Here I have listed my top 10 archaeological sites in Mexico to help you plan your next trip. I have even included the metrics I used for my rankings.
If you are planning a trip to Mexico you may be wondering: what are the top 10 archaeological sites in Mexico? Well, here I have listed my top 10 favorite sites in the country.
I love learning about the history of Mexico and the accomplishments of my ancestors. Fortunately, Mexico offers a great opportunity to get in touch with the past through its multiple archaeological sites.
To keep things objective I have included the metrics I used for my ranking. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you need more information. If you have visited these or other sites and have a different ranking, let me know in the comments section!
Table of Contents
10. El Tajín
Located in the state of Veracruz, El Tajín is one of the most important archaeological sites in the state. This city became one of the most important in Mesoamerica after the fall of the Teotihuacan empire. The Pyramid of Niches is the best-known monument at this site.
9. Ek’ Balam
The city of Ek’ Balam was once the seat of the Mayan kingdom. It is located in the state of Yucatán, 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of the town of Valladolid and 35 miles (56 kilometers) northeast of Chichen Itza.
8. Monte Albán
Located in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Monte Albán was once the center of Zapotec and Mixtec culture, and is truly a place of wonder. The capital city of Oaxaca is only 6 miles (9 kilometers) away and worth a lengthy visit.
7. Tenochtitlan & Tlatelolco
Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco were two of the biggest cites during pre-Columbian times. Only a glimpse remains of these two magnificent cities, but next time you are Mexico City be sure to visit their archaeological sites.
The Tlatelolco archaeological site is in the Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Square of the Three Cultures) named in recognition of three distinct periods in Mexico’s history: pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and independent Mexico. The Tlatelolco archaeological site is near the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco (the oldest European school of higher learning in the Americas). The site features a 700-year-old pyramid which includes Aztec and Tlatelolca design features.
The Templo Mayor served as the main temple for the Mexica people in their capital city of Tenochtitlan. You can find it in the center of Mexico City, next to the Zocalo and the Cathedral (two other points of interest you must check out).
6. Tulum
The ruins of this Mayan city are a sight to see! Located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatán Peninsula makes this a must see when visiting the beaches of the Riviera Maya.
5. Palenque
This Mayan city is located in the Mexican state of Chiapas. Once covered in jungle, this site has been excavated and restored.
4. Cobá
An ancient Mayan city in the state of Quintana Roo featuring the impressive Nohoch Mul Pyramid and other structures. These ruins are about 27 miles (43 kilometers) from another wonder on our list, Tulum.
3. Uxmal
If you are keeping count, there already three sites that are located in the Yucatán peninsula. Well Uxmal is the fourth!
Uxmal is yet another ancient Mayan city worth your time during your next trip over to Mexico. In fact, Uxmal is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Mayan culture and has been recognized as a Wold Heritage Site by UNESCO.
2. Chichen-Itza
Number 2 on our list belongs to another World Heritage site: Chichen-Itza. This Mayan city is located in the state of the Yucatán (our fifth entry into the top 10 from the region!). It is the one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and for good reason.
The dominant structure in this site is without a doubt the Temple of Kukulkan (the Mayan version of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered-serpent God of the Aztecs). The pyramid, referred to as El Castillo (the Castle), stands at 98 feet. During the spring equinox a serpent can be seen descending from the top of the pyramid!
And the Number 1 is…
1. Teotihuacan
If there is one archaeological site you must visit in Mexico it is without a doubt Teotihuacán. The impressive Pyramid of the Moon is outdone only by her much bigger and taller brother: the Pyramid of the Sun. These two pyramids are connected by the Avenue of the Dead (how cool is that?!).
Climbing the Pyramid of the Sun for that once-in-a-lifetime shot is allowed, but you better start working out now because it is not an easy climb.
The entire site is very well maintained and you can find a museum with lots of very interesting historical artifacts and other information at the entrance to the ruins. If you are hungry after your visit, be sure to visit one of the many restaurants outside the ruins.
This Wold Heritage site is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of Mexico City and it is most definitely worth the trip!
I hope you enjoyed reading about these sites. Below is a map showing the locations of these sites.
Other Worthy Mentions
There is so much to see and do in Mexico that it’s impossible to condense everything into a Top 10. Below are a few other sites that are worth a visit.
- Tula – Hidalgo
- Tonina – Chipas
- Mitla – Oaxaca
- Cholula – Puebla
Our Ranking Methodology
The rankings above were based on the following:
- Size: The size of the site.
- Preservation: How well is the site preserved.
