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Uxmal

Located 200 miles from Cancún, Uxmal can be visited in a single (long) day trip. This site, with its impressive Pyramid of the Magician, surrounded by lush vegetation, represents one of the high points of Mayan Puuc architecture. Built during the Late Classical period of the 7th through 9th centuries, Uxmal is perhaps the most elegant of all ancient Mayan sites.

The main structures in Uxmal are aligned to the positions of the sun. At 125 feet high, the easily recognizable Pyramid of the Magician is worth climbing. It boasts one of the steepest staircases in Mesoamerica. During your climb, take a well-deserved stop past the half-way point and check out a small vaulted room with two columns. This pyramid was rebuilt a total of five times during the course of several centuries.

If heights make you queasy, explore many of the other structures in Uxmal, including the Nunnery Quadrangle, which is considered by many to be one of the site’s finest structures. The magnificent House of the Governor faces east, possibly to allow the observation of the planet Venus. The Quadrangle of the Birds is comprised of a number of chambers and was named for its bird decorations.

Chichén Itzá

The region’s best-known ruins are located in Chichén Itzá, roughly 100 miles from Cancún. Chichén’s Castillo (also known as the Pyramid) has long been an icon of ancient Mexico. This enormous Mayan site sits on four square miles, and is truly breathtaking in its size, natural surroundings, and the integrity of its structures. Come during the day to climb the pyramid, and stay in the evening for a memorable light show.

While Chichén Itzá has been carefully restored by archeologists for almost a century, the site’s exact history is fairly unknown and is the subject of much debate. Chichén Itzá was probably built around 900 A.D. and abandoned after 1200 A.D.

The spectacular stone platforms, pyramids and ball courts make it possible to visualize what this site might have felt like a millennium ago, when the plazas were filled with thousands of people. Today, thousands of visitors flock to the site, but thanks to its massive size, Chichén Itzá rarely feels crowded.

The Temple of the Warriors, decorated with stone heads and long-snouted masks, is an elaborate representation of Mesoamerican architecture. The climb to the top of the Castillo with its three room temples on top is worth every exhausting step, but if you are afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one. The Group of 1,000 Columns, lined up like soldiers, is a great picture spot. Don’t miss the famous Great Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica. The Sacred Cenote, the Venus Platform, Caracol and the Temple of the Tables are also highlights at Chichén Itzá.

Cobá

These partially unexcavated ruins can be reached from Cancún in a day trip. Located in the middle of thick, dense jungle are several spectacular pyramids and temples. When you climb them, you will be rewarded with unparalleled views over the treetops.

Cobá is a quiet, serene place, with relatively few tourists, and it is popular with serious bird watchers. It’s a great place to rent a bicycle or a guide who will also transport you. Don’t try to walk, as it is quite far. Getting lost here is very possible, as sites and paths are not always clearly marked. If you decide to venture out on your own, which is perfectly safe, simply resist the temptation to wander off into the jungle. Also, be sure to bring mosquito repellent, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and plenty of water.

Cobá is divided in several areas called groups, including the Cobá Group, which is home to the 79-foot temple. If you get here early enough in the morning, you might have the temple all to yourself. This group also includes a restored ball court, where the Maya played a sacred ball game. The Chumuc Mul Group is only partially excavated. Nochob Mul Group is fully excavated and includes the tallest pyramid in Cobá. After climbing 120 steps, you will enjoy the well-preserved temple on top and the breathtaking views.

As Cobá is located inland from the ocean, it’s hotter and more humid, so visit as early in the day as you can.

Tulum

This visually stunning site is unparalleled in its beauty, as it sits on rocky cliffs overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean. This former Mayan trading port had a population of around 600 people in its busiest time, protected by a defensive wall on three sides. Structures at Tulum date back between the 12th and 16th century A.D. in the Postclassic period.

Tulum was mainly a place of worship and a trading port, but was also used as a residence for the upper classes. The area is well marked and surrounded by lush vegetation. While the insides of the Temple of the Frescoes are off-limits for visitors (as is climbing on most structures), you can have a look at some of the barely-visible wall paintings and diving god sculptures from the outside. Visit the Temple of the Descending God, the Castle, House of the Cenote and the Palace.

Take advantage of the fantastic photographic opportunities here. The ideal time to visit is early in the morning. The ancient name for Tulum was Zama from the Mayan word for morning, and the sunrises here are quite spectacular.

