Mayan Ruins Route: Chichen Itza to Calakmul
Explore 10 of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites spanning the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala. This route covers over 5,250 km connecting major ruins including Chichen Itza, Tikal, Palenque, and Uxmal, showcasing the architectural achievements and historical importance of ancient Maya civilization across Central America.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Chichen Itza
- End
- Calakmul
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Chichen Itza — One of the most famous archaeological sites on Earth, built by the Mayans around 600 AD on the Yucatan Peninsula, featuring the iconic Temple of Kukulkan pyramid with 365 steps…
- Lamanai — Ancient Maya city in northern Belize featuring the 33-meter-tall High Temple, one of the few Mayan sites to retain its traditional name meaning 'submerged crocodile'.
- Coba
- Caracol
- Tulum
- Calakmul — One of the largest Maya cities hidden in the jungles of Campeche state, a powerful rival to Tikal that dominated from the sixth to seventh century AD before succumbing to the Maya…
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Tulum ruins are an hour's drive from Cancun, making them accessible for a day trip from the resort area.
- Timing
- Visit Chichen Itza during the spring or fall equinox when the sun creates a light show on the pyramid stairs.
- Tip
- At Tulum, visit the Temple of the Frescoes to see beautiful murals and swim at Tulum's secret beach with palm trees and iguanas.
- Transport
- Tikal is a popular day trip from Flores in Guatemala and is one of the biggest archaeological sites in Mesoamerica.
- Tip
- At Tikal, climb the Temple of the Two Headed Snake to the top for 360-degree views of the rainforest.
- Tip
- Chichen Itza highlights include the Temple of Kukulkan pyramid, the Ball Court, the Wall of Skulls, and the Sacred Cenote.
- Tip
- Lamanai in Belize is still undergoing archaeological work; the High Temple at 33 meters tall is one of the main structures being restored.
- Tip
- Caracol sits 500 meters above sea level on a plateau in Belize; its 43-meter pyramid is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.
- Tip
- Uxmal is one of the best preserved Mayan sites in Mexico; its Pyramid of the Magician at 115 feet is the most recognizable structure with unique oval-shaped layers.
- Tip
- Palenque contains some of the finest Maya architecture and sculptures; the Temple of Inscriptions is the only Mesoamerican pyramid built as a funerary monument.
Video on this route
10 Most Amazing Mayan Ruins - Travel Video