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Summer is one of the busiest times for Quintana Roo’s ancient archeological ruins, which attract thousands of daily travelers.
And with historical tourism on the rise, ancient ruins are set to grow even more in popularity as the completion of the Maya Train nears.
With dozens of archeological sites relieving more funding to improve the visitor experience, here are 5 tips for travelers planning to visit one of the many ancient Maya ruins across the Mexican Caribbean.
Do Your Research Beforehand
The Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo is home to a whopping 150 archeological zones, ranging from what used to be small settlements all the way to sprawling urban areas.
Some of them, such as Tulum’s archeological zone, are regarded as some of the most marvelous well-preserved ruins in the world.
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@findingfiona Do these 5 things to GUARANTEE you'll have the best trip in Tulum 🌴🍃 #tulum #mexico #mexicotravel #traveltips ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show
Travelers will want to do some research prior to arriving in Cancun; while dozens of stunning ruins dot the region, they are spread over a large area. It’s a good idea to learn more about the different types of ruins that exist, with some featuring massive pyramids while others boast intricate statues.
Focus On One Region At A Time
With so many ruins to explore, hitting all the right ones might seem like an overwhelming task. That’s why it’s a good idea to narrow down your itinerary to one region at a time.
@cmbender Coba, Mayan Ruins outside of Cancun, Mexico. #cobaruins #mayanruins #cancun #coba #mayans #mexico ♬ Shamanic (Mayan Music) – Caleb Hennessy
For example, travelers can spend a day or two exploring Cancun’s historical ruins, such as El Rey or El Meco, with the latter offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from the heart of Costa Mujeres, the rising star of the Mexican Caribbean.
Other significant historical hotspots include Tulum and Chichen Itza, two bucket-list-worthy additions to any history-oriented itinerary. However, travelers will have to rent a car or book a guided tour to see them.
Book A Guided Tour
That brings us to the next point – booking a guided tour. While travelers are more than welcome to travel to the Mexican Caribbean’s historical ruins by car, booking a guided tour undoubtedly gives travelers the best bang for their buck.
@mwangohwalima Chichen Itza, Mexico! @#foryoupage #mexico #chichenitza #fyp ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Not only are they convenient, saving visitors the hassle of traffic and long queues, but they’re also the best way to acquire an in-depth overview of the site’s history.
This top-rated tour has a whopping 14,000 reviews, most of them 5 stars, and combines 3 must-see sites (and a cenote!) into one convenient tour, allowing travelers to get a feel for the area.
Avoid These Scams
Unfortunately, petty crime remains a major issue across the Mexican Caribbean and is especially prominent in areas with lots of tourists. That being the case, archeological zones have seen an uptick in fake tour guides who lack official certification.
When visiting Yucatán’s ancient ruins, travelers are urged to book tours through official websites or on-site ticket booths. Avoid purchasing any kind of service from salespersons that loiter around parking areas or nearby the access points to the ruins, and always make sure your tour guide has the official certification.
Don’t Overlook These Smaller Ruins
While Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Chichen Itzá are often cited as some of the must-see historical ruins in the region, travelers can miss out on a lot of history by not visiting lesser-known zones.
The completion of the Maya Train means a lot of money is being poured into improving several dozens of ruins around the region, such as Cobá, which recently re-opened to the public. Situated around 50 kilometers west of Tulum, these ruins boast one of the tallest pyramids in the region.
Near Cancun, travelers should definitely check out the El Meco ruins, which combine history with beautiful Caribbean views.
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