Planning to visit the best pyramids of MEXICO?
Many of the best pyramids in Mexico are located in the Yucatan Peninsula, though some are located near the peninsula, like the El Tajín and Palenque Mayan Ruins.
There’s also the Teotihuacan Pyramids in Mexico City, just one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
There are hundreds of Mexican pyramids open to the public; though most visitors don’t make it to see them all! So which are the best Mexican Mayan ruins?
For most, no Mexico trip is complete without seeing El Castillo, the pyramid at Chichen Itza. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site, this is the most famous of all Mexican Mayan Pyramids.
The Teotihuacan Mexico City Pyramids rank at a close second.
Ready to discover these Mexico pyramids, and so many more? Let’s get to the list of the 25 best pyramids in Mexico, as well as everything you need to know about visiting these ancient structures.
The 25 Best Pyramids in Mexico
1. El Castillo: Chichen Itza Ruins
📍Where: Yucatan Peninsula, near Valladolid
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, does Chichen Itza even need an introduction?!
At Chichen Itza, there are several Mayan pyramids and unique sites to explore. It is a very large site, so plan for at least three hours to see it all.
Entering the site, you’ll first see is El Castillo (or Temple of Kukulkan); the Chichen Itza pyramid you’ve likely seen in photos.
Other notable sites include the Temple of the Warriors, Group of a Thousand Columns, Great Ball Court and Sacred Cenote — where human sacrifices likely took place.
How to Visit Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins
Centrally-located in the Yucatan, no matter if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, Merida, or Riviera Maya — you’ll find plenty of tours to Chichen Itza.
Of all Mexico Yucatan destinations,Chichen Itza is closest to Valladolid.
Wondering, Are there any Cancun pyramids? There are a few smaller Mexico pyramids near Cancun and Mayan Ruins in Cancun, like El Rey, El Mecco and San Miguelito.
The most popular way to see the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza is with a guided tour. If you’re looking for the best Chichen Itza tours, head to ChichenItza.com, the official tour site.
As such an important Mayan site, it warrants paying a guide to really learn why it’s so important and all the things to see at Chichen Itza — otherwise, you’re essentially just looking at rocks 🪨
Chichen Itza Equinox Celebration
For a true Mexico bucket list experience, head to Chichen Itza on the Spring and Fall Equinoxes.
On these days, the setting sun in the late afternoon casts a shadow down the northern staircase of El Castillo that creates the illusion of a descending serpent.
best Chichen Itza Tours
Looking for the best tours to Chichen Itza?
Check out ChichenItza.com, the official tour site, which has everhything from private tours and group tours, and even a luxury tour of Chichen Itza — all with accredited guides.
best pyramids in mexico
2. Pyramid of the Sun: Teotihuacan Ruins
Located about an hour from Mexico City in the pueblo magico of San Juan Teotihuacan Mexico, you’ll find the Teotihuacan Pyramids.
The ruins at Teotihuacan tie with Chichén Itzá for the most visited ruins in Mexico — and both see about two million visitors each year.
Teotihuacan dates back to the mysterious Teotihuacanos prehispanic civilization, though the Toltecs and Aztecs eventually inhabited this ancient city.
With such extensive history, it’s no wonder the Ruins of Teotihuacan are a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are three pyramids at Teotihuacan: Pyramid of the Sun, Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, named in honor of the Aztec Feathered Serpent God.
The best part about visiting Teotihuacan? You can climb all three of the Teotihuacan Pyramids!
The Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Sun is the largest of the three. It stands at 216-feet-tall (66 m), and it’s no easy task to climb the 248 steps to the top!
In fact, many Teotihuacan visitors opt to climb the shorter Pyramid of the Moon, the next Mexico pyramid featured on this list.
best pyramids in mexico
3. Pyramid of the Moon: Teotihuacan Ruins
📍Where: San Juan Teotihuacan, near Mexico City
At 141-feet-tall (43 m), the Teotihuacan Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid of the three.
As the Pyramid of the Sun is quite intimidating to climb with its steep steps, the Pyramid of the Moon is a bit easier for many visitors, and you still get great views from the top of the pyramid.
While the Teotihuacan Pyramids are the closest pyramids near Mexico City, there are others.
Besides the partially underground Aztec Pyramid at Templo Mayor, there’s also the Cuicuilco Pyramid, located in Tlalpan, Mexico, not too far from the popular Coyoacan neighborhood.
