the Travel Enthusiast
- 19 Jul
kachou_n in Amazing Places | 1 COMMENTTop 5 underrated Mayan ruins
The ruins of the Maya empire Central America are some of the most interesting historical sites in the world, and the remnants of a fascinating civilization that continues to mystify historians. Many of the remaining Maya ruins in Central America are the most popular tourist attractions in the area, but there are many more Maya sites which are overlooked even if they are just as historically and culturally important.These sites receive much less attention, so chances are that you will have these sites mostly to yourself. If you want to see another, less seen side of Maya culture, here are the top 5 underrated Mayan ruins in Central America.
Pacbitun, San Antonio, Belize
The ruins of Pacbitun, one of the oldest pre-classical Maya sites, is located a couple of miles from the village of San Antonio. Although the villagers have been aware of the existence of the ruins for centuries, archaeologists found them only in the 70’s: 24 pyramids, several stelae, irrigation causeways.
Tulum, Quitana Roo, Mexico
Tulum is one of the most picturesque Maya sites anywhere, so it’s a not a bit surprising that it’s popular, but not as popular as it should rightly deserve. It is the best preserved coastal Maya sites in Central America, mostly because it is one of the last cities built by the Maya between the 13th and 15th centuries, and much like today, it was used as a resort. The small but picturesque ruins are perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Tikal, Guatemala
While the Tikal ruins are just as important as the ones in Chichen Itza, for example, they are significantly more quiet and peaceful. It used to be one of the biggest and most glorious cities in the classical Maya period, and today its ruins are an amazing destination not only because of the architecture of the city, but also because of its remote jungle setting.Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The large ruined city of Coba was built around two lagoons, with stone causeways leading other small sites around it. In its glory days, the city had around 50,000 inhabitants. The Ancient Pyramid, the largest in the complex, has 120 steps, and is comparable to the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza both in size and beauty.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Mayapan, Yucatan, Mexico
photo by Richard Weil
Mayapan used to be the capital of the Maya Empire for a couple of centuries, during the late post-classical period. There are more than 4000 structures still standing in the city, encircles by a 9 kilometer gate with twelve gates. Much of the urban landscape of the city is yet undiscovered, which only adds to its mystery and charm.
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When visitors pass through our hotel they usually want to see Chichen Izta more than any other mayan ruin, but we often direct them to different locations. We have recommended all the ones on this list, and I am glad to see them compiled here as it provides an easy guide for people looking for new experiences.