itza would once again fall into decline, as did the Maya civilisation. Its unknown why this occurred, with leading hypotheses including famines, natural disasters and wars. Regardless of how it occurred, the once great city was already well and truly abandoned and swallowed by jungle by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. It would remain that way for the most part until it was rediscovered by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Calderwood in 1842, ushering in many archeological expeditions over the next century.
The best piece of advice I can give you when visiting Chichen Itza is to get there early. Wonder status and all, it probably comes as no surprise that the site gets packed, with crowds picking up as the tourist buses arrive from 10.00am onwards. If you can get there for opening, you’ll have a good two hours to explore without the crowds, and realistically, in that time you can pretty much see the key features. Chichen Itza is still doable later in the day (its a huge complex filled with lots of sprawling ruins), but if you’ve got the choice, I really think you’ll be glad to be there early.
Naturally that means the closer you stay to Chichen Itza the better. The town of Valladolid is one of the best places to stay in Mexico’s Yucatan. Considering its only 45 minutes away, you won’t have to wake up too early to be at Chichen Itza for opening. Local colectivo (shared vans) set out for the ruins from Valladolid from around 7.00am, departing when they fill up and are quite affordable. If you’ve got your own car, there’s plenty of parking on-site, but you’ll need to pay a fee of about $30 MXN.
Unless you’re coming on an organised tour (where your tickets are included), come to Chichen Itza with cash. You’ll need to pay at least part of your admission (the government fee (about $85 MXN) in pesos. Throughout the site, you’ll also find numerous vendors and artisans setting up shop, so you’ll have tons of opportunities to buy some souvenirs while wandering about.
Lastly, know what you’re looking at. I prefer to explore sites on my own rather than taking a tour. If you’re like me, pick up a guidebook from the shop at the entrance.
I was surprised by just how much there was to see at Chichen Itza. Like most people, I had heard of the centrepiece Mayan pyramid, and figured there would be a few other smaller ruins to look at around it. I definitely didn’t expect to spend the better part of a few hours following paths through the jungle and being gobsmacked by another structure around seemingly every corner. Each of the various buildings throughout Chichen Itza had a function that tied to the city’s status as a focal point for Mayan philosophy, science, religion and art. Learning what stood in the place of these ruins many centuries ago is the best way to go about the site.
This is in no way a comprehensive guide to every single ruin at Chichen Itza. That’s beyond the scope of this blog (and you don’t want me to spoil everything!). Instead, the following are the main sights that you should make sure you dedicate time to appreciate on your visit.
Passing through the jungle path from the main entrance to Chichen Itza, you’ll come out into a clearing face to face with the undisputed focal point of the site. The spectacular Temple of Kukulcan dates back to 800 AD and stands 24 metres tall. The towering pyramid was dubbed El Castillo by the Spaniards (translating to the Castle). You can see it in photos, but there’s nothing like seeing with impressive structure in person. Paying homage to the Maya serpent god, the pyramid becomes more and more impressive as you come to appreciate its finer architectural details.
The four points of the pyramid’s base each mark the cardinal points (north, south, east and west). Each side of the pyramid contains a 91 step staircase. Add the number of steps together and you’ve got 365 – it can’t be a coincidence that this matches the number of days in the solar year. In fact, the entire pyramid is a gigantic Mayan calendar. The positioning of the staircases causes the pyramid to contain 18 terraces – matching the 18 Mayan months. The 52 flat panels on the pyramid’s facade corresponds with the 52 years of the traditional round Mayan calendar.
While these numbers are all impressive, the most spectacular property of the pyramid is its relationship with the solar equinox. On this twice yearly happening, light projects off the north side of the temple to create the illusion of a serpent slithering down its staircase and across the square in front. This literal depiction of Kukulkan only adds to the significance of the monument.
Recent discoveries have shown that there’s actually a smaller pyramid dedicated to the moon inside the pyramid’s western base. Unfortunately you can’t see it on a visit.
