One of the largest cities in the Maya region, Calakmul is dotted by 120 stelae amid the monumental structures and pyramids. It is located in the second-largest natural reserve in the Americas, and was listed as a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage site in 2014.

The ancient Maya inhabitants of the region constructed a ceremonial center within a cavern. Most notable is a giant pillar made by the fusion of a stalactite with a stalagmite known as the Sacred Ceiba (silk-cotton tree).

One of the most important ceremonial centers of northern Mesoamerica. Its orientation allows for the observation of the Sun’s yearly movement and, like Chichen Itza, it attracts visitors at the time of the spring equinox.

The land, owned by the modern industrial quarry, is the site of various discoveries of settlements dating back to 300 BC, notably Casa Azul (Blue House), with a fantastic mural of the Mayan cosmos, the “P” group of Xcaret and the Temple of the Columns.

A Zapotec-Mixtec city still lived in when the Spanish arrived and governed by king Cosijoeza. It is known for its architecture and the tombs discovered here including one with a rich offering of gems and objects made from gold and precious metals.

The settlement’s development was influenced by Teotihuacan, the Toltecs and the Nahua.  When it was occupied by the Tlahuica, who spoke Nahuatl, it dominated.  Once the Triple Alliance was formed the Mexica conquered Yautepec and forced it to pay tribute.  A beautiful pyramid has been preserved.

Situated on the border of the Mayan highlands and the lowlands. A warrior state that overcame Palenque, and left a remarkable Acropolis, built of platforms one superposed upon another, and a pyramidal structure unique in the Mayan area due to its complexity and monumental size; it is even taller than the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan.

A place of great beauty, popularly known as “Nezahualcoyotl’s Baths” (1421-1521 AD). Designed by the famous poet king of Texcoco, it is said he came here to fast and meditate.  Remarkable for its water works (aqueducts, pools and canals).

Its origin remains a mystery. Some authors associate it with Chicomoztoc, a mythical place that the Aztecs passed through on their way to the Valley of Mexico. A powerful center of government, at its height it governed over 220 settlements and produced very distinctive architecture.

This is the most visited site in Quintana Roo. It has stunning residential, civic and religious complexes surrounded by jungle. The Temple of the Masks is outstanding with figures of royal personages which still retain traces of red paint and whose attire bears celestial symbols.