Mayapán goes unnoticed by many travelers. Lovers of the Mayan world know that here they have one of the stops obligatory of his way.


Currently Mayapán remains closed due to disagreements between the INAH and the ejidatarios

Whoever visits Mayapán has the feeling of being in a small-scale model of Chichén Itzá, due to the resemblance of its main structure to the famous Kukulcán Castle. In Mayapán it is also called the same: temple or castle of Kukulcán, and it also has a cenote and an Observatory.

There are many similarities that bring it closer to Chichén Itzá, being two carbon copies in several aspects.

Something very good about the place is that it receives few visits if we compare it with other archaeological sites in Yucatán such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal or Dzibilchaltún. For us it is one of the essentials.

5 archaeological sites of Yucatán that I wouldn't miss

mayapan archeological zone
Observatory and temple of Kukulcán, Mayapan

HOW TO GO TO MAYAPÁN

The Mayapán archaeological zone is located 48 kilometers south of Mérida. Despite being so close to the Yucatecan capital, this great treasure is blurred between Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, the two most precious tourist gems at the archaeological level of the state.

The road that leads to Mayapan is in perfect condition and the road is very well signposted.

Discover Mayapán, a silent treasure in Yucatan 1
©Google Maps open map to go to Mayapan

HOW TO GO TO MAYAPÁN FROM MÉRIDA BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From the Mérida Noreste terminal there is a bus transport that passes through Mayapan. leaves you just 200 meters from the entrance to the site. The Northeast terminal is on Calle 67, between 50 and 52 centro. Just 7 blocks from downtown. From this terminal there is transport to many not so crowded populations.

Transportation departs from 6:30 every hour until 9:30, 11, 13, 14 hrs (1h 20 min). Tell the driver to drop you off at the entrance to the archaeological zone. The journey is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

If you like climbing discover the 9 Mayan pyramids highest in the Yucatan Peninsula

Mayapán archaeological zone, Yucatan

VISIT MAYAPÁN, DON'T MISS ITS HIDDEN TREASURES

En Mayapan You will discover before you a fun and very curious city to visit for various reasons. To put it in some way, it is very comfortable to visit, very affordable in size, you can climb its buildings and enjoy incredible views of the Yucatan.

In addition to the descriptive is the map, so you can locate everything well.

  • TEMPLE OF THE FISHERMAN: go up to the temple and be surprised by the fresco of the Mayan blue and the fisherman's diver. One of the treasures of the Mayan world that you should not miss, are you warned traveler?
  • CENOTE CH'EN MUL: located at the foot of the Castle, where it is easy to see some of the precious bird watch, dweller close to fresh water,
  • ROUND TEMPLE: known as an observatory, one of the most emblematic buildings in Mayapán.
  • SALA MASCARONES CHAC: the deity of the rain carved in stone, a marvel of art.
  • KUKULCÁN CASTLE: besides being able to climb and have wonderful views, you can discover its unique frescoes and its preserved stucco figures. Be careful, there is a lot of detail.

There is much to see and appreciate in MayapanFor my taste it is one of the most interesting archaeological sites.

I recommend that you do the guided visit to Mayapan to appreciate all its details. Eric, certified guide at the entrance, is an excellent option, he knows the area like no one else.

Mayapan Observatory
Observatory
Mayapan ruins
Kukulcán Temple, Mayapan
mayapan archeological zone
Views from the Kukulcán Castle
mayapan
Fresco of the Temple of the Fishermen
mayapan
Going up to the temple of Kukulcán
Mayapán archaeological zone, Yucatan
Mascarones de Chac Temple

MAP OF MAYAPÁN

Locate yourself with the map that the INAH offers us of the archaeological zone of Kukulcán. And I insist again, visiting the place with a guide will open your eyes to everything you do not see. Also in Mayapán I know how much Erik can contribute to you, guides like him are worth it.

Discover Mayapán, a silent treasure in Yucatan 2
Source of Mayapán INAH map

EQUINOXES IN MAYAPÁN

Like many Mayan cities, it was built taking into account the importance of the cosmogony, arranging the buildings in harmony with the paths of the stars. This makes possible phenomena such as the descent of the Kukulcán snake in Chichén Itzá in the equinoxes.

In Mayapán this type of light phenomena can also be observed, but on the solstice (June 21 and December 21). And you can do it much quieter, it is an excellent place to experience it.

Mayapán archaeological zone, Yucatan

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF MAYAPÁN

He was part of the Liga de Mayapán. It is considered the last great capital of the city-states of the Yucatan peninsula.

What we see of the ancient Mayan city is only a small part of the great city that it came to be. It was inhabited by 12.000 Cocomes Maya, with around 4000 structures.

Along some path that can be seen among the undergrowth, there are temples, palaces or pyramids to be rebuilt, which will make you dream of discovering a Mayan city.

Mayapán archaeological site, Yucatán

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING MAYAPÁN

1-Mayapán archaeological zone schedule

Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 17 p.m., every day of the year.


2-Services

There is a bathroom service, and there is usually a water and junk food vendor.


3-Price Mayapán archaeological zone

75 pesos per person.

On Sundays, entry is free for Mexicans and foreigners with permanent residence.

FREE ENTRY EVERY DAY FOR:
Mexicans •Over 60 years of age (with official credentials) •Retirees and pensioners (with official institution credentials) •Teachers and students (with official credentials of the Mexican Educational System) •Children up to 12 years of age •Researchers and interns (with INAH permit credential )

Mexicans and foreigners • People with disabilities (with their proper credentials)

The use of video cameras and professional cameras is subject to payment of fees.

Mayapán archaeological zone, Yucatan

PLACES NEAR MAYAPÁN TO VISIT

I assure you that if you have a minimum of curiosity it will be of the archaeological zones that you will remember. Big city of beautiful details, few people visit it and you will have excellent views.

As we know that sometimes it is difficult to go on your own, you may be interested in taking a private tour from Mérida at a good price. If this is your option, I can recommend you with excellent guides who operate in the Mérida area. The importance of a good guide is vital to a successful experience.

Enjoy exploring the wonders of this land. I leave you some recommendations in the area:

  • La archaeological zone of Acanceh It is another of the sweets in this area. It is only 24 kilometers away.
  • Los 3 Cuzamá Cenotes and other cenotes in the area such as Chunkuy cenote, are places that you can visit very close to Acanceh.
  • Homun Cenotes, twenty cenotes await you in this town. I recommend staying overnight in Homún to enjoy the cenotes more peacefully.
Discover Mayapán, a silent treasure in Yucatan 3
Open photo © Google Maps to discover the area Merida and surroundings

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Sandra Salvadó Training photographer, traveler by vocation and certified tourism guide by the Government of Mexico. We promote natural wonders and contemporary Mayan culture. Great fan of pre-Hispanic history. Author of the blog and co-founder of The Shortest Path Travel, agency that guides you through alternative paths in Mayan lands. Social and sustainable tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas.
I am at your disposal for whatever you need. Let's talk.

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