Just west of the Pyramid is the second most famous sight of Chichen Itza – the Mayan ball court. If you spend any amount of time in Mesoamerica, you’ll become accustomed to the ancient ball game that was played in these ancient cities. While versions of the game differ, the general idea remained the same – two teams played a soccer like game in which they attempted to hit a hard rubber ball through a stone hoop to be declared the victor. Variations on the rules are depicted in the carvings on the site – some show players wearing padding on their knees and elbows, while others depict players wielding bats.
The game is most known for its sacrificial element, which is thought to have come to Chichen Itza with the Toltecs. Essentially, the losing captain (and potentially their entire team) were sacrificed in a bloody tribute to the gods. This might seem harsh, but in the Mayan civilisation, this was considered an extremely honourable fate.
The Ball Court at Chichen Itza spans 146 metres long and 36 metres wide. This makes it the one of the largest ball game courts in all of the Maya world. It’s actually one of eight courts you can see in Chichen Itza, but this one is definitely the most impressive. Walking between the boundary walls that mark the court, you can see the stone hoops hanging eight metres above, enshrined with the form of intertwined serpents. Meanwhile, the Temple of the Jaguar at the southern part of the court’s eastern boundary is thought to have served as a spectator stand for the festivities. I definitely recommend taking your time to view the inscriptions throughout the rather impressive structures. You can also test the court’s acoustics – you’ll hear claps and conversations from one end to another!
On the opposite side of the Castillo pyramid, you’ll come to the Temple of the Warriors. As the name suggests, this 10th century shrine is dedicated to Mayan warriors and is comprised of a large structure surrounded by stone pillars, many of which are carved out in warrior form. While you can’t climb up, the Temple’s summit contains a heavily adorned sanctuary with further depictions of animal (especially serpent) deities. The most prominent sculpture here is that of Chac-Mool, the Mayan Rain God, to whom many believe offerings were presented in this Temple. An additional temple to Chac-Mool was discovered underneath the Temple of Warriors by archeologists in 1926.
Follow the stone pillars surrounding the Temple of the Warriors and you’ll pass into the adjoining Grupo de las Mil Columnas (Group of the Thousand Columns). This forest of pillars stretches to the south and east, and you can actually pass through a gap in the columns. Not only is this an excellent place for photos, but it gives you access to an additional part of the ruins deeper in the jungle. Its worth crossing into this section of the ruined city, which is called the Marketplace. As the name suggests, this wide spaced area is thought to have served as the administrative centre of Chichen Itza, while the columns would have supported a perishable roof structure. Also nearby, you’ll find the Columnata Noreste and its prominent pedestal reliefs as well as the Bano de Vapor (Steam Bath), which was used for ritualistic purifications.
Moving into the southern part of the site, there’s even more spectacular ruins throughout this section of Chichen Itza. The most awe-inspiring is the Observatory, or as the Spanish called it, El Caracol (the Snail). The Spaniards named it such due to its interior spiral staircase that leads to the top tower of the 16 metre structure. While you can’t go inside the Observatory today, it’s just as impressive from the outside, partially collapsed facade and all.
The Observatory was one of the most important buildings in all of Chichen Itza. Its well established that the ancient Maya were interested in astronomy, philosophy and mathematics, along with many other subjects, and were incredibly advanced for their time. The area at the top of the Observatory was used exclusively for the study of astrology. It’s amazing when you realise just how switched on the Maya were to the world. The external doors of the Observatory align with the cardinal points (just like El Castillo), and the windows of the building were also aligned to match the position of certain stars on specific dates. While the Observatory was not absolutely tied to the religious functions of Chichen Itza, its thought that priests would have gathered under its dome to decree times for rituals, harvests and celebrations, based on the work of its astronomers.
Just a short walk from the Observatory is the Edifico de las Monjas, commonly referred to as the Nunnery. It stands 60 metres long, 30 metres wide, and 20 metres tall. This massively imposing structure was probably a place reserved for Maya royalty. It got its name from the Spaniards who believed the building’s various rooms resembled a European convent! The Toltec influence is strong throughout the Nunnery, with serpent motifs all over, and a sacrificial stone in front.
Adjoined to the Nunnery is La Iglesia (the Church). Much smaller than its counterpart, this single storey building has only one entrance, facing out to the west. A mask of Chac occupies a prominent position in the Church. The unique imagery, carvings and positioning of the structure suggest that the Church actually served as a tomb of some kind.