Wondering, Where are the Aztec Pyramids? The Teotihuacan Ruins, and the vast majority of Aztec Pyramids in Mexico, are located in the Central Mexico.
best pyramids in mexico
4. Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl: Teotihuacan Ruins
📍Where: San Juan Teotihuacan, near Mexico City
The third pyramid at Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-co-uh), which you can also climb.
It is the shortest of the three, but arguably, the most beautiful. On it, you’ll see intricate carvings of Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec feathered Serpent God.
🗿 Want to visit Teotihuacan from Mexico City on a tour? Head to 15 Highest Rated Teotihuacan Tours from Mexico City to see all your best options.
best pyramids in mexico
5. The Great Pyramid: Calakmul Ruins
📍Where: Campeche, Mexico
The Calakmul Ruins (pronounced cah-lack-mool) was the largest Mayan city ever discovered in Campeche State.
Visiting these ruins are one of the best things to do in Campeche, and worth a visit, even though they aren’t super easy to get to.
Given Calakmul’s remote jungle location, many travelers don’t even know it exists.
It is located about five hours by rental car from the closest major city, Campeche City, including a two hour drive from the nearest main road into the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
However, the trek is definitely worth it. Calakmul Mayan Ruins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two very large pyramids you can climb.
The largest structure, called The Great Pyramid or Structure 2, is more than 148-feet-tall (45 m), and the tallest Mayan pyramid on Earth.
Its sister pyramid, Structure 1, is smaller, but offers incredible views of the surrounding jungle from the top.
After ascending this pyramid, you’ll be looking out over all the trees that surround the site; seeing it from a perspective you could have never imagined from the ground.
🏩 Visiting Calakmul? Book at least one night at Otoch Béek Calakmul B&B or Hotel Casa Maya Calakmul, as these ruins are not advisable as a day trip from anywhere!
best pyramids in mexico
6. Nohoch Mul Pyramid: Coba Ruins
📍Where: Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The main temple at Coba Mayan Ruins, Nohoch Mul (AKA Ixmoja Pyramid), is the tallest pyramid in Yucatan at 137-feet (42 m) and 120 steps to the top.
There’s a rope to hold on to, but this is a bit of a steep climb. However, the views of the Yucatan jungle from the top are totally with it.
The Ixmoja pyramid is part of the Nohoch Mul Group, but there are other notable areas at Coba. These include the Chumuc Mul Group, Coba Group and Macanxoc Group.
It is a very large site, so do hire a local guide to really explain everything that makes the Mayan Coba Ruins so unique.
Located deep in a dense jungle (so it’s a good idea to bring your bug spray 🦟), the Mayan Ruins of Coba is more of a complete Mayan city than a pyramid site.
The entire Coba site is 30 square miles (80 km²), so many rent a bike for a few hours, or hire a tricycle-taxi to see it all. Looking for the best Coba tours? Head here to see them all.
best pyramids in mexico
7. Pyramid of the Niches: El Tajin Ruins
📍Where: El Tajin, Veracruz, Mexico
Located in the Mexico state of Veracruz, El Tajín is mostly off the beaten path, but such a fascinating site.
It is also a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was once among the largest and most important cities of the Classic Era of Mesoamerica, until it was abandoned in about 1200.
For those who love to seek out Mexico hidden gems, the El Tajin Mayan Ruins will really wow you with their massive scale and uniquely-carved stone pyramids. For all the best El Tajin tours, head here.
If you plan to visit, you’ll also want to check out the nearby town of Papantla, Veracruz, known for the Voladores de Papantla ritual.
best pyramids in mexico
8. Pyramid of the Magician: Uxmal Ruins
📍Where: Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico
One of the most popular Merida day trips, and the best Mayan Ruins near Merida, is Uxmal (pronounced oosh-mall).
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the second most important archeological site in the Yucatan, behind Chichen Itza.
While visitors can not climb the tallest pyramid in Uxmal, called El Adivino (Pyramid of the Magician), you can climb the Great Pyramid located right next to it.
From the top, you’ll get the most amazing views of Uxmal and the surrounding Yucatan jungle.
You can also climb the other buildings — House of the Birds, House of the Turtles, Nunnery Quadrangle and more — to see Uxmal’s intricate carved stone designs.
Uxmal is one of five sites on the Ruta Puuc, all with buildings in the same beautiful “Puuc” carved stone esthetic.
Fun Fact: The name Uxmal means “thrice built” in the Maya language.
