The all-inclusive resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya have everything travelers need for a comfortable and enjoyable visit to Mexico. But make sure you venture outside the resort at least once to tour the region’s astonishing Mayan ruins. Many resorts and tour operators offer trips to the area’s three most popular sites, Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba.
It’s worth it to take a day trip to Chichen Itza, (pronounced “Chee CHEN eet ZA”) about a two hour drive from Cancun. The highly recognizable Kukulkan Pyramid makes it the second most visited archeological site of Mexico. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Tulum (pronounced too-LOOM) was an important Mayan port city and one of the earliest resorts in Mexico. From its perch overlooking the sparkling shore of the Caribbean, It’s not hard to see why it was a place of worship and solitude for the Mayan royalty. Don’t forget your swimsuit, either.
The ruins of the ancient city of Coba (pronounced just like it looks, “ko-BAH”), are located a half hour inland from Tulum. During its height between 400 and 1100 A.D., Coba had a population of around 50,000. The site is worth visiting both for its size and for the amazing view from the top of its largest pyramid, which adventurous visitors are welcome to climb.
Stay tuned for more information on Cancun’s Mayan heritage from the Funjet Insider this summer. We’ll be visiting the nearby Excellence Resorts, two fantastic adults-only all-inclusive within easy reach of all these ruins. Excellence Playa Mujeres offers contemporary luxury on a secluded peninsula north of Cancun, while the Excellence Riviera Cancun offers you sun-bathed classic luxury just south of Cancun.
If you’ve got questions—or insider tips—about Riviera Maya or Excellence Resorts, let us know in the comments below and we’ll try to feature them in a future Funjet Insider video. Maybe we’ll even see you there.
