Archaeological Sites


The Maya were the first people to settle in the Riviera Maya. Arriving in the region over 4,000 years ago, the Maya developed one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations of their era. The Maya for instance are credited as the first people to use the number zero in mathematics. They developed a 365-day calendar that was more accurate that any other calendar in use including European. The Maya also created an elaborate hieroglyphic writing system to record history and predict the future.

The ancient Maya left behind remains of brilliant cities that housed pyramids, palaces and temples – remnants that were representative of their rich culture and religious beliefs. In Mesoamerica, the region they occupied, thousands of Mayan sites have been uncovered – greater than the total number of sites in Egypt. In the Riviera Maya, over 100 sites have been discovered, and with many more likely to be found, the area is one of the richest archaeological zones in the Mayan world.

Two of the most important – and impressive – Maya sites are Tulum and Coba. Located on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is a spectacular, awe-inspiring sight. Besides its breath-taking setting, Tulum is known as the largest standing and the only walled city beside the ocean. It once was a major commercial port that was home to area rulers, and the center of important religious ceremonies. Today about sixty structures remain, including the dominant “El Castillo” a castle watchtower.

Coba is a vast Mayan site located in the jungle, 35 miles northwest of Tulum. It consists of a number of separate sites that are connected by over 45 sacbeobs (white roads), including one that travels west 62 miles connecting Coba to the ancient city of Yaxuna. There are several structures of interest including the Coba group that features Iglesia, the second tallest pyramid (65 feet) at Coba, and juego de pelota a well-restored ball court. The most impressive attraction at Coba is the Nohoch Mul group, which contains the massive Nohoch Mul pyramid. There are 120 steps to the top which visitors can climb. Rising 138 feet above the jungle, it is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan.

Top Photo: Tulum

Below Photos: Coba, El Rey and Yamil Luium

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