The Best Maya ruins to Visit, A personal Top #15

Best Maya ruins to visit:

At #1: Copán, Honduras

The Number #1 Maya ruins to visit are those op Copán in Honduras. Not only for their beauty, but also because of what we already know about Copán’s past.

Copán is best known for it’s more than life size statues, so called Steles or Stelae’s. But also because of its other beautiful carved monuments & the Hieroglyphic Stairway. In all, a must see in the Maya World.

Copán was de first Maya city visited by John Lloyd Stephens & Frederick Catherwood. The two men who rediscovered the Maya world for us. An amazingly beautiful, adventurous story I’m working on for years already (as a writer of non fiction books).

• Note: For more details on my life & work, see About Me and/or the Introduction to My Books. Most books are written in Dutch, but recently I published my first book in English – A Familiy History, titled 14 days in May.

For more info on Copán: Tips & Impressions, go to: Copán at #1

At #2: Yaxchilán & Bonampak, Chiapas, Mexico

Yaxchilán is one of the most beautiful Maya ruins in the region. And for sure one of the most mysterious ones to visit. Getting there is a big part of the adventure. You have to hire a boat transporting you over the Usumacinta River – borderline between Mexico & Guatemala.

Bonampak is nor far away from Yaxchilán, and mostly known for it’s colorful & unique murals. The site is owned by the local, indigenous people – the Lacandones. They are the only ones allowed to bring you to the temple ruins.

For more info on Yaxchilán & Bonampak: Tips & Impressions, go to: Yaxchilán & Bonampak at #2

WARNING: (Latest update February 2024):

• The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) – the agency responsible who manages Yaxchilán – at the moment advises against visiting the site. Mainly because of safety issues, as criminal bands are active in this border area with Guatemala. There’s a high risk of not being able to visit the site.

• You can still visit Bonampak though, as this Maya site is managed by the Lancandon community who depend on it for their income & guarantee visitors safety.

At #3: The Maya ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

Although I initially missed the artistic embellishment of other Mayan ruins – like those of Copán & Palenque – I learned to appreciate Tikal little by little.

Tikal played a very important role in Maya history. Although there was never a real Maya capital, Tikal for centuries played a leading role in the region.

For more info on Tikal: Tips & Impressions, go to: Tikal, at #3

At #4: Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico

The first Maya ruins I ever brought a visit, where the majestic temples of Palenque. From that moment, I fell in love with the Maya civilization. A feeling that has never left me.

The first time in Palenque (1992) I even had the honor of visiting the tomb of the great Pakal in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Something you can’t do any more nowadays. Palenque is still though a beautiful, magical place to visit.

For more info on Palenque: Tips & Impressions, go to: Palenque, at #4

At #5: The Maya ruins of Quiriguá, Guatemala

Small, but impressive may be called the Maya ruins of Quiriguá en Guatemala. However, also absolutely worth a visit. Even as a quick stop on the Eastern highway through Guatemala.

Quiriguá is generally known as the little brother or sister of Copán. Also known for the most artistic Steles in the Maya world. Some of them are the highest in the Mundo Maya.

For more info on Quiriguá: Tips & Impressions, go to: Quiriguá, at #5

At #6: Kabah & Labná, Yucatán, Mexico

Both smaller places, not far from Uxmal (at #9), but also beautiful. More so, because you may be the only one to visit these Maya ruins, even in high season.

We visited them both one morning. Starting at Kabah, we almost felt as opening the gate. There was still a morning mist hanging over the ruins, which gave it an extra mysterious appeal.

After Kabah we continued on to Labná, also recognisable as a close friend of Uxmal, comparting its typical style (called Puuc). Besides us, only a young couple was visiting this old city.

After these two Maya cities we went back to the hotel and the swimming pool. However, if you wish there are several other Maya ruins near Uxmal to visit. I have to go back soon …!

For more info on Kabah & Labná: Tips & Impressions, go to: Kabah & Labná, at #6

At #7: Ek Balam, Yucatán, Mexico

I have to admit that my first thought on entering Ek Balam – after having visited many other Maya ruins in recent weeks – was “looks like just another …”.

But then we arrived at the highest & partially restored temple of Ek Balam – the Acrópolis. So, now I just want to say: Go there!

For more info on Ek Balam: Tips & Impressions, go to: Ek Balam

At #8: The Maya ruins of Yaxhá, Guatemala

Not far from Tikal but visited by far less people, the Maya ruins of Yaxhá are certainly worth a visit. Not only because of the old temples & monuments, but also because of the surrounding flora & fauna.

I once spotted a wild cat there – a jaguarundi – that unfortunately was a little shier than me. Last time I followed a monkey family through the high trees above the temples. Or maybe, it was the other way around.

