Mayapan

The basics

Mayapan is a common stop on full- and half-day tours from Merida, often appearing on history or culture-focused itineraries along with other Mayan landmarks such as the Homun cenotes or Loltun Cave. Multi-day tours of northern Yucatan sometimes stop here too, on their way across the peninsula from Riviera Maya. You’ll need around an hour to explore the site; architecture buffs should take advantage of expert-led tours to get the most out of their visit.

Things to know before you go

• Unlike Chichen Itza, Mayapan’s main temple can be climbed, though be prepared for a steep descent.
• The site is almost entirely uncovered, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Curation in English is limited, so it’s worth exploring with a guide where possible.

How to get there

The archaeological site is around a 40-minute drive from Merida, just south of Telchaquillo. A public bus can be taken from Merida’s Noreste bus terminal and takes around 2-hours. Otherwise, most day tours include round-trip transportation.

When to get there

If you’re heat-sensitive, it’s best to arrive early and explore the site before the day warms up. The structures should not be climbed in wet weather.

Chichen Itza’s Little Sister

Much of Mayapan’s architectural designs bear more than a passing resemblance to their Chichen Itza counterparts. It’s well worth visiting both to personally clock the many similarities and to learn more about the tumultuous relationship between the two ancient cities.