The Mayapan Ruins – The Archaeological Site of the Mayapan
The Mayapan Ruins is on the top of my favorite cruise excursions ever. We experienced this amazing place on our Hole Enchilada Excursion Tour with Yucatan Cenote Excursions. Be sure to check out our Full Excursion Overview Post “What excursion should you do in Progresso, Yucatan, Mexico?” and also check out the detailed overviews of the specific activities of the cruise excursion like this one.
What is the Mayapan Ruins?
Mayapan Ruins , also known as The Archaeological Site of the Mayapan, Centro Arqueológico Maya, Mayapan Yucatán was a cultural and political capital of the Maya from the 1220’s to the 1440s. It currently is an archaeological site. Teams started excavating in 1939 and continue today where archaeologist teams from Mexico and the United States work together to uncover more ruins. There are more than 4,000 structures within the city walls and more outside.
Why Visit the Mayapan Ruins?
Most cruisers and travelers visit the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza. Where it is much more crowded and access is more restricted. We always try to beat the crowds and have a more unique experience. We were the only people across the whole site for the majority of our tour there were only a few others who arrived later. (In all less than 10 people including guides) Also we got to actually climb the pyramid of Castillo also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. (You can not climb Chichen Itza and haven’t been able to for may years.)
5 Tips for Visiting the Mayapan Ruins
5. Be sure to bring sunscreen because it does get hot.
4. Make sure to wear comfortable summer clothing and appropriate shoes to be able to climb around and explore.
3. Ensure to have plenty of water to drink (If you do a Yucatan Cenote excursion they should have water in the tour vehicle)
2. If bringing a young child or baby don’t forget the child carrier pack we left ours in the van and I regretted it. Have fun and stay safe, stick with your guide.
1.Talk with your guide. Our guide Renee knew all about the history and explained it all and answered all of our questions.
Where exactly is the Archaeological Site of the Mayapan?
Check out the map below showing exactly where it is.
Next was the Cenote (Underwater Cave)
After exploring the Archaeological Site of the Mayapan we went to cool off and swim in a cenote. Check out the article by clicking here or the photo below.
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For more information about the other stops on the tour and an overview of the whole tour check out our articles below.
Each article includes our own story including photos, and soon we will be adding videos and even 360 degree VR Videos detailing our experiences at each place.
What excursion should you do in Progresso, Yucatan, Mexico
Coming Soon – Yucatan Tour – Diving and Swimming in the Cenote Under Water Cave
Coming Soon -Yucatan Tour – Hacienda Meal and Walking Tour
I was planning on visiting Mayapan Ruins while in Merida last year. But I didn’t have a car and I wasn’t sure exactly how to get back to Merida via public transportation. I did go see Uxmal though, which was pretty cool!
I was recently at Coba and did a cenote along with some rappelling, zip lining, hiking, and canoeing. We also visited a “modern” Mayan village. It was pretty cool. I’d love to more of this.