Learn more about each site and its history!
Ek Balam
The capital of the Tah Empire!
Ek Balam translates to “black” “Jaguar”, which goes back 2,300 years to the Spanish conquistadors. Ek Balam was a major political center during the height of its time and is the oldest Maya capital in the region. It’s population was about 18,000 inhabitants. The Maya ruins are located within the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula and are about 35 miles Northeast of Chichen Itza.
For many LDS researchers and archaeologists, it is considered to be a possible Nephite settlement.
Chichen Itza
Named a “Wonder of the World”
Chichen Itza is one of the most well-known and popular Maya ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. These ruins are quite large and one of the most interesting ones is El Castillo, which is a large pyramid built for astronomical purposes.
There are many structures and ruins you can explore at Chichen Itza, which makes it a popular site to visit, as many other ruins are closed off to exploring.
Tulum
One of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico
Tulum is located right off the beach in Mexico and provides picturesque views of the area. Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Mayas and also one of the last cities to be inhabited.
Archaeologists believe this site was built as a religious center and fortress look out because of its prime location near the ocean.
Coba
One of the lesser known Maya ruins
Coba is largely spread out, making it a great tour if you’re ready to explore and walk around the area. Coba has many beautiful tall temples scattered throughout the premises, with lakes joining the different areas.
Nohoch Mul, one of Coba’s temples, is the tallest temple in the Northern Yucatan and provides spectacular overlooks and vistas if you want to climb to the top!
Becan
One of the oldest ruins in the Yucatan
Becan is a fascinating Maya ruin because of its age. It is believed that settlers inhabited this area dating back to 300 BC. An interesting aspect of Beca is its defensive walls, which provided excellent fortification.
The temples and ruins of Beca can be walked on, which makes this site a great place if you want to explore. Since it is a lesser-traveled site as well, it normally is not as crowded giving you a more intimate tour!
Uxmal
One of the most important Maya archaeological sites
Its name means “Constructed Three Times”. The oval-shaped buildings give the site a unique style, and its “Puuc” style decoration provides valuable information on religious symbolism, its uses, and customs, which the entire staff of professional guides from LDS Tours Cancun By Mormon Encounter thoroughly know how to interpret.
Kabah
The second largest ruin of the Puuc region
The stately ruins of Kabah, which in the Mayan language means “The Lord of the Strong and Mighty Hand”. It is a place that was first inhabited in the 3rd Century BC, even though the majority of what is visible in Kabah today was built between the 7th and 11th Century AD. The Maya tradition to build on top of what has already been constructed carries us back to a past that is closely connected to many of the main events occurring in the Book of Mormon.
El Naranjal
Ruins off the beaten path
Constructed since the 1st century AD and Abandoned round about 800 A.D. this great Maya city is a fabulous getaway for those adventurist explorers who are passionate about ancient cultures and who would like to go see Maya ruins as they were discovered, buried in the wild jungle without makeup or restorations.