We are passionate about Mayan cities, discovering archaeological sites is one of our passions in these lands. We hope that our experience will help you on your journey through the territory of the ancient Maya.

Considering that personal charts are just that, I venture to do mine, which danced a lot in my head with so many beautiful Mayan cities where to choose. I understand that it is something that helps the traveler with less travel in the area to plan their travel itinerary. In this list we add ancient Mayan cities in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize.

There are many great Mayan cities that I have not visited such as Copan in Honduras or El Mirador and Yaxhá in Guatemala. They would surely fall into this list. We hope on our way to discover many other surprises, this vice is endless.

sandra salvado
In Caracol, Belize, fulfilling a dream?

11 INCREDIBLE MAYAN CITIES IN MEXICO, GUATEMALA AND BELIZE

There are different reasons that we choose when choosing ancient Mayan cities in this list: from the beauty of the architecture and the environment, the notorious discoveries, the adventure involved in reaching them, the possibility of seeing fauna and also for the exquisite memories that are marked when visiting them.

1- TIKAL, Peten. Mayan cities in Guatemala

Archeological site Tikal, Guatemala.

Tikal combines all the qualities to be one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the planet, not only in the Mayan world. Located in the jungle of the Petén, one of the most lush and lively areas of America, you will see animals roaming around Tikal. 

Its historical relevance in finds such as stelae and the tombs of the Lost World. The good state of conservation and Architectural excellence of its buildings are other essential characteristics to make Tikal a great tourist destination. The view from Temple IV is colossal.

How to get to Tikal

2- YAXCHILAN, Chiapas. Mayan cities in Mexico

ancient Mayan cities

Yaxchilan is another of the ancient Mayan cities that combines everything. Arriving by boat sailing the Usumacinta to these ruins engulfed in the jungle is superb. Here you can see and listen to the saraguatos monkeys, a gift.

Their Relevant findings and being able to admire the originals that this place preserves, such as its wonderful lintels. Yaxchilán satisfies the traveler's desire for adventure.

How to get to Yaxchilán

3- PALENQUE, Chiapas. Mayan cities in Mexico

Mayan cities

Palenque is another architectural jewel of the Mayan civilization, one of the colossal Mayan cities. Here you will enjoy the natural environment, the fauna and the views of this unmissable place.

The findings of tombs, including those of the great governor Pakal, the stelae and countless decorations and pieces make this place an exquisite destination for history lovers. Its good museum is worth visiting.

How to get to Palenque

4- SNAIL, Cayo. Mayan cities in Belize

ancient Mayan cities

Caracol is immersed in the jungle of the Petén, where many of the great Mayan cities of the Classic Period (from 200 to 900 AD) grew up. A road that runs through different jungle landscapes takes you to this city of colossal buildings. If you made this exclusive road to Caracol, believe me it is worth getting here.

Its importance in findings such as burials and stelae, the sublime nature that surrounds it, animals and the wonderful views of Petén makes Caracol a dream come true.

How to get to Caracol

5-CALAKMUL, Campeche. Mayan cities in Mexico

ancient Mayan cities

Calakmul is located in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, another one of those roads made exclusively to reach a place.

60 kilometers that lead you to this unmissable Mayan city, with spectacular views and buildings. The monkeys are the inhabitants of the pyramids, your visit will give you the feeling of being in a unique place, and so it is.

How to go to Calakmul

6- UXMAL, Yucatan. Mayan cities in Mexico

ancient Mayan cities

Uxmal It is of an incredible beauty within the most beautiful Mayan architectural style in my opinion, puke. In Uxmal you can perfectly appreciate its sense of geometry, the alignments, the elaborate decorations, the harmony in the construction and the logical distribution of the buildings, all faced according to his cosmogonic vision.

The views from the Great Pyramid They are an enjoyment, and each of Uxmal's looks gives you a gift of harmony.

How to go to Uxmal

7- BLACK STONES, Petén. Mayan cities in Guatemala

Mayan cities

black stones It was another dream come true and something unrepeatable for the adventure that comes. On a long boat ride through the Usumacinta and see one of those places where studies of its stelae began to profile the knowledge of Mayan writing.

A real adventurous rush to tour its collapsed buildings engulfed in the jungle. Wildlife, jungle and adventure, a perfect cocktail on your trip.

How to go to Piedras Negras

8- LAMANAI, Orange Walk. Mayan cities in Belize

ancient Mayan cities

Lamanai has been one of the pleasant surprises on our way. The arrival by boat on a one-hour tour, its natural jungle environment, the presence of animals. The views from the High Temple o Castle from where you can enjoy the landscape at 33 meters high. The Temple of the Masks and his reconstructed mask is a delight.

Another perfect cocktail that does not leave the traveler indifferent, an unforgettable and surprising place.

How to get to Lamanai

9- KOHUNLICH, Quintana Roo. Mayan cities in Mexico

Mayan cities

Kohunlich for us is one of the fascinating Mayan cities. Its impressive masks give you an opportunity on site to see how beautiful ancient temples embellished.

But also their walk between the palms of the place give a different landscape on your tour of Mayan lands. The possibility of seeing mines and other animals, and the solitude that normally accompanies you on your tours of the track makes it perfect.

How to get to Kohunlich

10- TONINA, Chiapas. Mayan cities in Mexico

ancient Mayan cities

Toniná is another of my pleasant surprises along the way, a place of great importance in finds such as lintels, stelae and ceramics that have contributed great knowledge to the puzzle of the Mayan civilization.

The views of the Ocosingo Valley from its colossal structure that grows to the 70 meters are wonderful. Here you feel a true ahau.

How to go to Toniná

11- CHICHEN ITZA, Yucatan. Mayan cities in Mexico

ancient Mayan cities

Chichen Itza has a wonderful architecture and greatness that catches in spite of how tourist it is, something that remains a little in my case. It is also easy to visit Chichen without the crowd, and enjoy the great buildings.

The imposing temple of Kukulkán is a true gem in the Mayan world. Chichén is impressive, especially if you know its architectural and astronomical achievements.

How to go to Chichén Itzá

We recommend you if you travel for free to visit at least some of the ancient Mayan cities with guide. The visit will make it much more interesting. The knowledge that a person versed in the Mayan world can bring you will make you see this fascinating world of the Mayan civilization with different eyes.

Don't miss the MOST beautiful Mayan archeological zones of Mexico

11 amazing ancient Mayan cities in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize 1

DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO MAYA? Contact us, we are guides accredited by the Government of Mexico. Guiding is our passion ?sandra@elcaminomascorto.es

If your thirst for exploration of ancient Mayan cities has no limit, I recommend the YouTube channel of the explorer Eduardo González Arce, who has traveled much of the Mayan territory. The amount of vestiges can certainly surprise you.

Good way,

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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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