This refers to the construction of the Pyramid of the Magician, which was built on top of existing pyramids. In a sense, the Uxmal we can see today has been built three times.
Where is Uxmal Mayan Ruins?
Uxmal is a bit remote, and the closest city is Merida at about 52 miles (84 km) away.
From other areas of the Yucatan, like Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, know this is a 4- to 5-hour drive, so you’ll want to book at least one night at any one of these best hotels in Uxmal, Mexico.
Rather visit on a tour? Here are the best Mayan Ruins tours to Uxmal Ruins.
best pyramids in mexico
9. Temple of Inscriptions: Palenque Ruins
📍Where: Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Lakam Ha is the Maya name of Palenque (pronounced pa-lan-kay), one of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located inPalenque pueblo magico(Mexico magic town), about four hours from the top Chiapas travel destination of San Cristobal de las Casa.
Some of the most notable Palenque pyramids include:
Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions)
Templo del Conde (Temple of the Count)
El Palacio (The Palace)
Tumba de la Reina Roja (Tomb of the Red Queen)
Templo de la Calavera (Temple of the Skull)
Located deep in the jungle, you’ll want to spend the whole day at Palenque Ruins. Better yet, book one of these best Palenque tours and let an accredited guide show you around.
There are numerous ruins to see, but you can also hike around the entire site to see the small waterfalls and jungle pools, and see the howler monkeys that live at Palenque.
best pyramids in mexico
10. Temple of the Wind God: Tulum Ruins
📍Where: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
The Archeological Zone of Tulum, or Tulum Ruins, is located just 5-10 minutes from Downtown Tulum on the northern end of Tulum Beach.
Since it’s located in Tulum National Park, this is the easiest way to see Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico.
Compared to others, Tulum Ruins is one of the smaller Mayan sites. However, it’s also one of the most beautiful, located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Inside, you’ll see the Templo del Dios del Viento (Wind God Temple), the most famous of Tulum Ruins buildings. From there, continue onto the other buildings along the designated path.
These include the Templo del Dios Descendente (Temple of the Descending God), El Castillo (The Castle), Templo de Los Frescos (Temple of the Frescoes) and more.
The best way to see it all? On one of these best Tulum Mayan Ruins tours!
best pyramids in mexico
11. Great Pyramid of Cholula
📍Where: Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
If you asked most people where the largest pyramid on Earth is located, 99% would likely say its one of the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
However, the largest pyramid (by volume; not height) is the Great Pyramid of Cholula in the colorful pueblo of Cholula, Mexico.
Incredibly, this massive pyramid is mostly buried underground!
When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Mexico, they put Catholic churches right on top of preexisting temples, and the Great Pyramid is located underneath the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Cholula church.
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is said to have been constructed in honor of one of the central Aztec gods, Quetzalcoatl (pronounced ketz-al-coe-uh).
It is massive, at 4.5 million cubic meters, and visitors can tour many of its underground passageways when visiting Cholula.
The best way to see it, and the whole town, is on one of these best Cholula tours from Puebla.
best pyramids in mexico
12. The Tower: Ek Balam Ruins
📍Where: Yucatan, Mexico
Ek Balam Mayan ruins is located about two hours from both Cancun and Tulum, and just short drive of about 30 minutes from Valladolid, Mexico.
As one of the more off the beaten path Mayan ruins in Mexico, it’s not uncommon to have the place all to yourself.
Wondering, Where are the Mayan Pyramids? The Ek Balam Pyramids, and the vast majority of Mayan Pyramids in Mexico, are located in the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is a visually interesting site, with thatched roofs covering many of the pyramids; a gorgeous contrast with the stone pyramids.
Towards the interior of the buildings, don’t miss the elaborate carved stone statues tucked away beneath the thatched overhangs.
You can climb the main pyramid at Ek Balam, El Torre (The Tower), located on the Great Acropolis, for some spectacular jungle views of the surrounding area.
Overall, it’s a gorgeous Mayan ruins site, so make sure your phone is charged when you visit because you’ll want tons of photos.
best pyramids in mexico
13. Temple Building of Five Stories: Edzna Ruins
📍Where: Campeche, Mexico
Of all the Mexico pyramids, Edzna is one of the most beautiful (in my opinion, at least).
The central structure, called the Temple Building of Five Stories, has five levels and stands 131-feet-tall (40m). Though you can’t climb this one, there are others you can, like the Small Acropolis and The Palace.
The Temple of the Masks is another amazing structure, only recently excavated in 1988.
