Top Things to do in Yucatan
10 Sights & Landmarks in Yucatan That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Yucatan, Yucatan Peninsula including Templo de Kukulkan, Zona Arqueologica Uxmal, Ruta Puuc, Plaza Grande, Zona Arqueologica de Kabah, Paseo de Montejo, Chichen Itza, Gran Juego de Pelota, Temple of the Warriors, Mayapan Archaeological Zone.
Restaurants in Yucatan
1. Templo de Kukulkan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,178 reviews
This impressive pyramid dominates Chichén Itzá's landscape, standing an imposing 24 meters high.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
Well, this is the main attraction of Chichen Itza and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's enlisted in the new seven wonders of the world. It's full name is Temple of Kukulkan - a feather divine beast adorned by Maya which had supernatural powers. On El Castillo, Kukulkan is carved twisted on both sides of the northern stairway. It's so immaculately built that only twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun illuminates its entire length from top to bottom (amazing, see it on Youtube). Besides that there're more interesting facts - the pyramid has 9 levels plus the Temple on top. Each side's staircase has 91 stairs, which multiplied by 4 sides and the Temple on top makes the grand total of 365 (days in year).
2. Zona Arqueologica Uxmal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,190 reviews
An ancient Mayan building thought to be a school and named by a Spanish historian who thought it looked like a European monastery.
Reviewed By TravelingLily2014 - Niskayuna, United States
With so many sites to choose from, it might be easy to skip Uxmal....but please don’t. It is a wonderful site and you can STILL climb some of the pyramids, although not the main one. It is large, with lots to see. The architecture is extraordinary. We returned for the sound and light show and although we didn’t understand the Spanish, we understood the story and loved seeing the site at night.
3. Ruta Puuc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
The main site, Uxmal, is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Yucatan, though it is worth the effort to hire a guide to see Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna, which are just down the road. You can stay at Uxmal, Ticul, or Santa Elena.
4. Plaza Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,478 reviews
Also known as Plaza de Armas, this city square contains some of the most historically significant and aesthetically pleasing buildings in Merida.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
In Merida's typical hot weather, it is relaxing to get a shoe shine and watch the crowds. You will have people try to sell you handicrafts, but that could be fun, too. On Sundays, the entire plaza is full of food and drink stalls and vendors of artesanias.
5. Zona Arqueologica de Kabah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Once a thriving Mayan city, now an impressive ruin.
Reviewed By DollyL_11 - Merida, Mexico
Kabah is a large set of Mayan ruins that are pretty and varied. The site doesn't require walking in the jungle but does require climbing to fully view its features. Lovely views.
6. Paseo de Montejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,418 reviews
This wide avenue, modeled after Paris' Champs Elysees, is lined with the mansions of Merida's old aristocracy.
Reviewed By laBostoniana - Boston, United States
Historic Merida has narrow sidewalks and the main street, Calle 60, is not a pleasant walk because busses and trucks practically brush up against you as they dominate the road and you must walk single file. A bit north of historic district Paseo de Montejo has wide sidewalks, interesting old mansions, and actually allows for pleasant ambling.
7. Chichen Itza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,325 reviews
Reviewed By LegiaW67 - Massapequa Park, United States
Amazing and historical place Our Tour guide Sergio was fantastic explain all the history of Mayan culture One of seven wonders of the world Must see
8. Gran Juego de Pelota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,483 reviews
Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil
The Great Ball Court of Chichen Itza is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. The rings where players would score a goal are set 30 feet (9 meters) above the playing alley. There were actually 13 ballcourts at Chichen Itza, but this one is the biggest: it measures 551 x 230 feet (168 x 70 meters). It is also very well-preserved. The game they played was called “Pok-a-tok” or “pok-ta-pok” and was played with a solid rubber ball. There is a Temple (the Temple of the Bearded Man) that overlooks the court and royal spectators probably viewed the games from this vantage point. You can explore this area yourself or with a guide who will give you some interesting facts about the ancient structure. It is very impressive and worth seeing.
9. Temple of the Warriors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil
The Temple of the Warriors is an impressive step pyramid fronted and flanked by stone columns that are carved with images of warriors. This Temple was excavated and restored in 1925-1928 by the Carnegie Institution. You can no longer climb the stairs, but at the top, there is a Chac Mool statue (a reclining figure supporting itself on its elbows with a bowl or a disk upon its stomach). Chac Mools were considered messengers of the Gods and used to hold religious offerings in the upraised flat plate area on the figure’s stomach. Some speculate this was where beating hearts of the sacrificial victims were placed, but probably was used for offerings of pulque (an alcoholic beverage).
10. Mayapan Archaeological Zone
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 672 reviews
Reviewed By DocStewart
Mayapan is a smaller Mayan archaeological site that is a short drive from Merida, Yucatan. It can easily visited in half a day. Pay to get the guide when you visit to learn about the significant differences of this site from the others in the area. This site bears a stronger Toltec influence. There are many different structures that have been partially restored and climbing up to the tops is still allowed. Since this site is not very well known it is not as crowded or commercialized as the other better know sites. Yet it is very impressive and reflects a different cultural influence.
