Xel-Ha ruins are a minor archaeological site located across the highway from
Xel-Ha park. The city is under excavation due to road construction. It has
one temple complex where you may see magnificent "frescos" or Mayan
paintings. Some of the best preserved are on the "Temple of the Birds".
There is a beautiful but fading painting of a Teotihuacan warrior in full
regalia.
Follow the "white road" through the jungle and you will find a "sacred
cenote". This is a wonderful place to take a swim. Past the cenote is a small
structure, the Temple of the Jaguar", look inside and you will see the red
hand prints of a holy Mayan priest.
This area has very light tourist traffic. Takes about an hour
to walk the
site.
COBA
Coba was the capital of the largest Late Classic empire in the Northern
Lowlands. Coba is a mammoth ruined city and is located 30 miles inland from
Tulum. This archaeological site sits amid 5 small, shallow lakes and is very
impressive. Coba is known for its great length of occupation. The earliest
stele dates to a.d. 623 and Coba was occupied until the late Postclassic
times, around the 14th century.
The main group at Coba is dominated by the Castillo complex. From this area a
series of "white roads" or sacbeob radiates in five directions. Coba is
famous for these raised roads, of which 16 are known. Coba also has a large
late Post Classic temple known as Nohoch-Mul, it is one of the tallest
structures in the Northern Yucatan. The view from the top is stunning. You
can see the outline of the city in the jungle. This site is currently under
excavation and is mostly covered by vegetation. Good bird watching and great
photo opportunities.
Go early to avoid the jungle heat, wear sturdy shoes, insect repellent and
bring water. While visiting this Mayan city, you will walk about 6 miles.
The village itself has several small native markets and restaurants. Plan to
spend most of the day. No Gas station here!!
MUYIL
The Mayan ruins of Muyil are located 15 minutes south of Tulum on Highway 307.
Muyil is situated around a beautiful blue fresh water lake called La Laguna.
This archaeological site is currently being excavated by the University of the
Yucatan. Muyil is mostly covered in vegetation, however there are three
temple groupings that are quite interesting. According to the lead
archaeologist, Luis, Muyil is one of the oldest cities found in the Northern
Yucatan. He estimates there are 75 temples in the main complex waiting to be
uncovered. This site will be fascinating as it emerges from the jungle but it
will be many years before this ancient city reveals its secrets. Muyil has
light tourist traffic so crowds are not a problem.
CHICHEN ITZA
This famous site is just a few short hours from Akumal. Chichen Itza
is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities in the north-central Yucatan. The
first large- scale archaeologial investigations began in 1924 and were
conducted for 20 years by the Carnegie Institution. Chichen Itza means
"opening of the wells of the Itza".
Chichen Itza has many elaborate structures, the most impressive being "El
Castillo", the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors and The Caracol.
Plan to spend the day at this site. Wear your hiking boots and go early in
the morning.
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