The Riviera Maya is known for its beaches, turquoise water, cenotes, and laid-back lifestyle.
But there is another side to this region that is just as fascinating.
Long before Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya became international destinations, this coastline was part of a sophisticated Maya world of cities, ports, trade routes, ceremonies and communities.
Today, some of those archaeological sites are still part of the landscape.
And one of the interesting things about living in the Riviera Maya is that you don’t have to choose between culture and Caribbean lifestyle. You can spend the morning walking through an ancient Maya city and be back by the coast for lunch.
Here are some of the most interesting archaeological sites to explore in and around the Riviera Maya — from the iconic ruins of Tulum to quieter places where history and nature come together.
1. Tulum: Maya History, Caribbean Views & the Jaguar National Park
If you have seen a photograph of the Maya ruins in the Riviera Maya, chances are it was Tulum.
Built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is one of the region’s most recognizable archaeological sites.
But today, visiting Tulum is about more than the ruins themselves.
The archaeological site is part of the Jaguar National Park (Parque Nacional del Jaguar), a protected natural area created to conserve one of the most important remaining stretches of jungle and coastal ecosystems around Tulum.
The park connects the archaeological site with a much larger natural landscape, including tropical forest, wetlands and coastal habitats. It is also part of ongoing efforts to protect the region’s biodiversity and provide greater connectivity for wildlife.
That creates a different perspective when visiting the ruins. You are not simply arriving at an isolated archaeological attraction; you are moving through a landscape where Maya heritage and the natural environment are closely connected.
According to Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Tulum was an important coastal city during the 13th and 14th centuries. Its strategic position between the Caribbean Sea and inland territories made it an important point along regional trade routes.
The walled city includes several important structures, including El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God.
Its location is remarkable: from the archaeological site, the Caribbean is right there below the cliffs.
Why visit Tulum?
Because it brings together three things that define the Riviera Maya:
history + architecture + the Caribbean
It is also one of the easiest archaeological sites to incorporate into a day around Tulum.
Practical information – September 2026
More info & Updated Prices https://parquedeljaguar.grupomundomaya.com/en
Tip: If you are planning to visit, check the current ticket structure before going. Tulum has several separate fees, so the final cost is higher than the basic INAH admission.
2. Cobá: The Maya City Hidden in the Jungle
If Tulum is about the sea, Cobá is about the jungle.
Located inland, Cobá developed around a network of sacbeob, the raised white roads built by the Maya to connect different parts of the city and other settlements.
It gives you a very different perspective on Maya civilization.
Rather than a compact archaeological site overlooking the Caribbean, Cobá feels much more connected to the landscape around it.
And that’s part of the experience.
You can walk or cycle through the site surrounded by vegetation, following ancient paths between architectural groups.
Why visit Cobá?
For travelers who enjoy:
- nature
- archaeology
- cycling
- slower-paced experiences
- getting away from the coast for a few hours
Cobá is a very different experience from Tulum.
Practical information – September 2026
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COBÁ ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Last admission: 4:00 PM
Admission: $210 MXN
Mexican nationals and foreign residents of Mexico: $105 MXNNOHOCH MUL PYRAMID
Access hours: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
Maximum group size: 15 people
Time at the top: Up to 15 minutes
More info & Updated Prices: https://www.inah.gob.mx//zonas/515-zona-arqueologica-de-coba
3. Muyil: Where Maya History Meets Sian Ka’an
This is one of the sites I would particularly highlight for a more sophisticated, experience-oriented audience.
Muyil is located south of Tulum, near the northern edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
It was an important coastal Maya settlement whose location allowed communication with the Caribbean through the area’s lagoons. INAH describes Muyil as part of the coastal commercial network that connected different parts of the Yucatán Peninsula.
The most prominent structure is El Castillo, a five-level pyramidal structure topped by a temple.
But what makes Muyil especially interesting is the relationship between the archaeological site and the surrounding natural environment.
