The Mayans, who once flourished in this area, left behind a remarkable legacy.

Mayan cities in the Yucatán began to appear around 2000 BCE. Over time, they reached their peak of architectural and cultural glory during the Classic Period, which spanned from approximately 250 CE to 900 CE.

During this time, the Maya built city-states like Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uxmal, and Palenque. The towering pyramids, intricate temples, and observatories showcase the Mayans’ knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

The decline of the Mayan civilization is a topic of ongoing debate among historians and scholars. It is believed to be associated with factors such as overpopulation, environmental stress, warfare, and resource depletion.

The arrival of the Spaniards marked a significant turning point in the history of the Yucatán. By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived, many of these ancient city-states had already been abandoned or were in decline.

Over time, Spaniards imposed their culture, religion, and authority on the region, resulting in the amazing blend of Mayan and Spanish influences that can still be seen today in the local culture, architecture, and traditions.

The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history and a great ancient heritage. If you happen to travel to the Riviera Maya, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these amazing Mayan city-states scattered all over the Yucatan.

Archaeological sites along the Riviera Maya coastline:

• Tulum
• Coba
• Xel-Ha
• Xcaret
• El Rey
• Isla Mujeres
• San Gervasio (Cozumel)

Archaeological sites near Chetumal:

• Oxtankah
• Kohunlich
• Dzibanche
• Calakmul
• Kinichna
• Becan

Archaeological sites near Valladolid:

• Chichen Itza
• Ek Balam

Archaeological sites near Merida:

• Dzibilchaltun
• Uxmal
• Muyil
• Sayil
• Labna
• Mayapan
• Kabah
• Izamal

Archaeological sites near Campeche:

• Edzna

These one-day excursions are to explore the ancient Mayan ruins in a short time.

Travelers have the freedom to choose between local transport such as buses or “colectivos”, private transfer, or opting for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and culture of pre-Hispanis Yucatan regions.

The inauguration of the Maya Tren adds an exciting new dimension to travel across the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya Tren provides a convenient easy and efficient way to explore the Yucatan region and its wonders.

The Maya Tren is an additional option for an easy, eco-friendly, and time-efficient means of experiencing the rich Mayan historic and cultural remarkable heritage across the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Chiapas.

This route includes the most popular Yucatan destinations in 3 Mexican states – Quintana Roo, Yucatan, and Campeche.

• The point of departure: Cancun
• The point of return: Cancun

You will visit cozy colonial towns, protected natural areas, and popular resorts, walk along ancient Mayan roads in a selva, and swim in blue lagoons and underground cenotes.

Attention!

This tour contains 5 long-distance bus travel:

• Cancun – Valladolid (2:00/2:45 hours)
• Valladolid – Merida (2:15/3:20 hours)
• Merida – Campeche (2:25/4:00 hours)
• Campeche – Chetumal (6:45 hours)
• Chetumal – Playa del Carmen (4:15/4:45 hours)

You also could rent a car, but the time on the road will be the same. For more detailed information about each destination of this route, use tags at the end of this page.

Have a nice trip!

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Edzná is a Maya archaeological site in the north of the Mexican state of Campeche. The site is open to visitors.

The most remarkable building at the plaza is the main temple. Built on a platform 40 m high, it provides a wide overview of the surroundings. Another significant building located in the plaza is a ball court. Two parallel structures make up the ball court. The top rooms of the ball court were possibly used to store images of the gods associated with the events, along with items needed for the games.

Edzná was already inhabited in 400 BC, and it was abandoned circa 1500 AD. During the time of occupation, a government was set up whose power was legitimized by the relationship between governors and the deities. In the Late Classic period Edzná was part of the Calakmul polity. Edzná may have been inhabited as early as 600 BC but it took until 200 AD before it developed into a major city. The word Edzná comes from “House of the Itzás” which may suggest that the city was influenced by the family Itzá long before they founded Chichen Itzá. The architectural style of this site shows signs of the Puuc style, even though it is far from the Puuc Hills sites. The decline and eventual abandonment of Edzná still remains a mystery today.

Edzná was discovered in 1907. The first organised excavations started in 1958. In 1986, coordinating agencies began to employ Guatemalan refugees in the excavation, restoration and maintenance at Edzná. This project was funded by various international organizations.