A big extra bonus in Tulum is the beautiful beach (Tulum Cove, the former Mayan port) below the Temple of the Wind. Bring a towel and a beach bag – you will have to carry it while exploring the site, but it will be worth it. There are no drinks available close to the beach (but drinks are sold in the small gift shop), so don’t forget your water. Day trips are easily arranged from all major hotels. You can also rent a car and drive down Highway 307 south until you see the signs to Tulum, which is close to the road. It’s an easy drive.

El Rey

Located in Punta Nisuc at the southern end of Cancun’s main hotel zone, Ruinas El Rey is a rare archeological find. Practically in the shadow of many major hotels, there are more than a dozen restored temple platforms waiting to be discovered.

El Rey was a significant Mayan trading post during the late Postclassic period (1250 -1530 A.D.) although limited archeological work has been performed, making it difficult to determine exact timelines. It is estimated that the settling of the site began at the end of the classic era, around 900 A.D.

The ruins of this small area center on three main plazas and are bordered by the Nichupté lagoon to the west. Lots of friendly iguanas like to rest on the warm stones, so don’t be surprised if you come upon one of these dinosaur-resembling creatures. The middle plaza is the place to see the best preserved ruins. You can see numerous platforms and small temples by strolling up and down the main walkway.

-- By Dagmar Jenner

Teotihuacán

This ancient city, dominated by the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, is one of the most significant archeological sites in the world. Located a mere 30 miles from the capital, Teotihuacán is a must-see for any visitor to Mexico City.

Teotihuacán, which means “birthplace of the gods” in Náhuatl, the language of the Aztecs, is a large and formidable place. Exploring this ancient city will take you a number of hours, so wear sturdy walking shoes. There isn’t much shade so in the summer try to go early in the day.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no conclusive evidence that the Aztecs built Teotihuacán. Both the origin of its builders and the identity of its conquerors have been debated in archeological circles for many years. What we do know is that at its peak, around 600 A.D., this mysterious place was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.

The third-tallest pyramid on the planet, the Pyramid of the Sun, sits towards the end of the grim-sounding Avenue of the Dead, which you walk down after you enter through the main entrance. Because of the steep steps, the high altitude, and the pollution, the climb to the top of the 242 steps can be a challenge. There are several platforms that you can rest on before tackling the next set of steps. The views are unparalleled.

The Pyramid of the Moon is located a stone’s throw from its bigger cousin at the very end of the Avenue of the Dead. At 126 feet, it’s a less challenging climb than the Pyramid of the Sun, and it’s a fantastic picture spot, even if you only make it to one of the lower platforms.

Visit the Palace of the Jaguars, where you can see colorful murals in excellent condition and the Palace of the Butterflies, home to columns that have been decorated with great attention to detail. The Temple of the Plumed Serpent houses impressive carvings of the Aztec god Quetzalcóatl.

Cholula

Located roughly 70 miles from the capital, Cholula can easily be visited in a day trip. Cholula was once the religious center of Aztec, Olmec, and Toltec cultures in the country.

Cholula and its several hundred temples were largely destroyed by the Spanish conquistadores in the 1500s, but they spared the Great Pyramid, as they mistook one of the largest structures in Mesoamerica for a hill. The area was settled in 1700 B.C. and reached its peak around 600 A.D., when it had as many as 80,000 inhabitants.

The Great Pyramid is 215 feet high and is the landmark structure in Cholula. Consisting of a number of structures connected via stairways and tunnels, it’s the largest pyramid in the world by volume. Formerly the center of a ceremonial area surrounded by markets and residential areas, it’s now the center of the archeological zone. You can enter the pyramid through a series of tunnels, which will lead you through the different stages and temples of the structure.

Tula

Located 50 miles north of Mexico City, Tula is one of the most significant archeological sites in central Mexico. Built by the Toltecs, Tula was conquered by the Aztecs.

Most of Tula’s history is hotly debated, but the prevailing theories agree that this city was founded by the peaceful and beauty-loving Toltecs around 950 A.D., and by 1200 A.D., the city had collapsed.

The atlantes, 15-foot tall warrior statues made of stone, are Tula’s defining structures, and are worth as many pictures as you can fit on your camera’s memory card. Standing atop the Temple of the Morning Star, the atlantes are truly a landmark. If you want to take one home, small table-top atlantes are for sale from street vendors.

The Burned Palace is a former government building as evidenced by the remains of a number of large columns. Tula’s other well-known structure is Pyramid B. It houses the Serpent Wall, which is decorated with detail-rich and intriguing sculptures. Next to the North Plaza are the remains of an ancient ball court.

The Tula museum gives a good overview of Toltec history. However, many important pieces, including an original atlante, are on display at the Anthropological Museum of Mexico City.

-- By Dagmar Jenner