Here, archaeology doesn’t feel separate from nature.
The forest, wetlands and lagoons are part of the experience.
Why visit Muyil?
If your ideal day sounds like:
ancient Maya history + jungle + lagoons + nature
Muyil is worth putting on the list.
Practical information – September 2026
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Opening hours
Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 h – Last entry 16:30 hFee
$80.00 Visitantes nacionales$145.00 Visitantes extranjerosVisits outside of normal operating hours $730.00Adress
Federal Highway No. 307 (Carrillo Puerto-Tulum section) Km. 208, Municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo.
Access
From the city of Cancun, on Federal Highway 307 Agrarian Reform-Puerto Juárez, 25 km southwest of Tulum. The site is located on the highway.
More info & Updated Prices: https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/en/node/4440
Compared with the more famous archaeological sites, Muyil also offers a quieter experience.
4. Xel Há: An Ancient Maya Port by the Caribbean
Don’t confuse this archaeological site with the modern Xel-Há water park.
The archaeological site of Xel Há is located on the western side of Highway 307, about 16 km north of Tulum.
And there is an interesting story behind its location.
The name Xel Há refers to an “entrance of water”, reflecting the natural geography of the site.
The ancient settlement developed around a protected coastal inlet and became an important Maya port.
INAH describes Xel Há as having two major periods of occupation: the Early Classic, from approximately 250–600 AD, and the Late Postclassic, from approximately 1200–1550 AD.
One of its highlights is the Building of the Birds, which contains examples of ancient Maya mural painting.
And there’s a recent reason to put Xel Há back on your radar.
After improvement works to infrastructure, conservation and visitor trails, the archaeological site reopened to the public on July 6, 2026.
Practical information – September 2026
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Opening hours
Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 h – Last entry 16:30 hFee
$105.00 Visitantes nacionales$210.00 Visitantes extranjerosVisits outside of normal operating hours $730.00Adress
Federal Highway No. 307 (Reforma Agraria-Puerto Juarez) Km. 246, Municipality of Tulum, Quintana Roo.
Access
From the city of Cancun, take Federal Highway 307 Puerto Juarez-Chetumal towards Chetumal. The site is located 115 km away. Not to be confused with Xelhá Park.
More info & Updated Prices https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/en/node/4363
This makes Xel Há one of the more interesting archaeological stops for someone who has already seen Tulum and wants to discover another side of the region.
5. Xcaret: The Maya Port Behind a Modern Destination
Most people associate Xcaret with the famous eco-archaeological park.
But there is also an actual archaeological site here.
The ancient settlement was known as P’olé and functioned as an important commercial port and a departure point for pilgrims traveling toward Cozumel and the sanctuary of Ixchel.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the settlement had connections extending along the Caribbean coast and as far as present-day Honduras.
It is a good reminder that the Riviera Maya was not an isolated region.
It was part of a much larger network of trade, travel and religious pilgrimage.
Practical information – September 2026
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Important
- No smoking
- No entry with food
- Pets not allowed
Requires Reservation
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:30 h – Last entry 16:00 hFee
$105.00 Visitantes nacionales$210.00 Visitantes extranjerosVisits outside of normal operating hours $730.00Adress
Federal Highway No. 307 (Cancun-Chetumal) Km 282, Xcaret, Municipality of Solidaridad, Quintana Roo.
Access
From the city of Cancun, take Federal Highway Cancun-Chetumal 307, towards Playa del Carmen, until you reach Xcaret Park.
More info & Updated Prices https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/en/node/4362
One important distinction: the archaeological site’s admission is separate from admission to the modern Xcaret park.
6. Ek’ Balam: Worth the Extra Drive
Ek’ Balam is technically in Yucatán rather than Quintana Roo, but it is close enough to the Riviera Maya to be considered for a longer cultural day trip.
And it offers something different.
The site is particularly known for its elaborate architecture and sculptural details, including the famous Acropolis and its monumental stucco façade.
