The ruins around Playa del Carmen are an explorer’s dreams. From the bus station at the edge of town, you can travel for less than $5 to most of the area’s significant Mayan ruins. Leave your flip-flops in the hotel room, because climbing the ruins can be tricky. Also leave your credit cards at your hotel, since entrance fees must be paid with cash. Then arrive prepared to take a leisurely walk among the ruins. Here is a list of the major ruins in this area from which to choose.
Photo by Karla Guevara via Trover.com
Xcaret
If you feel like throwing caution to the wind, visit Xcaret, described as an ecotourism development on the Caribbean side of Riviera Maya. It really is a private theme park on HIghway 307 about 47 miles south of Cancún and 4 miles south of the Playa del Carmen. The big draw in Xcaret is the Scenic Tower, which is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower or the Seattle Space Needle because it does a 360-degree turn. While the Scenic Tower is circumnavigating the area, you can imagine the view from this height of the surroundings and the sea.
Xel-ha
Xel-ha is another ecotourism development, but this one is located in the municipality of Solidaridad near the Mayan ruin of Tulum. This is a natural aquarian where visitors can snorkel or swim with dolphins.
Tulum
Although there are many ruins along the Mayan Riviera, Tulum may be the most famous as it is the only one situated on the coast. This seaside town is now a very well-developed luxury resort that started as a port for the Mayan’s trade network. Tulum actually means ‘walled’ reflecting the city’s purpose was to protect itself from incursions from the sea.
Chichen Itza
In Chichen Itza, you will find pyramids and stone carvings that, according to National Geographic, reveal much about the Mayan and Toltec world view. This begins with the fact that the pyramid has 365 steps, which suggests the Mayan connection to astronomy that survives today. Their skills were so advanced that they were able to predict eclipses. If your schedule allows, it’s recommended that you stay overnight.
Uxmal
Uxmal and Chichen Itza are similar ruins, except at Uxmal visitors can climb the Great Pyramid. A restaurant and souvenir shop are on the grounds. Those who have visited before suggest that first-time visitors use a guide for the Uxmal ruins.
Coba
You will need to do a lot of walking to view the Coba ruins, which sit among the largest pyramids in Mayan civilization in the jungle area and are a fine example of Pre-Columbian Mayan civilization. At its height, more than 50,000 people lived here and controlled other cities in the vicinity. To date, only portions of these ruins have been restored.
Sian Ka’an
In Sian Kaán you will find very old Mayan archeological ruins dating to 300 BC. This ruin, according to other travelers, feels very different from the other Mayan sites on the Yucatán. Those with an exploring nature will delight in learning more about the secrets embedded within each ruin’s history. Some temples will show handprints. Others reflect sacrifice and the use of an early dye made from insect eggs. Your imagination will be firing on all fronts as you marvel at the sophistication of Mayan civilization so many years ago.
Flights to Playa del Carmen are plentiful.I n addition to the ruins, here are a few other suggestions for free time in Playa del Carmen. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, take lots of water, bug repellent, and enjoy.
This post was written for the Hipmunk Top Cities Project. The opinions contained herein are my own.
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