The Mayan civilization was one of the most advance and sophisticated cultures in the Western Hemisphere before the arrival of European explorers. It flourished between 300 and 900 AD and once consisted of over 40 cities spread across southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and northern Belize. This category lists some of the most impressive ruins of these ancient cities that can be visited today. Many of these Mayan ruins have been designated World Heritage Sites.
The Mayan cities, full of magnificent stone temples and pyramids, were primarily ceremonial centers. Most of the Maya lived in rural areas and were farmers who looked to the priests of the cities for direction on the best days to plant, harvest, and marry. The Maya are famed for their impressive knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, which were integral to their religious rituals. They are also known for the practice of human sacrifice, which was a means of appeasing and nourishing the gods.
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Chichén Itzá Built in a mixture of Toltec and Maya styles, Chichén Itzá was a center of pilgrimage for the Maya for over 1,000 years. It is the most popular Mayan site on the Yucatan peninsula. |
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Copan Located in western Honduras, the ruins of Copan are notable for their many hieroglyphic inscriptions and finely-carved sculptures. |
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Kabah Located 18 km from Uxmal, Kabah was at its peak from 800 to 900 AD. The ruins feature elaborate carvings of the rain god Chac and fine examples of the Maya vault. |
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Palenque Widely considered the most atmospheric and magical of the Mayan sites, Palenque was at its peak from 600 to 700 AD. Located in a remote jungle, it is known for its unique and impressive architecture and royal history. |
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Sayil This ancient city in the Yucatan flourished around 950 AD. It is famed for its Palace, an absolutely huge stone structure. |
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Tikal Flourishing around 700 AD in modern-day Guatemala, Tikal is known for its towering Temple of the Two-Headed Snake. |
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Tulum Beautifully situated overlooking the blue waters of the Mayan Riviera, Tulum reached its peak in 1200 and was still thriving when the Spanish arrived. |
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Uxmal One of the Mayan cities of the Yucatán, Uxmal was built before the 10th century AD and is one of the most complex and harmonious expressions of Puuc architecture. |