This building has two distinct masks located on the base of the temple: one representing the Mayan Sunrise God, located on the east side, and the other, the Sunset God, located on the west side.
best pyramids in mexico
14. Monte Alban Pyramids: Monte Alban Ruins
📍Where: Oaxaca, Mexico
No visit to beautiful Oaxaca City, located in Southern Mexico, is complete without seeing the Monte Alban Oaxaca Pyramids.
Located about 30 minutes outside of the Oaxaca City Center, Monte Alban is the most-visited of all archeological sites and famous pyramids in Oaxaca.
Both Downtown Oaxaca City itself and the ruins are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mexico.
Monte Alban Oaxaca is located high atop a mountain, and offers spectacular views of the towns in the valleys below.
The best way to see these Oaxaca ruins? On one of these best Monte Alban tours!
best pyramids in mexico
15. Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl: Tula Ruins
📍Where: Hidalgo, Mexico
The ruins of the former capital of the Toltec civilization are located about 60 miles (96.5 km) north of Mexico City, in the city of Tula de Allende, usually just called Tula.
During the 9th-12th Centuries, Tollan (present-day Tula, Mexico) was one of the largest cities in all Mesoamerica in its heyday.
Unlike most of the pyramids in Central Mexico, which have close ties to the Aztec civilization, the ruins of Tollan are thought to be closely influenced by the Mayans.
The central focus at the site, colossal Atlantes statues, can be seen on a platform atop the temple pyramid.
However, there are other pyramids on the site, including a five-story high one upon which used to stand the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl (AKA Temple of the Morning Star).
A captivating site, especially for history buffs, Tollan should be on your list of day trips from Mexico City.
best pyramids in mexico
16. Cañada de la Virgen Pyramid
📍Where: Guanajuato, Mexico
Cañada de la Virgen is an Otomí archaeological site located not far from the popular towns of Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende.
Located on private property, the Cañada de la Virgen Pyramid was excavated in 2002, and opened to the public in 2011.
The Otomi people have lived in this part of Central Mexico for thousands of years.
According to the Instituto Nacional de los Pueblos Indígenas (National Institute of Indigenous Peoples of Mexico), the Otomi is the fifth largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 675,000 Otomi living today.
best pyramids in mexico
17. Templo Mayor Aztec Pyramid
📍Where: Located in Downtown Mexico City, this is the closest pyramid near Mexico City — as its in the city!
Centuries ago, the Templo Mayor Aztec Temple was the central Aztec Empire temple.
After the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlan (what’s now called Mexico City), it was buried, and the Mexico City Zocalo (Town Square) was built right on top of it.
The first efforts to find this Tenochtitlan Pyramid began in the 19th Century, though public interest wasn’t very high.
Archeologists persisted, and by the 20th Century, they had a good idea of where the temple might be — however, it was ultimately discovered by accident!
On 21 February 1978, workers for the electric company were digging [in Centro Historico]… and just over two meters down, the diggers struck a pre-Hispanic monolith.
Today, you can tour the remnants of the temple and see some of the most important archeological treasures at this historic site.
During the excavations, upwards of 7,000 objects and artifacts were recovered; some now displayed at the adjoining Templo Mayor Museum.
best pyramids in mexico
18. El Castillo: Muyil Ruins
📍Where: Quintana Roo, Mexico
The actual name of these Mayan ruins is Chunyaxché, though you’ll mostly see it referred to as Muyil.
It is located just south of Tulum in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, near the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Muyil Ruins, though not far from Tulum Ruins, looks totally different and offers another perspective on Mayan culture.
At Muyil, you’ll see Peten architecture, with steep walled pyramids similar to those at Tikal in Guatemala, one of the largest Mayan cities ever discovered.
As Muyil is a smaller site, many will combine their visit with a boat tour or float tour (where you float down the river with a guide) of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
This Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour is one of the top-rated, but you can see all the best Muyil & Sian Ka’an tours here.
best pyramids in mexico
19. Castle of Kukulcan: Mayapan Ruins
📍Where: Yucatan, Mexico
As an off the beaten path Mayan ruins site, you may have the whole place to yourself!
There are several structures here, including a large, central pyramid resembling the Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo) at Chichen Itza. It is called the Castle of Kukulcan and stands 50-feet-tall (15 m).
There is also a large round structure, The Observatory, which you won’t find at other Yucatan Mayan ruins sites.
