The Hidden Gems Of Tulum: Uncovering 10 Ancient Ruins

Situated in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lies the charming town of Tulum. Among the many reasons to visit Tulum is the fact that it’s a top destination in Mexico for its incredible beaches and rich cultural heritage. Besides the famous tourist attractions in Tulum, though, there are various off-the-beaten-path ruins scattered in the area to quench the wanderlust of all history buffs. This article lists some of the best ancient hidden gems in Tulum, giving a glimpse of the immense history and culture of the ancient mesoamerican civilizations in the region.

Xel-Ha

Located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, just south of Tulum, Xel-Ha is an ancient Mayan site believed to exist between 200 and 600 AD. The ancient structures at the site reflect a unique architectural style that blends Mayan and coastal influences. The highlight of this place is the Great Pyramid, one of the best pyramids in Mexico, elevating up to 40 feet in height, which served as a lighthouse for ships in ancient times. Visitors to Xel-Ha can explore the site and learn about the history and culture of the ancient Maya through interpretive signage and guided tours.

El Castillo

El Castillo is a prominent structure located within the Tulum archeological site in Mexico. It is one of the most recognizable and iconic Mayan ruins in the world and draws thousands of visitors every year. The structure is a 40 ft tall, rectangular pyramid constructed from limestone blocks, with a steep staircase leading up to the top, adorned with intricate carvings and stucco decorations depicting various gods and mythological creatures from the Mayan pantheon.

Kohunlich

Located in the southwest of Tulum, Kohunlich is an ancient Mayan archeological site in Yucatan Peninsula, near the border with Belize. The highlight of this place is the Temple of the Masks, one of the most popular and mysterious ancient ruins in Mexico used for religious ceremonies in the ancient era. The temple features a number of intricate decorations and carvings, including a series of serpents that wind around the base of the structure. The other impressive ancient architectural offerings at the site include a large ball court and a palace complex.

El Meco

Located in the northeast of Tulum, El Meco is an ancient Mayan archeological site in Cancun, Mexico. One of the most prominent structures at El Meco is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, featuring a series of small sculptures discovered during excavation. Other notable structures at the site include a large central plaza, a ball court, and a number of residential complexes and administrative buildings. Visitors to El Meco can explore the site and learn about the history and culture of the ancient Maya through interpretive signage and guided tours.

Xpuhil

Located in the southwest of Tulum, Xpuhil is an ancient Mayan archeological site in Mexico. The most prominent structure at Xpuhil is the Palace, a large complex of interconnected buildings and courtyards featuring a number of impressive architectural elements, including a large central tower and a series of intricately carved friezes depicting scenes from Mayan mythology and daily life. Besides the Palace, the site features a number of other impressive architectural structures, including a ball court and a series of small temples and shrines.

San Gervasio

San Gervasio is an ancient Mayan archeological site located on the island of Cozumel, off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The site features a number of impressive structures and architectural features, including a ball court, a series of small temples, shrines, and a system of canals and reservoirs used for irrigation in the ancient days. Visitors to the site can explore the place to learn interesting things about the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization.

Temple Of Frescoes

The Temple of the Frescoes is a major architectural feature located within the ancient Mayan archeological site of Tulum. Constructed around 1450 AD, during the Late Postclassic period of Mayan civilization, the temple was likely used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The highlight of this site is the series of colorful frescoes and murals painted on the walls, representing a variety of scenes and figures from Mayan mythology, including the rain god Chaac, the goddess Ixchel, and various other gods and warriors.

Playa Ruinas

Playa Ruinas, also known as the Tulum ruins beach, is a beautiful stretch of sandy beach located just below the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. One of the unique features of Playa Ruinas is the backdrop of the ancient Mayan ruins, elevating above the beach on a cliff overlooking the sea, dating back to the 13th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the ancient Maya. Visitors to Playa Ruinas can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Muyil

Muyil is an ancient Mayan archeological site in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on Yucatan Peninsula’s eastern coast, which visitors can tour. The site was a bustling trading center and ceremonial site for the ancient Maya, featuring several incredible architectural structures, including a large pyramid, a series of temples, a ball court, and palaces. Visitors to the site can explore the surrounding wetlands and forests, hike along nature trails, and observe the abundant wildlife in its natural habitat.

Oxtankah

Oxtankah is an ancient Mayan archeological site located in the Quintana Roo, just a few hours from Tulum. The site dates back to the pre-Columbian era and existed as early as 600 AD, before the Spanish rule in the 16th century. Visitors can explore a variety of impressive ruins, including several temples, pyramids, ball courts, and remains of a palace and other administrative buildings. The site has a distinctive architectural style, with rounded corners and other unique elements that set it apart from other best Mayan ruins in Mexico.