Playa del Carmen's Top Archaeological Tours
Playa del Carmen gathers the best fun and culture of the Mexican Caribbean. Its privileged location makes it possible to visit archaeological sites that are close to the fun and beauty of vibrant sinkholes, beaches and theme parks. We prepared a list of the archaeological tours you can take from this magical city, and the thrilling activities to do around them.
1. Cobá
Archaeological site, Ruins, Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
Everybody knows Chichén Itzá, but few tourists know Cobá. Due to its remote location, it’s not so visited, but if you’re staying many days or you are a history lover who likes the charm of non-touristy places, this is the spot for you. Cobá means ‘Water with moss’, and was an especially important Mayan metropolis, located 90 km east of Chichén Itzá, of which it was a rival. Tours also offer a visit to a Mayan village for a close encounter with their culture.
2. Tulúm
Ruins
3. Xel-Há
Aquarium, Park
4. San Gervasio
Archaeological site, Ruins, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
This is the only official archaeological site in Cozumel. Although not as big as other popular ruins, it’s worth a visit, as it was the sanctuary of Ixchel, Goddess of fertility and love. Something that gives a special touch to this place is the fact it’s totally surrounded by jungle. You’ll feel connected with the atmosphere of the place; there are butterflies, iguanas and vamps in complete freedom. San Gervasio is a small beautiful place with a lot of history. The site comes with a certified guide, there are bathrooms, snack bars, souvenir stores and free parking. Just take a ferry in Playa del Carmen’s pier and enjoy your way to the island. It’s advisable to put on some mosquito repellent.
5. Xcaret
Amusement Park, Park
6. Chichén Itzá
Archaeological site
7. Xaman Ha
Archaeological site, Ruins, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
This is a small archaeological zone placed in Playacar, in the heart of the hotel zone in Playa del Carmen, behind the beach. In this zone lived a slave Jerónimo Aguilar, a shipwreck survivor who arrived in 1511, some years before the Spaniards. It’s amazing to see the blend of the contemporary and the ancient world in a popular tourist place. The ruins can be viewed in Playacar where phases one can be accessed off Avenida 10 (just south of Calle 1 sur) and two (at the end of Avenue 10). You only need to take a bus to this neighborhood or you can even go biking; you’ll the see the zone at some point of the Avenue that bears the same name.
8. Dzibanché
Archaeological site, Ruins
This zone occupies 40 km of territory, conformed by four groups of monumental architecture: Dzibanché or main group, Central Complex or Lamay Group, Tutil and Kinichná. It’s amazing to see the hieroglyphic texts engraved on the monuments of the ladder of the Temple of the Captives, and the sumptuous offerings in burial chambers. These discoveries reveal that Dzibanché was involved in warlike conquests. This place is so old that the original name is unknown, its actual name was given by the archaeologist Thomas Gann in 1927, and means ‘wood writing’ (Alluding to the carved wooden lintels located in the bays of the Temple). Admiring these impressive constructions in the middle of the jungle are worth every kilometer of the long trip.
9. Ek Balam
Ruins, Historical Landmark, Archaeological site
10. Muyil
Ruins
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