This structure more closely resembles the round Tollan/Toltec Ruins, seen in the city of Tula near Mexico City, and historians say Mayapan has a Mayan-Toltec connection.
Wondering about the best Aztec pyramids Mexico has? The Templo Mayor in Centro Historico (Historic Downtown) and Teotihuacan Ruins just outside the city, are two of the best.
Mayapan is said to be the last Mayan city ever built and inhabited, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
It was one of the most important pre-Columbian cities in Yucatan, along with Uxmal and Chichen Itza — though it sees far less visitors than both.
The Mayapan Yucatan Ruins are located in the city of Tecoh, just 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Merida.
When visiting, combine it with a swim in any of the 25 or so cenotes near Merida and Mayapan, like Cenote Nah Yah, Cenote Noh-Mozon and Cenote Suem.
best pyramids in mexico
20. Great Pyramid: Kabah Ruins
📍Where: Yucatan, Mexico
The ancient Mayan city of Kabah is about 1,300-years-old, with a series of Mexican Mayan temples and structures to explore.
Along the walls of the central and most impressive structure, the Palace of Masks, with more than 300 carved stone masks, and the Great Pyramid of Kabah.
Ruta Puuc: Sayil, Labná, Xlapak & Kabah Pyramid
Though Uxmal Ruins have the most name recognition, there are actually four other Puuc Route sites.
The complete list of Puuc Route sites are Sayil,Labna, Kabah, Xlapak and Uxmal — and they all fall under the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, not just Uxmal.
The Ruta Puuc is a 36-mile-long (58 km) drive that goes along Highway 261 (Hopelchen-Uman Highway).
Coming from Merida, Uxmal is the first site at 52 miles (84 km) away. If you follow the road southeast, you’ll pass Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak and Labna, in that order.
best pyramids in mexico
20. Temple I: Chacchoben Ruins
📍Where: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Chacchoben (pronounced cha-cho-ben) is among the most visited of all Mayan ruins Costa Maya has.
The “Mayan Coast” is located near the popular cruise destination of Mahahual, Mexico, and many cruise ships take visitors here for a day trip to see the ruins.
There are two groups of structures to see here, including three excavated and restored pyramids — with the largest one containing Mayan hieroglyphic writing.
As Chacchoben is surrounded by jungle, you can see everything from roaming iguanas to spider monkeys.
best pyramids in mexico
22. Structure IX Pyramid: Becan Ruins
📍Where: Campeche, Mexico
Though not too far from Calakmul, the Becán Mayan Ruins are much easier to get to and see far more visitors since there are daily tours to Becan.
While they are located in Campeche state, Becan is a popular day trip from other parts of Yucatan, like Bacalar Lagoon.
Becan is actually a very large site, with 20 or so structures. The largest pyramid stands at about 90-feet-tall (27 m), and offers amazing views of the entire site from the top.
There are other pyramids and plaza-style structures, with rooms you can walk into and explore.
Wondering, Who built the pyramids in Mexico? It depends on where they are located, but the pyramids Mexico has in the Yucatan Peninsula, like the Becan Pyramids, were built by the Mayans.
best pyramids in mexico
23. Kinich Kakmó Pyramid: Izamal Ruins
📍Where: Izamal, Mexico
There are many Mexico pyramids in Izamal, The Yellow City, but none more impressive than Kinich Kakmó Pyramid — named after the Mayan solar god.
Kinich Kak Moo, meaning “fire parrot,” had a macaw’s head and flew to Earth to accept offerings as the sun reached its apex in the sky.
The pyramid is an important pilgrimage site, religious center and ceremonial center for the Maya to this day. At 700,000 m³, it’s one of the biggest pyramids in Mexico by volume (the largest is in Cholula).
Unlike some other pyramids in Mexico, you can climb Kinich Kakmó Pyramid.
best pyramids in mexico
24. Great Pyramid of La Venta
📍Where: Tabasco, Mexico
La Venta is the oldest pyramid in Mexico. It is part of a larger pre-Columbian archeological site of, which dated back several thousand years to the ancient and mysterious Olmec Civilization.
Located in the city of Villahermosa, Mexico, within the state of Tabasco, Mexico — many don’t actually visit La Venta Ruins to see the pyramid, but instead want to see the Olmec Head statues.
In truth, the La Venta pyramid, built in circa 900 B.C., isn’t much to see any longer.
Built out of clay rather than stone like other Mesoamerican pyramids, it has softened with age and now looks like a large hill.