I recommend finishing up your tour of Chichen Itza with the walk north from the main pyramid. Following a 400 metre path, you’ll reach the cenote which gave Chichen Itza its name. The sunken well here is a natural water body 60 metres in diameter and 35 metres in depth. Its walls are covered in tangled vines and vegetation. Unlike other cenotes throughout the Yucatan, you can’t swim here – though you wouldn’t want to, even if you could. Its muddy waters are filled with algae. Whats more, human remains have been excavated from this cenote, suggesting it was used as a site for human sacrifices.
Many guests miss out on seeing the Sacred Cenote when visiting Chichen Itza because it’s hidden away from the rest of the site. Considering the significance cenotes held for Mayan culture and religion, you shouldn’t leave without seeing it. In fact, the Sacred Cenote is believed to have been a Mayan pilgrimage destination dating back to the 5th or 6th centuries, before the city of Chichen Itza was even completed.
While the Sacred Cenote isn’t the only cenote at Chichen Itza, it is the largest. The smaller Xtoloc Cenote, lies south of the pyramid, and was likely a water storage site (while the nearby Temple of Xtoloc was probably used in funeral rites and cremations). Cenotes served various purposes to the Mayans, and its rare that you’ll find a Mayan site without them.
There’s so much to see at Chichen Itza, but if you get to the above highlights, you’ll have seen the most notable parts of the ancient city. Visiting Chichen Itza was an unforgettable day. As a Wonder of the World, it should be at the very top of your list of priorities when visiting Mexico’s Yucatan region, especially if you’re a history buff. It certainly made me realise that I have to see the Seven Wonders in my lifetime! Have you been to Chichen Itza? Let me know which Wonders of the World you’ve been to!
While it wasn’t my favourite cenote in the Yucatan, I still really loved Cenote Suytun. Its a bit further off the path for day trippers headed to Chichen Itza, but is still a very popular place to cool off in this region of Mexico, seeing …
Swimming in cenotes was one of my favourite things to do when I was exploring Mexico’s Yucatan Pensinular. These water filled sinkholes are the perfect place to relax for a few hours and escape the heat of the Yucatan sun (which I know something about, …
The Yucatan Peninsular is one of the most popular regions for tourists in all of Mexico. Comprised primarily of the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo (and also Campeche, though I didn’t get there), this region of Mexico has attracted international acclaim since its luxury, all-inclusive resorts burst onto the scene. While there’s no doubt that you could spend days relaxing in one of those resorts, there’s so much more that the Yucatan has to offer, if you’re willing to hit the road and explore. With Mayan temples surrounded by thick jungle, towns filled with colonial architecture and the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya, there truly is something for everyone in the Yucatan. Having spent just under a week in this beautiful part of Mexico, in this post I’m going to cover 7 places that you’ll want to visit if you’re heading to the region.
The Yucatan is the south-eastern peninsular of Mexico on the country’s Caribbean coast, with the Gulf of Mexico to the north. It is serviced by two major airports – Cancun International Airport (CUN) and Manuel Crescencio Rejon International Airport (MIR) in Merida. Both serve as entry points from international destinations, though the vast majority of beach seeking tourists will fly into Cancun. Most western tourists don’t need a visa to enter Mexico, but as always, you should check international travel requirements before your trip.
Many people wonder if Mexico is a safe destination. Honestly, yes! I loved the time I spent in Mexico, and while you have to use normal common sense (as in any destination), if you’re sticking to the tourist areas, you really shouldn’t find yourself in any trouble. The Yucatan Peninsular is often regarded the safest region in all of Mexico, with the local government actively working to keep major tourist sites free from crime syndicates that operate throughout the country.
The best way to get around the Yucatan is to rent a car. There’s a number of local and international providers making pricing competitive. While you may be hesitant, the major roads are well maintained, with a major tollway linking Cancun and Merida. Just be aware that drives can be long between tourist destinations. Alternatively, there are numerous day trips from the main resort areas that will get you out and about. The ADO bus service also links many of the primary Yucatan destinations.
