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Archeological sites across Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are gearing up for a huge growth in visitor numbers amid skyrocketing interest in Mayan culture & history.
In the meantime, officials are carrying out extensive renovations at a number of historical sites to make Mayan ruins more accessible and safe, as these historic attractions captivate travelers more than ever.
A new report published this week reveals that Tulum’s vast Archeological Zone is officially the most visited in the region, followed by the ancient Cobá ruins.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most visited Mayan sites in the Mexican Caribbean right now.
Tulum Continues To Attract Growing Number Of Visitors Ahead Of Maya Train Inauguration
Travelers’ interest in Mayan history is soaring in 2024 thanks to increased publicity due to the Maya Train, which will connect Cancun to the region’s key archeological zones.
Nearly 350,000 travelers visited the Mexican Caribbean’s main Mayan sites during the first two months of the year, with most visits taking place near Tulum.
While the number is far from being the largest to date, a number of Mayan sites are currently closed due to renovations, as officials seek to revlitalize many of the region’s lesser-known sites.
Although the Mexican Caribbean is home to dozens of stunning centuries-old Mayan ruins, not all are equally popular.
According to a new study published this week by Mexico’s National Institute for Anthropology & History, Tulum remains the undisputed champion in terms of arrival volumes.
During the first two months of the year, the city’s massive Mayan zone recorded over 200,000 visitors, placing it firmly in first place with regard to visitor numbers.
Among other attractions, the Mayan site is home to numerous temples and hundreds of ancient artifacts and offers travelers gorgeous views of Tulum’s white-sand coastline.
And with new improvements thanks to the government’s promeza program, Tulum’s Archeological Zone is in better shape than ever before.
The multi-million state-funded initiative is delivering improved access to many of the region’s Mayan sites, improving safety and comfort for travelers.
The second-most popular ruin in the Mexican Caribbean is the stunning Cobá Archeological Zone, which features a 40-metre-tall pyramid structure.
Although more remote than Tulum’s archeological zone, Cobá offers a unique insight into the culture & lifestyle of the Mayan civilization with its well-preserved stelae.
Travelers can reach the popular ruins by renting a car or by purchasing a guided tour.
This 12-hour 4-in-1 excursion showcases the very best of Tulum, including the historical wonders awaiting travelers at the Cobá ruins.
Although the most impressive Mayan ruins are located outside of Cancun, travelers staying in the resort hotspot don’t have to travel far to admire ancient Mayan history.
After Cobá, several of Cacnun’s ruins, including El Meco and El Rey, saw more than 20,000 travelers.
With gorgeous panoramic views of the Caribbean Ocean, El Meco is especially popular with travelers this year.
Although the ruins are temporarily closed for renovation, they will re-open in May with upgraded facilities, including a lookout tower.
While the Maya Train isn’t yet fully operational, the new railway system is expected to have a massive impact on the Mexican Caribbean’s archeological sites.
From Tulum’s well-known ruins to more discreet locations such as Chetumal’s Oxtankah ruins, the region is gearing up for a Mayan renaissance.
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