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Historical and cultural tourism is set to experience a revival in 2024 in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean thanks to the launching of the Maya Train railway system.
The completion of the innovative train network will unlock unexplored Mayan sites as well as make reaching existing ones easier and faster than ever before.
But even now, numerous Mayan ruins near Cancun are surging in popularity as travelers flock to experience the historical wonders and towering temples of the region’s archeological zones.
As historical and cultural tourism booms, here’s a look at some of the most popular Mayan ruins near Cancun this summer.
Cancun Travelers Add Mayan Sites On Travel Bucket List
With travel to Cancun set to explode in 2024, more visitors are choosing to explore one of the region’s countless Mayan ruins. Offering a glimpse into the life of the ancient Mayan people, historical ruins are a bucket list time for most travelers.
New statistics published this week by Mexico’s National Institute for Anthropology and History reveal that Chichen Itzá remains the number one Mayan site near Cancun, reporting a whopping 26% growth in international visitors figures compared to last year.
The once massive Mayan city is now a popular tourist attraction, welcoming well over two million travelers in 2023 alone. And this year, that number is set to climb even further thanks to the Maya train and several new resorts by year’s end.
Situated some two hours west of Cancun in the neighboring province of Yucatán, Chichen Itzá is famous for its towering 30-metre El Castillo pyramid.
The imposing structure is surrounded by dozens of smaller structures and a new visitor center.
Popular tours like this one will pick you up right from Cancun and get you early entrance to the grounds, include lunch, and even have time for exploring some nearby cenotes.
Or, you could take the new Maya Train. There are more and more options for visiting popping up all the time!
Tulum Archeological Site Among Most Visited Ruins In Mexico
The Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo is home to a handful of some of the most visited Mayan sites in Mexico.
With four archeological sites within the top 10, the sun-soaked region is an excellent choice for historical and cultural travel.
Tulum’s renowned Archeological Zone remains the most visited Mayan site in the state, attracting well over a million visitors last year.
Visitor figures have fallen somewhat this year compared to 2023 due to the ongoing construction of the Maya Train but are expected to rebound toward the end of the year.
The city’s impressive ruins have seen new investments to bolster the visitor experience, with improved signage, upgraded facilities, and more walking paths.
The massive Mayan site recently expanded with the inclusion of two new temples.
Don’t Forget To Check Out These Lesser-Known Ruins
While not nearly as popular as Chichen Itzá or Tulum’s Archeological Zone, several other Mayan sites in the Mexican Caribbean have seen travel numbers grow.
Situated some 45 minutes west of Tulum, the stunning Cobá ruins are some of the most significant in the region, welcoming several thousand travelers daily.
Crowned by the 42-metre Ixmoja pyramid, the Cobá ruins are well worth a visit, offering rich history and smaller crowds than other Mayan sites.
The best way to visit the historical destination is with a guided tour, which typically includes round-trip transportation.
Lastly, the Chacchoben also ranks among the most visited Mayan sites this year, with the ruins expected to welcome nearly 150,000 visitors.
Situated an hour south of Tulum, the ruins were only opened to the public in 2002 and contain numerous restored temples and countless artifacts.
Although the Maya Train is not yet fully operational, visitors can ride the highly popular Fourth Section, which links Cancun to Izamal via Chichen Itzá.
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