Riviera Maya was once the home of the ancient Mayan civilization, and there are many archaeological sites scattered throughout the region. While the ruins of Tulum are well-known to tourists, there are many lesser-known sites that are equally fascinating.
Let’s explore some of the hidden gems of the Riviera Maya and around.
Coba
Coba is a large Mayan site that is located in the jungle, about 44 km northwest of Tulum. The site is not as well-known as Chichen Itza or Tulum, but it is definitely worth a visit. Coba was once a powerful Mayan city that was occupied between 600 and 900 AD.
The site includes several structures, including several pyramids, a ball court, and a palace. One of the most interesting features of Coba is a network of ancient roads that connected the city to other Mayan settlements.
Muyil
Muyil is a Mayan archaeological site that is located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, just south of Tulum. The site is not as well-known as some of the other Mayan sites in the area, but it is definitely worth a visit.
Muyil was once an important trading center and is believed to have been occupied as early as 300 BC.
The site includes several structures, including a pyramid, a ball court, and a palace. One of the most interesting features of Muyil is a network of canals that were used by the ancient Mayans for transportation and trade.
Xcaret
Xcaret is a unique archaeological site that is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
The site is a blend of Mayan history and modern attractions, and it is a popular destination for tourists. Xcaret was once an important port for the Mayan civilization, and visitors can explore the ruins of ancient buildings and temples.
In addition to the archaeological sites, Xcaret also features a theme park, a natural aquarium, and several cultural shows.
El Rey
El Rey is a small Mayan site that is located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun. The site is named after a statue of a king that was discovered at the site. El Rey was a ceremonial center that was occupied by the Mayans between 1200 and 1550 AD.
The site includes several structures, including a temple, a ball court, and a palace. El Rey is not as well-known as some of the other Mayan sites in the area, but it is an interesting place to visit if you are in Cancun.
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is a Mayan archaeological site that is located north of Valladolid.
The site is not as well-known as Chichen Itza, but it is just as impressive. Ek Balam was once a powerful Mayan city that was occupied between 100 BC and 1200 AD. The site includes several structures, including a pyramid, a ball court, and a palace.
One of the most interesting features of Ek Balam is the massive wall that surrounds the site.
Conclusion
The Riviera Maya is a fascinating destination that offers a lot to explore. While sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum are definitely worth a visit, there are many lesser-known archaeological sites that are equally intriguing.
Muyil, Xcaret, El Rey, Ek Balam, and Coba are just a few examples of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya, be sure to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist path and discover the lesser-known archaeological sites that this region has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
