The Maya civilization, one of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures, flourished across present-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador for thousands of years. Emerging around 2000 BCE, the Maya developed advanced writing, mathematics, astronomy, and architectural techniques, leaving behind vast cities, towering pyramids, and intricate carvings that reveal their complex society. Their rulers established powerful city-states, engaging in trade, warfare, and religious ceremonies that shaped Mesoamerican history. Although many of these cities were abandoned by the 10th century CE, their ruins remain remarkably well-preserved. Today, you can still explore the remnants of this once-thriving civilization. This list highlights ten extraordinary Maya ruins, each offering a unique glimpse into a civilization that continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike.
1. Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
Nestled in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá was founded by the Maya around the 5th century CE. The city’s name means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza,” referencing nearby cenotes that provided vital water sources. By the 10th century, Chichén Itzá had evolved into a significant urban center, reflecting a fusion of Maya and Toltec influences.
The centerpiece of Chichén Itzá is El Castillo, a pyramid dedicated to the feathered serpent deity, Kukulcán. During equinoxes, shadows cast by the pyramid’s terraces create the illusion of a serpent descending its steps. Other notable structures include the Temple of the Warriors, adorned with intricate carvings, and El Caracol, an observatory showcasing the Maya’s advanced astronomical knowledge. The Great Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica, hosted ceremonial games integral to Maya culture.
Visiting Chichén Itzá offers a profound insight into the architectural prowess and cultural richness of the Maya civilization. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
2. Tikal (Guatemala)
Deep in the Guatemalan rainforest, Tikal rises from the jungle, a city of stone that once pulsed with life. Founded around the 4th century BCE, it became one of the most powerful Maya capitals, reaching its height between 200 and 900 CE. At its peak, Tikal housed tens of thousands, its rulers forging alliances, waging wars, and constructing monumental temples that still stand today. Then, around the 10th century CE, the city fell silent, its people gone, its buildings slowly reclaimed by nature.
Now, the echoes of that lost civilization linger. The Temple of the Great Jaguar, a 47-meter-high tomb for King Jasaw Chan K’awiil I, faces Temple II, known for its breathtaking jungle views. The Great Plaza, once a gathering place for rituals and royal ceremonies, is flanked by the North Acropolis and towering Temple IV, the tallest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas.
3. Palenque (Mexico)
Palenque, located in the Mexican state of Chiapas, was a major Maya city that thrived between 600 and 800 CE. While smaller than sites like Tikal or Chichén Itzá, it is known for its detailed carvings, well-preserved architecture, and important historical inscriptions. The city was a political and cultural center, ruled by figures such as Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I, whose tomb was discovered inside the Temple of the Inscriptions, one of the most significant burial sites in Mesoamerica.
Palenque’s Palace stands out for its distinctive four-story tower, thought to have served as an observatory or watchtower. The Temple of the Cross Complex, including the Temples of the Cross, Foliated Cross, and Sun, contains intricate panels depicting Maya mythology and royal power. Unlike some other Maya sites, Palenque benefits from its jungle setting, which has helped preserve many of its carvings and stucco work.
4. Uxmal (Mexico)
Uxmal, located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, was a major Maya city that flourished between 600 and 900 CE. It is one of the best-preserved examples of Puuc architecture, a style characterized by intricate stone mosaics and elaborate facades. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal lacks cenotes, meaning its inhabitants relied on an advanced system of reservoirs to store rainwater.
The most recognizable structure is the Pyramid of the Magician, notable for its unusual rounded shape and steep incline. According to Maya legend, the pyramid was built overnight by a dwarf magician, though in reality, it was constructed in multiple phases over centuries. Nearby, the Governor’s Palace spans over 100 meters and features detailed carvings of geometric patterns and symbols of Chaac, the rain god. The Nunnery Quadrangle, a collection of four elaborately decorated buildings surrounding a courtyard, showcases Uxmal’s sophisticated architectural style.
5. Copán (Honduras)
Copán, located in present-day Honduras, was one of the most influential Maya city-states during the Classic Period (250–900 CE). Known for its elaborate sculptures and hieroglyphic inscriptions, Copán served as a major political, artistic, and intellectual hub. It reached its peak under the rule of King 18 Rabbit (Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awiil) in the early 8th century CE, when many of its most remarkable structures were built.