With so many towns, beaches and ruins in the Yucatan, this is by no means a comprehensive guide to the region. I had less than a week to spend in the Yucatan, and in that amount of time, you’re just not going to see everything. Here are 7 places that I definitely recommend, which will hopefully help you plan your itinerary.
Okay hear me out. Its crowded, its touristy, and you’ll feel like you could just as well be on the main strip of Waikiki, but you can’t overlook the fact that Cancun is the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsular for most travellers. I based myself in Cancun for the majority of my stay. In hindsight I wish I had cut back on that time and gotten further out into the region, but for convenience, affordable luxury and pristine beaches, any post about the region would be remiss without mentioning this resort hub.
Cancun actually started out a small fishing village. That all changed in the 1960s when its tourist industry really took off, and it now attracts over 1.2 million (mostly international) visitors each year. Most of its resorts are spread along the major strip that runs through the Zona Hotelera, the 23 kilometre island connected to the mainland by two bridges. I personally stayed at the Cyan Canun Hotel & Spa, which was a bit isolated for my taste, but no doubt a beautiful spot for those seeking a more secluded beach vacation.
Further up the strip, you’ll find many of Cancun’s best beaches, including the breathtaking Playa Delfines, which is right by the famous Cancun block letter sign. Other popular beaches include Playa Tortugas and Playa Forum. If you have some spare time in Cancun, you might also want to check out the small El Rey archeological site. Its nowhere as impressive as some of the Mayan ruins throughout the region, but its readily accessible, and dates back to 1200 AD. For even more culture, I highly recommend the excellent Museo Maya de Cancun, containing 400 Mayan relics from around the peninsular.
South of Cancun is the Riviera Maya, a beautiful stretch of Caribbean coastline speckled by beachside towns. One of the most popular is Playa del Carmen, which is about an hour’s drive from Cancun. While its still the second largest resort town on the coast, Playa del Carmen is considerably more low-key, making it a great place to wind down. When you’re not on the beach, you’ll be wandering down Quinta Avenida, the town’s main street, which is filled with small shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Did I mention that Mexican food is DELICIOUS?
While the beaches may not be as pristine in Playa del Carmen as those you’ll find in Cancun, they’re still nothing to stick up your nose at. Playa Punta Esmeralda in particular is popular with locals and even has a beachside cenote!
While in Playa del Carmen, you can also take the 40 minute ferry ride to Isla Cozumel. While I didn’t get there, this island is known for snorkelling expeditions in the world’s second largest coral reef. Just bear in mind that the island is a popular stop on Caribbean cruises, so you might want to check if there’s any ships in port when you’re planning to head across.
Another hour south from Playa del Carmen, you’ll reach Tulum. While Tulum is another popular coastal town, with beaches, markets and more, the highlight is its set of Mayan ruins, which are right on the waterfront. The Tulum Ruins are some of the most picturesque Mayan sites in the entire Yucatan Peninsular. While the actual ruins are not as large as some of the Yucatan’s other popular archeological sites, Tulum remains highly popular for its location Where else will you see Mayan ruins on cliffs overlooking the spectacular Caribbean Sea? Tulum was actually one of the more powerful Mayan settlements in the 13th and 14th centuries, right before Spanish colonisation. At its height, it is thought to have been called Zama, which translates to “dawn”, a fitting name given the way the settlement would see the sun rise over the sea each day.
The ruins are open daily from 8.00am-5.00pm, and admission costs $90 MXN. Unlike many Maya sites in the region, visitors to Tulum follow a prescribed route through the archeological zone, but on that route you’ll see all the key structures such as the Casa de Cenote, Templo del Dios del Viento, El Palacio and El Castillo. The El Castillo (castle) is the most prominent structure on the site and is thought to have served as a landmark to seafaring traders in the region.
Crossing west into Yucatan state, the colonial town of Valladolid sits in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsular. Far less touristed than Cancun and Merida, you may be surprised to discover its the third largest town in the region. I think its the best place to really get an authentic feel for Yucatan culture and absolutely loved the time I spent in this near 500 year old town, built atop the earlier Mayan settlement of Zaci. Its a long road to Valladolid, taking around two hours to drive here from Cancun or the Riviera Maya, but once you step into its Zocalo main square, the journey will have been worth it.
