The Riviera Maya has no shortage of amazing cultural and natural sites to visit, so many that it would be impossible to visit them all during one trip to the Mexican Caribbean region.
From ancient Mayan ruins to amazing nature preserves, there is far more to see than just beaches and luxury all-inclusives, which there are plenty of too.
But we’ll tell you about two incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit when traveling to the Riviera Maya so that you can get the best cultural experience during your vacation.
Mayan Culture
Mayan culture has a huge presence in the Riviera Maya region and a history that spans thousands of years.
This culture and history can be seen throughout the region and plays a role in many of the historical and natural sites throughout the Yucatán peninsula.
Everything from ancient Mayan ruins to cenotes tells the story of the fascinating Mayan culture and history in the Riviera Maya.
@goitre Birth ritual of the #Mayan God of corn at #xcaret in #mexico. #travel #culture #indigenous #ThanksandGiving #cancun #playasdelcarmen ♬ original sound – Armaan
Chichén Itzá Archeological Site
Chichén Itzá is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but is also considered one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World,” and for a good reason.
The massive ancient Mayan city, which covers almost 2 square miles, consists of multiple structures, including the main pyramid, El Castillo, which is 98 feet in height.
Other natural and architectural sites inside Chichén Itzá include a Sacred Cenote, the Temple of the Warriors, and an ancient sports arena called the Great Ball Court.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
@shetravelledtheworld Your guide to this magical location 📍 Chichen Itza, Mexico 🇲🇽 #chichenitza #mexico #solotravel #yucatan #traveltheworld ♬ A Moment Apart – ODESZA
Chichén Itzá Location
Chichén Itzá is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Yucatán.
It is easily accessible when visiting a number of popular Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations in the Riviera Maya.
From Cancun it is about 3.5 hours. From Playa del Carmen it will take approximately 3 hours to get to, and the drive between Chichén Itzá and Tulum, which also has important Mayan ruins worth visiting, is only just over 2 hours.
@fernandacortesx I mostly talked about El Castillo, but Chichén Itzá has several beautiful structures that are a must see! ❤️ #chichenitza #mexico #cancun #maya #mayan ♬ Paris – 斌杨Remix
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, only about a year after it was established.
The reserve consists of both land and sea, covering a total area of more than 2,000 square miles, which includes more than 20 Mayan civilization archeological sites.
Among other wildlife that can be found in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, there are more than 300 species of birds that call this captivating reserve home.
@laurareidd Sian Ka'an 🙌🏼 #siankaan #yucatan #tulummexico #mexicotravel #biosphere #mexicoo #travelspots #worldtravel #travelmexico #travelwithme #earthpix #mex ♬ Take Me Home, Country Roads (Acoustic) – Music Travel Love
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Location
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is located near Tulum, which is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
The state is also home to a number of other highly popular resort towns including Cancun, which is just over two hours away, and Playa del Carmen, which is just an hour from Tulum.
Different eco tours are available for visitors to the Riviera Maya region that explore the various wonders of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
@opheliemln One day in Sian Ka’an, Yucatàn 🇲🇽❤️🔥 #travellife #travel #yucatan #yucatanmexico #mexico #siankaan #siankaanbiosphere #nature #dolphin #turtle ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer
UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Mexico
There are a total of 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Mexico, which is more than anywhere in the Americas and puts it at a ranking of 7 worldwide.
Eight of these sites are located within the Yucatán Peninsula, though most are a bit far away for visitors to the Riviera Maya.
Only a day trip is required to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Chichén Itzá, though, and both are certainly worth visiting.
@_ikal._ #chichenitza #mexico #piramides #cultura #unesco ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
The Riviera Maya Region
The Riviera Maya Region is home to hundreds of all-inclusive luxury resorts.
The wide variety of options for couples, singles, and families makes it the ideal beach vacation destination for Americans.
And sites like these UNESCO World Heritage sites make it the perfect place to explore culture, history, and biodiversity in the Mexican Caribbean.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.