Mayan Ruins

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MASTERPIECES THAT MAKE THE YUCATAN TRULY UNIQUE

It is the opinion of TravelYucatan.com that no particular ruin site is more important to visit than another.

Granted, some sites like Chichen Itza are much larger and grandiose, however even the smallest site can offer up some clue or evidence that may help you put the mystery together.

Each site is different and expresses the magnificence of the civilization that once flourished there. With a little bit of imagination one can be transported back to a time when the beauty of life was celebrated in every means possible by people in tune with their surroundings.

Use the maps below that show the variety of Mayan Ruins in each of the three regions. Click on the name to read a brief description of each.

YUCATAN MAYAN RUINS

Acanceh Ake Chichen Itza Chacmultun Dzibilchaltun Ek Balam Izamal Kabah Labna Mayapan Oxkintok Sayil Xlapak Uxmal

CAMPECHE MAYAN RUINS

Edzna Dzibilnocac Hochob Balamku Chicanna Becan Xpujil Calakmul

QUINTANA ROO MAYAN RUINS

Coba Dzibanche El Rey Kinichna Kohunlich Muyil Oxtankah Punta Laguna San Gervasio Tulum Xel Ha

MAYAN RUIN PRINTED MAPS

You do not need a map for every ruin site, however, it is a good idea to have a map for larger sites. This way you will not miss anything. It is easy to walk right by something and not even know it is there. Some sites like Mayapan are quite open and you can see almost everything there is to see from atop the main pyramid, however a site like Kohunlich is a maze of structures spread out through a thick jungle.

Maps are not available for every site nor are they sold at every site.

INAH MAPS

INAH is the official body that oversees Mexican antiquities. They publish a number of excellent map booklets that are inexpensive to purchase – 10 – 15 pesos. These booklets come with a precise map and a brief description of each structure accompanied by some photographs.

DANTE MAPS

Dante maps are colorful plastic laminated maps that can withstand numerous openings and closings and wet weather. Beautifully illustrated these maps generally consist of a site map of the ruins and on the flip side a map of the entire state showing other sites of interest. These booklets come with photographs and brief descriptions of items of interest.

The maps are only available for the following sites:

  • Chichen Itza
  • Coba /Tulum
  • Uxmal/Kabah/Sayil/Xlapak/Labna [all in one booklet]
  • Palenque

AQUIRING RUIN MAPS

There are a number of places to find maps and it is advisable to purchase a site map for every ruin site you can, even if you are not even in the area. Think ahead, the map you see may not be available anywhere near that particular ruin site and you may visit it someday.

Venues that sell maps are:

  • Chichen Itza ruin’s store
  • Coba ruin’s store
  • Uxmal ruin’s site store
  • Dzibilchaltun ruin’s site store
  • Xel Ha water park store
  • Xcaret store

Many all-inclusive resort stores also carry maps.

The odd store in Playa del Carmen or Cancun will have some maps.

Libreria Dante Peon is an excellent bookstore in Merida that carries the entire “Dante” line of maps. This bookstore also carries lots of English and Spanish books on the Maya. It is located at Calles 57 at 60 in the Teatro Peon Contreras.

OTHER SOURCES

National Geographic magazines often carry an excellent site map of a ruin site they are featuring. You can either dig through your own collection if you have them or visit a used magazine store that deals in National Geographic.

Books – There are numerous books published regarding ruin sites both large and small. Many of these books contain detailed site maps.

Magazines – Some magazines like Mundo Maya offer site maps from time to time. Some travel magazines do as well, although you would have to search through many to find something.

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