Mayan ruins are one of the most popular attractions on the islands of Cancun and Cozumel and on the surrounding Yucatan Peninsula. While Europe was mired in the Dark Ages, the Mayans were building a great civilization composed of independent city-states scattered across Mexico. No one is sure why the Mayan empire began to decline around the year 900 A.D. Some theorize that disease, drought, or political strife may have been the cause. Whatever the reason, the Mayans slowly abandoned their cities; today mysterious ruins are all that remain of this great empire.
More Information About Mayan Ruins
The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan are all unique and beautiful in their own way. Some have been restored to some of their original grandeur by archeologists and historians, offering visitors a view into the Mayan past. Others remain engulfed in jungle; a visit to one of these sites is a haunting adventure. Some Mayan ruins boast pyramids that visitors can climb for spectacular views while others have intact murals and carvings or cenotes (waterfilled underground caverns) to dive in.
Most Mayan ruins in this part of Mexico are popular stops for sightseers staying in nearby resorts. If you decide to visit a site, especially one of the more popular ones like Chichen Itza or Tulum, it is a good idea to get there as soon as possible after they open, or to wait until late in the day to visit. These sites can become very crowded and may be difficult to enjoy fully during peak visiting hours.
Package tours are a good option for visiting Mayan ruins. These package tours come in many different types; for example, some are in depth tours of one site while others are several short tours of multiple sites over a few days. Some tours also include special activities at Mayan ruins, such as cenote diving, snorkeling, specially prepared "Mayan" meals, or entertainment.
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