It is a good option for travelers who have already visited Tulum or Cobá and want to go deeper into Maya archaeology.
Practical information – September 2026
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Location
Hunukú, Municipality of Temozón, Yucatán.
186 km from Mérida and 30 km north of Valladolid.Visiting hours
Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.Admission
- International visitors: $709 MXN
- Mexican nationals: $242 MXN
- Foreign residents of Mexico: $105 MXN
More info & Updated Prices https://www.culturyucatan.com/destinos/ek-balam
So this is one to plan rather than simply “drop by.”
7. Chichén Itzá: The Big Cultural Day Trip
And then there is Chichén Itzá.
It isn’t technically in the Riviera Maya, but it is close enough to make the list for visitors staying in the region.
The archaeological city is one of the best-known Maya sites in Mexico, with El Castillo at the center of its monumental architecture.
Unlike the coastal sites around Tulum, Chichén Itzá offers a much larger-scale view of Maya urbanism, architecture and political power.
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, it is a full-day cultural excursion rather than a quick morning visit.
Practical information – September 2026
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Aditional Fees
- (CULTUR) Foreign tourists $548 and nationals $190. Yucatan residents are exempt from payment.
Aviso
In addition to the admission fee, an extraordinary fee from the Government of the State of Yucatan must be paid.
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 16:00 h – Last access 15:00 h – Preferential attention for agencies from 11:00 to 14:00 hFee
$105.00 Visitantes nacionales$105.00 Visitantes extranjerosVisits outside of normal operating hours $730.00
Adress
Federal Highway No. 180 (Merida – Cancun) km 120, Piste CP 97750 Tinum, Tinum, Yucatan.
Access
From the cities of Mérida or Cancún, take Federal Highway 180 and in the town of Piste take the exit for the archeological zone.
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
- (CULTUR) Foreign tourists $548 and nationals $190. Yucatan residents are exempt from payment.
- Last admission: 3:00 pm
- INAH admission: MXN $105
- Additional Yucatán state CULTUR fee: MXN $548 for foreign visitors.
More info & Updated Prices https://lugares.inah.gob.mx/en/node/4335
Planning Your Visit
A few practical things are worth remembering:
Go early.
The Caribbean heat is not shy, and archaeological sites offer limited shade.
Bring water and comfortable shoes.
You are visiting archaeological sites, not shopping malls. Your feet will notice.
Check official information before you go.
Opening hours, admission fees, and access conditions can change.
Consider a guide.
The stones are impressive, but understanding what you are actually looking at changes the experience completely.
Don’t try to see everything in one trip.
Tulum, Cobá, Muyil and Xel Há are different experiences. Give each one enough time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Mayan ruins to visit in Riviera Maya?
The main archaeological sites to consider are Tulum, Cobá, Muyil, Xel Há and Xcaret. Each offers a different experience, from Caribbean views and coastal architecture to jungle landscapes and ancient trading ports.
What Mayan ruins are near Playa del Carmen?
Xcaret is one of the closest archaeological sites to Playa del Carmen. Tulum and Cobá are also accessible by road, while Xel Há and Muyil can be visited further south.
What Mayan ruins are near Tulum?
Tulum itself is the most famous archaeological site in the area. Muyil, Xel Há, and Cobá are other options for exploring Maya history from Tulum.
Can you visit Mayan ruins and the beach on the same day?
Yes. Tulum is particularly well suited to combining archaeology with time on the Caribbean coast. Other sites can also be incorporated into a broader Riviera Maya day trip.
Is Xel Há archaeological site open in 2026?
Yes. Xel Há reopened to visitors on July 6, 2026, following improvements to visitor infrastructure, conservation work, and trails.
What is the difference between Xel Há archaeological site and Xel-Há Park?
They are different places. The archaeological site is an INAH-protected Maya settlement on the west side of Highway 307. It should not be confused with the modern Xel-Há water park on the opposite side of the highway.