This lively part of town is often filled with markets, snack stalls and Mayan entertainers, all spread around a central fountain. Lining the square are tons of colonial buildings and authentic Mayan restaurants. Valladolid is also an excellent place to shop for tequila, and some of the shops around the town centre will offer tastings.
The city’s most notable landmark has to be the Catedral de San Servacio, a church overlooking the main square and dating back to 1545 (although the original facade was demolished and rebuilt in the early 18th century). The Palacio Nacional (City Hall) is also worth checking out for its painted panels depicting tales of Mayan history.
Owing to its central location, Valladolid makes for a great place to stay a few nights and branch out on day trips throughout the Yucatan. There’s a number of excellent cenotes where you can stop off for a swim nearby, and its also within driving distance from our next destination.
One destination that has to be on any Yucatan itinerary is Chichen Itza. The most famous of the Mayan sites in Mexico, this incredible complex is recognised as one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World. If that doesn’t say it all, what can? Its thought to date back to the 11th century AD, and is an extremely impressive sight. The moment you step out of the jungle clearing in front of the Castillo pyramid, you’ll be in awe. The 24 metre high structure towers over the surrounding ruins and pays tribute to the Mayan god Kukulchan (their version of Quetzalcoatl).
The Chichen Itza complex is also contains massive 160 metre long court, on which Mayans played their traditional ball game. While such courts can be seen throughout the Maya world, this one is the longest to have been discovered in all of Mesoamerica. You could actually spend hours wandering around the various ruins that make up the Chichen Itza site, all while trekking through jungle paths and perusing the wares of local merchants.
Chichen Itza is about 45 minutes drive west of Valladolid. Its EXTREMELY popular. If possible, I strongly recommend getting there for opening at 8.00am. By 10.00am the site is flooded with tour buses from all over the Yucatan Peninsular.
I didn’t make it to Merida on my Yucatan trip, but its a place I really hope to experience next time I’m in the area. The capital of Yucatan state, Merida dates back to 1542, and like many colonial settlements in the region, was built atop of an existing Mayan settlement. The so-called “White City” has a grid layout, built around a Plaza Mayor, and has received awards for being the Capital of Culture of the Americas on multiple occasions.
Merida is filled with vibrant colours, impressive buildings, excellent Mayan cuisine and entertaining cultural performances. Every Monday night, the Vaqueria ceremony takes place in the Plaza Mayor, with dancers dressed in traditional costumes attracting both tourists and locals alike. Some of the best museums in the region can also be found in Merida. In particular, the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is an essential visit. This collection of over 1,100 relics and artefacts is contained in a distinct tree shaped building, depicting the Mayan connection between the living and the underworld. The museum is just north of downtown and costs around $150 MXN to enter.
An often overlooked Mayan site, Uxmal is a fascinating set of ruins located about an hour south of Merida. The ruins here are thought to date all the way back to the 6th to 10th centuries, at which time Uxmal was a dominant power in the region, with a population at its height of around 25,000 people. The towering Pyramid of the Magician (Casa del Advino) stands majestically over the site. Not only notable for being Uxmal’s tallest structure at 35 metres in height, the pyramid has an unusually round base. In reality, the pyramid is actually 5 different temples built on top of one another throughout different eras of the settlement, with each new temple obscuring that which came before.
The Mayan God of Rain, Chaac is depicted all over the site. Water would have been scarce at Uxmal, with its lack of cenotes and other obvious sources of water, unlike many other Mayan sites. Some of the more obvious characterisations of Chaac can be found on the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s Palace).
Uxmal’s ruins are open daily from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Admission will set you back $465 MXN, assuming you’re not a Mexican citizen. As with most Mayan sites in the Yucatan, you want to get here early to beat the crowds, though its nowhere near as packed as Chichen Itza.
With so much to do in the Yucatan region of Mexico, the above list is just a starting point. If you’ve got any tips or hidden gems that you think people should visit in the region, let me know! Whats your favourite set of ruins? Whats the best beach? Where’s the best food? Your answers to these and so many more questions can only be found by exploring the Yucatan.