- Crowd Size: Amount of crowds at the site (larger crowds means a lower score).
- Accessible: How easy is it to get to the site.
- Proximity: It’s proximity to other points of interest.
What do you think of my top 10 archaeological sites in Mexico? What’s your ranking? Be sure to leave your comments below and tell us what you think.
If you are ready to start planning a trip to Mexico to visit some (or all!) of these sites, be sure to check out my list of travel itineraries.
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Hi, I’m Iván García—I love to travel and photography. I’m big on road trips, just about anywhere in the world. I share information for people to reach truly great places. My goal is to inspire you to visit these places for yourself.
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Proud to say we’ve been to 9. Can you tell us more about Ek Balam ?
Absolutely. Ek’ Balam is one of several Mayan archeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a 2 hr drive from the Cancun airport, via safe and clean toll roads. The site is not very crowded. Is well kept, and it has a few well kept items such as paintings. It’s not very crowded, and it’s nearby Tizimín (Pueblo Mágico) and Valladolid (excellent place to stay to visit Cobá and Chichén Itzá). I recommend visiting!
I really appreciate your work in sharing the beautiful places my country has to offer plus the quality of the pictures! This is the first time I comment on a blog. ❤️
Thank you so much for reading, Erika! It’s a pleasure to get to share these magical places. And certainly humbled that this was your first comment on a blog. Thank you!
Absolutely. Ek’ Balam is one of several Mayan archeological sites in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a 2 hr drive from the Cancun airport, via safe and clean toll roads. The site is not very crowded. Is well kept, and it has a few well kept items such as paintings. It’s not very crowded, and it’s nearby Tizimín (Pueblo Mágico) and Valladolid (excellent place to stay to visit Cobá and Chichén Itzá). I recommend visiting!
Happy to find you!
Thank you so much for visiting! Such a pleasure to get to chat and share.
Looks like you have not visited Los Guachimontones in Teochitlan. The only round pyramids known in the world.
You’re right! I’ve skipped on those, but now they’re on the list. You recommend them?
Que hermosas fotos
I really want to visit all these sites. What a wonderful presentation!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about any of the trips. Thank you, Christine!
Loved it! Great pictures too😊
I agree! He has such great stuff from all his travels. I’m glad he is finally sharing it with the world!
Thanks Ivan. I’m looking to travel there in the near future.
I was considering starting in Mexico city and travel South East towards Cuba.
Could you recommend the best way to travel through that area?
Cheers 🇦🇺
We have a couple of blog posts pending, one to the state of Oaxaca and one to the state of Chiapas. Both starting from Mexico City. Stay tuned!
Gavin, thanks for sending your question! Do you want to finish in Cuba itself, or you want to stay in Mexico traveling in the direction of Cuba?
Mexico City is one of our favorite landing spots. Tickets are cheap, and it is very central. Our preference is to rent a car there, and head out. Don’t even think of using the rental in Mexico City itself. Use Uber while there (super cheap and convenient). Heading in the direction towards Cuba you can visit Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula. You’ll be able to visit most of the archeological sites on this page. It will be a long drive, so you’d have to plan a good amount of time (think about 2 weeks). Roads are in good condition and there are plenty of gas stations. There’s good food along the way, and excellent coffee. I’ll be posting a blog and an itinerary for those places soon, but can help you with any other questions in the meantime! Let me know of this was helpful.
Check out my travel tips page:
travelwithivan.com/travel-tips/
By the way, as you can see from my message, I’m a fan of driving myself (-:
Public transportation is also very reasonable and common, although you lose some freedom for sure.
Saludos! 🇲🇽 🇦🇺
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We have been lucky enough to have visited so many countries, but Mexico is where our hearts live. The first time we visited Chichen Itza it was magical…we could climb and even go inside the tunnel in the big pyramid. I certainly understand why its now protected, but I’m so glad we first visited long ago. I would still put Palenque first, despite my love of the Yucatan. There is something so mesmerizing about the jungle with those astounding structures embedded in it. Each time we visit Mexico, we see a new site. And I believe there is so much still to be discovered! Love your posts on Instagram and this newsletter. Thanks for all the tips.
Jo Anne, so glad that you enjoy my articles! Yes, completely agree with the mystery that comes with an archaeological sites in the middle of the jungle. Chichen-Itza is a great site, which is why it became so popular.
I had the opportunity of visiting Calakmul at the end of last year. I bet you’d love this place, too! It is a wonderland for remote sites! https://travelwithivan.com/calakmul/
Hope you have a great weekend!