In all, another magical Maya place.

For more info on Yaxhá: Tips & Impressions, go to: Yaxhá

At #9: Uxmal, Yucatán, Mexico

Stately, that’s how I would describe Uxmal. From the first temple you encounter to the last. A unique place in many ways, because of it’s style.

The city survived the Classical decline of many other cities. It probably was one of the Maya cities on the Yucatán peninsula that received migrants from the fallen cities in the South.

For more info on Uxmal: Tips & Impressions, go to: Uxmal

At #10: Toniná, Chiapas, Mexico

When you visit the Maya ruins of Toniná, you soon discover it’s actually one big temple you see. However, an impressive one, with seven terraces that lead you to the sky. 

Many more people visit the Maya ruins of Palenque, but when you’re in the neighborhood don’t miss this impressive pyramid temple. 

For more info on Toniná: Tips & Impressions, go to: Toniná

At #11: Cobá, Yucatán, Mexico

A unique place to visit is the Classic Maya site of Cobá. Not only because of its beauty, but also because it’s lays still hidden in de Yucatec jungle. (Located between Tulum & Valladolid, not far from Cancún either.

The highest temples you’ll find divided in three main groups, which you can easily reach on foot. Or else, on a rented bike or pedicab.

For more info on Cobá: Tips & Impressions, go to: Cobá

At #12: Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico

It may be a surprise for you to find this world famous Maya site at spot #12. However, this place nowadays is so damned busy, that – for me – it has lost quite a bit of its magic.

Chichén Itzá, a few years ago was named one of “New 7 Wonders of the World“, and maybe it still is when you go there as early as possible or late afternoon.

You’ll soon notice that Chichén, in its heydays, was an enormous place. A real metropole. Politically, economically & culturally (religiously).

Its famous Gran Cenote was visited by many. Mayan people from every corner of their territory. But also from outside the Maya World, bringing offers to the Gods.

For more info on Chichén Itzá: Tips & Impressions, go to: Chichén Itzá

At #13: Tulum, Yucatán, Mexico

Tulum is a small Maya site, but also – although also very busy – worth you visit.

Unique is its location on the blue & golden Caribbean coast. Being the main reason why it was the first Maya city spotted by the Spaniards in 1518.

Together with Chichén Itzá, Tulum is still worth a visit as an integral part of you touring the fascinating Mundo Maya.

For more info on Tulum: Tips & Impressions, go to: Tulum

At #14: Calakmul, Yucatán, Mexico

In many ways still a rival of Tikal. As the Guatemalan neighbor it’s a long entrance road that leads you to these Maya ruins. Giving you the chance to spot wild flora & fauna (We saw monkeys, turkeys, toucans, wild pigs).

Calakmul was and still is an enormous city, arch rival of Tikal Unfortunately the remains are damaged severely, needing mayor attention. However, still an adventurous experience.

For more info on Calakmul: Tips & Impressions, go to: Calakmul

At #15: Muyil, Yucatán, Mexico

Last, but not least: Muyil. One of the smallest Maya sites I’ve visited, but also a fascinating one. Located very near Tulum & within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

• The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a beautiful natural area you can visit simultaneously with the Muyil Maya site. A path leads you through a mangrove forest, which ends up at an enormous lake. Here, you can hire a boat to explore the area which is connected to other lakes & finally the Caribbean coast.

• Like in Yaxcha, I spotted a Jaguarundi here – see above.

When I was there last (January 2024) there more people working at the site – rescuing & restoring – than visitors. Something which helped me imagining the city as it most have been in the past. A place which – because of its location – was mainly a transit port for products to & from the bigger Maya cities in Yucatán’s interior.

For more info on Muyil: Tips & Impressions, go to: Muyil

Here ends my Top #15 on best Maya ruins to visit. Hope to complete it to a Top #20 one day, because I just can’t get enough of these mysterious historical sites.

Overview of My Top #15 Maya sites

Click on the name to go to the respective post:

• 1. Copán, Honduras
• 2. Yaxchilán & Bonampak, Chiapas, México
• 3. Tikal, Guatemala
• 4. Palenque, Chiapas, México
• 5. Quiriguá, Guatemala
• 6. Kabah & Labná, Yucatán, México
• 7. Ek Balam, Yucatán, México
• 8. Yaxhá, Guatemala
• 9. Uxmal, Yucatán, México
• 10. Toniná, Chiapas, México
• 11. Cobá, Yucatán, México
• 12. Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México
• 13. Tulum, Yucatán, México
• 14. Calakmul, Yucatán, México
• 15. Muyil, Yucatán, México

For an overview of all travel posts of my blog, go to: My Home Page.