The main attraction at La Venta are its stone sculptures, including the giant Olmec Heads.
The Olmec are one of the most ancient civilizations in Mexico. They inhabited the country from about 1500 B.C. to 400 B.C. — more than 3,500 years ago!
best pyramids in mexico
25. Tepozteco Pyramid (Tepoztlan Pyramid)
📍Where: Tepoztlan, Mexico
For many, no visit to Tepoztlan is complete without climbing to the Tepozteco Pyramid.
It is quite an intense climb to the top, but the views are spectacular. This pyramid is dedicated to Tepoztēcatl, the ancient Aztec god of pulque (pronounced pull-kay), Mexico’s original adult beverage.
6 Tips for Visiting Pyramids in Mexico
1. Rent a Car
As you may have noticed on the Pyramids in Mexico Map near the end of this article, many of the best pyramids in Mexico are a bit off the beaten path.
For this reason, the easiest and most convenient way to reach them is by renting a car in Mexico and driving to them on a great day trip.
🚗💨 Ready to book your Mexico car rental? I recommend, and personally use, Discover Cars anytime I need a car rental in Mexico. ▶︎ BOOK YOURS NOW!
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2. Go on Mexico Pyramids tours
If you don’t want to drive, consider a tour of the Mexico pyramids. To be frank, if you don’t have a qualified guide explaining all the interesting and rich history of the pyramids — you’re really just looking at piles of rocks!
For me, I always book Mexico tours with Viator. ▶︎ BOOK NOW!
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3. What to pack visiting pyramids in Mexico
Now that your rental car or tour is squared away, you’re probably wondering what to pack for Mexico.
When including the ancient Mayan ruins of Mexico on your travel itinerary, don’t forget to pack these items:
Water-To-Go Bottle: This will keep you hydrated and filter your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
Water Buffalo Hydration Backpack: These offer a book bag and water bottle all in one — the perfect practical accessory for a long day of exploring Mexico Mayan ruins.
Bullfrog Anti-Bug Eco Sunscreen: The Mayan ruins in Mexico are hot year-round, and most don’t have shade to escape under. Besides that, they are located in jungles, so expect mosquitoes.
Sunhat, sunglasses, comfy shoes, breathable cotton clothing. You’ll want different layers so you have long sleeves to keep the sun off your skin, but a short sleeve shirt for when you get hot.
best pyramids in mexico
4. Come with cash
Many of the pyramids in Mexico are in a remote location, and can’t process credit card transactions for your admission at the entrance gate.
Even at ruins that do take credit cards for the entrance fee, you may not be able to use them inside to buy water, snacks and souvenirs.
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5. Get a Mexico SIM Card
3GB Cellular Data (at full 4G/LTE speeds) valid for 30 days starting at your arrival in Mexico
Unlimited Calls and SMS (only text) in Mexico, USA or Canada
Can also be used in USA and Canada for Data, Calls and SMS
Unlimited Social Networks (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat)
LTE capable (LTE Coverage is available in most cities and touristic areas)
As mentioned a few times, most Mexico pyramids are off the beaten path. The best way to ensure you have a signal is by using a Telcel Mexico SIM Card.
This is Mexico’s largest cell service provider, so using their SIM ensures you have the best coverage in the most locations.
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6. Get Mexico Travel Insurance
Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.
If Mexico travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.
World Nomads: Perfect for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling — like climbing Mayan ruins in Mexico!
Safety Wing: Ideal for general travel coverage, and for digital nomads who travel for extended periods of time.
Best Pyramids in Mexico Map
Wondering, Where are the pyramids in Mexico? Want to know exactly where the best pyramids in Mexico are located?
Every place mentioned in this article has been pinned to this Mexico pyramids map, so you can easily locate them.
Final Thoughts: Best Pyramids in Mexico to Visit
With hundreds of pyramids in Mexico open to the public, this list just scratches the surface — though it does highlight the most popular Mexico pyramids.
When visiting, stay respectful as these famous pyramids in Mexico are important, holy sites for the people who still live near them.
Are there any pyramids in South America?
Many mistakingly think Mexico is a part of Central America or South America. However, Mexico is in North America, so all Mexico pyramids in this article are in North America!
To see South American pyramids in Latin America, head to Machu Picchu and the Lambayeque Valley in Peru.
Mexico Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
YES — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico.
Also, it helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Mexico?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?
For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.
What do I pack for Mexico?
Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa. Most travelers will get a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa passport stamp a upon arrival.