Explore the ancient Maya ruins

The Yucatán is the heartland of the ancient Maya, and from Cancún you can reach some of the most spectacular ruins in the Americas. The mighty Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the headline trip, with its iconic stepped pyramid, while the cliff-top ruins of Tulum overlook the Caribbean and the smaller Cobá lets you climb among the jungle. You can join a tour or, to save money, take the ADO bus and visit independently, arriving early to beat the heat and crowds. We'll explain the ruins worth prioritising and how to do each affordably.