One of Copán’s most famous features is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, a 63-step structure covered in over 1,800 glyphs, making it the longest known Maya inscription. The Ball Court, one of the largest in Mesoamerica, was used for ritual games with political and religious significance. The Sculpture Museum on-site preserves intricate stone carvings, including a full-scale replica of the Rosalila Temple, an ancient structure discovered buried intact beneath later constructions.
6. Caracol (Belize)
Caracol, the largest known Maya site in Belize, was a powerful city that dominated the region during the Late Classic Period (600–900 CE). At its peak, it housed an estimated 150,000 people, surpassing modern-day Belize City in population. Known for its military strength, Caracol defeated major rivals like Tikal, expanding its influence across the Maya world.
The site’s most impressive structure is Caana (“Sky Palace”), which remains the tallest man-made structure in Belize at 43 meters (141 feet). This massive pyramid contains multiple tombs, palaces, and courtyards. The site also features dozens of ball courts, causeways, and intricately carved stelae that document Caracol’s rulers and victories. The reservoir system at Caracol demonstrates advanced water management, allowing the city to thrive in the dense jungle.
7. Calakmul (Mexico)
Calakmul, hidden deep in the jungles of Campeche, Mexico, was one of the most powerful Maya cities of the Classic Period (250–900 CE). A fierce rival of Tikal, it led the Kaanul (“Snake”) Kingdom, controlling a vast network of city-states. At its peak, over 50,000 people lived here, making it one of the largest Maya settlements ever discovered.
The site’s most striking feature is Structure II, a massive pyramid standing over 45 meters (148 feet) tall, offering panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest. Unlike other Maya cities, Calakmul has two giant pyramids, making it unique. The city contains more than 120 stelae, the largest collection of Maya inscriptions found anywhere, chronicling royal history and warfare. Due to its remote location, Calakmul remains largely untouched by tourism, providing a rare, immersive experience.
8. Yaxchilán (Mexico)
Yaxchilán, perched along the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, Mexico, was a powerful Maya city between 500 and 800 CE. Known for its elaborate carvings and strategic location, it dominated trade routes and held influence over nearby sites like Bonampak. The city’s rulers, including Bird Jaguar IV and Shield Jaguar II, commissioned detailed reliefs that depict conquests, rituals, and dynastic power.
The most famous feature of Yaxchilán is its stone lintels, particularly Lintel 24, which portrays Lady Xoc performing a bloodletting ritual—one of the best-preserved depictions of Maya ceremonies. The Great Plaza is lined with temples covered in hieroglyphs, while Structure 33 stands as one of the finest examples of Maya architecture. Unlike more accessible ruins, Yaxchilán can only be reached by boat.
9. Lamanai (Belize)
Lamanai, one of Belize’s longest-inhabited Maya cities, stands apart from other ruins due to its continuity of occupation—thriving from around 1500 BCE to the 17th century CE. Unlike many abandoned Maya sites, Lamanai remained active well into Spanish colonial times, with evidence of Catholic churches built atop older structures. Located along the New River, it was a major trade center, with connections stretching across Mesoamerica.
The most iconic structure is the Mask Temple, featuring massive carved faces believed to represent ancient rulers or deities. The High Temple, one of the tallest pyramids in Belize at 33 meters (108 feet), offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and river. The Jaguar Temple, named for its feline-shaped frieze, is another must-see. Artifacts from the site include intricate pottery, jade carvings, and even evidence of contact with the distant city of Teotihuacan.
10. Quiriguá (Guatemala)
Quiriguá, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southeastern Guatemala, may not be the largest Maya city, but it holds an unmatched distinction: the tallest stone monuments in the Maya world. Flourishing between 200 and 850 CE, Quiriguá was once a vassal of Copán until its ruler, K’ak’ Tiliw Chan Yopaat, led a successful revolt in 738 CE, capturing and executing Copán’s king, Waxaklajuun Ub’aah K’awiil. This victory secured Quiriguá’s independence and ushered in a golden age of artistic and architectural achievements.
The site is most famous for its stelae, massive intricately carved stone pillars that record historical events and astronomical cycles. The tallest, Stela E, stands at 10.6 meters (35 feet) and weighs about 65 tons, making it the largest known Maya monolith. The Great Plaza, the heart of the city, contains altars decorated with mythological imagery, while the Acropolis features palace structures that hint at Quiriguá’s political and religious importance.
