 Mérida is the gateway to the Maya World, a realm of magic and mystery once ruled by one of the most advanced civilizations in the ancient Americas. Stargazers, scribes, warriors and traders, the Maya left their mark on the landscape in the form of more than 3,000 archaeological sites identified to date.
Although the Maya had abandoned the great cities of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal long before the Spaniards reached Mexico in the sixteenth century, the conquistadors nevertheless marveled at the majesty of their ancient palaces and temples. Why not follow in their footsteps and discover the Mayan legacy.
Other Mayan sites
Smaller archaeological sites open to the public include Oxkintok, Acanceh, Ake, Chacmultun, Yaxuná and the port of Xcambó.
Mayapan
Located 49 km south of Mérida on Hwy 18, Mayapán emerged as a regional power in A.D. 1250 and was the last great Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula. It was abandoned in A.D. 1450 and many of its buildings resemble those at Chichén Itzá, leading to speculation that settlers from Chichén founded it.
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