Yucatán Peninsula and Riviera Maya – Visit All Famous Maya Ruins -Travel Planning

Much has changed since the first publication: the Tren Maya now links all major destinations, Tulum has its own international airport, and—for safety reasons—several pyramids can no longer be climbed. Nevertheless, this article aims to preserve as much of my original text and narrative tone as possible. New information has been discreetly integrated and is clearly labeled.

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Contents

• 1. Introduction – The Classic Route
• 2. Arrival and First Days
• 3. Tulum (Town & Ruins)
• 4. Cobá
• 5. Cozumel – San Gervasio
• 6. Valladolid & Ek Balam
• 7. Chichén Itzá
• 8. Izamal
• 9. Mérida & Uxmal
• 10. Practical Tips 2025
• 11. Further Links & Downloads

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1 | Introduction – The Classic Route

I call this itinerary the classic route because it touches on all the sites in northern Yucatán typically visited by travelers from the Riviera Maya. Most of these Maya sites also belong to the culture’s Classic Period.

Traditionally, most travelers reach Yucatán via a flight to Cancún. Since 2024, however, the brand-new Tulum International Airport (TQO) offers a convenient southern gateway. No matter where you land, our journey into the world of the Maya begins here.

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2 | Arrival and First Days

After landing on the Riviera Maya you’ll probably want a couple of days to acclimatize. I usually head straight down to laid-back Playa del Carmen and spend two or three nights there.

But you could just as well choose Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Tulum, or one of the beach resorts—it makes no difference later on. Use the time to adjust to the heat and shake off jet lag if you’ve flown in from overseas.

New in 2025

• The Tren Maya now runs three times daily between Cancún Airport, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum City. Second-class tickets start at 298 MXN, available online or at the station counter only.
• If you arrive at TQO, you’ll reach downtown Tulum in ten minutes by taxi or shuttle.

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3 | Tulum (Town & Ruins)

The archaeological site of Tulum lies just a few minutes north of the modern town. Though compact, it sits spectacularly atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. Go by rented bike, taxi, or on foot.

Info-Box Tulum (as of July 2025)

Opening Hours	08 – 17 h (last entry 15 h)
Admission	Since May 2025: 515 MXN (110 + PASS 405 MXN)
Getting There	Tren Maya station Tulum Centro + taxi/bike
Climbing	not allowed
Specials	One-way trails; beach cove open 10 – 15 h

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4 | Cobá

Cobá lies about 40 km west of Tulum and once offered the rare chance to climb a Maya pyramid. Since 2020 the ascent of the great pyramid Nohoch Mul has been permanently banned. A wooden observation tower on Sacbé 8 now provides a fantastic jungle view of other pyramids.

Inside the extensive site you can rent a bicycle or a bicycle-taxi. Reach Cobá by public bus, colectivo taxi, or guided tour.

Info-Box Cobá

Opening Hours	08 – 17 h
Admission	100 MXN + 80 MXN state tax
On-Site Mobility	Bike rental ~ 65 MXN
Climbing	not allowed

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5 | Cozumel – San Gervasio

San Gervasio is a fairly extensive Maya site on Cozumel island. Tourist numbers remain low—even though cruise ships dock at Cozumel—because most cruisers prefer day trips to the mainland. Although the architecture seems rather plain, the place holds outstanding spiritual importance as the main sanctuary of the Maya goddess Ixchel.

The ferry to Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen twice per hour. On the island, hire a taxi or—as I did—a scooter: San Gervasio sits in the island’s interior, about 30 minutes’ ride to the entrance.

Info-Box San Gervasio

Opening Hours	09 – 15 h
Admission	10 USD + 95 MXN eco-fee
Getting There	Ferry (Playa) + taxi or scooter
Climbing	not allowed

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6 | Valladolid & Ek Balam

You can easily reach Valladolid by public bus from Tulum in about 1.5 hours. Since December 2023, the Tren Maya also stops at Valladolid—the station sits on the eastern edge of town and is served daily. Valladolid is a charming colonial city with a plaza and cathedral. Tourism is minimal here, making it ideal for shopping; I picked up the best family-size hammock ever at a fantastic price.

The Maya site Ek Balam lies about 30 km north of Valladolid and is famed for the well-preserved stucco frieze on its Great Acropolis. As of 2025, Ek Balam is among the last sites where you may still climb the main pyramid—steep but rewarding!

Info-Box Ek Balam

Opening Hours	08 – 17 h
Admission	Official booth: 556 MXN (2025-06)
Getting There	Tren Maya station Valladolid + shuttle van 25 min / 70 MXN
Climbing	allowed

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7 | Chichén Itzá

From Valladolid the route leads to Chichén Itzá. I strongly recommend finding accommodation nearby and visiting the ruins early the next morning. Chichén Itzá is by far the most famous Maya city and draws large crowds; many come on day trips from Cancún, roughly 100 km away. Arrive at opening time if you want good photos.

New in 2025

• Arrival via Tren Maya (Cancún Airport → 1 h 16 min) + shuttle 5 km
• Admission 648 MXN; online time-slot mandatory
• Night show »Noches de Kukulkán« daily 19:30 h (separate ticket 708 MXN)
• Flip-flops no longer advised: new wooden ramps can be slippery.

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8 | Izamal

Izamal is special. On the way toward Mérida you’ll pass this small town in northern Yucatán. Few stop here, although Izamal boasts noteworthy attractions.

Historically, the two largest Maya pyramids once stood here. The Spanish destroyed one and built a monastery on top. The other remains relatively well preserved and is still impressive for its sheer size. In 2024 Izamal regained the »Pueblo Mágico« title.

New in 2025

A Tren Maya station for Izamal is already planned; opening is currently scheduled for 2026. Until then, the easiest way to reach the town remains by bus or rental car.

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9 | Mérida & Uxmal

To visit Uxmal it’s best to schedule several days in Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. This allows you to explore the old colonial city and its cathedral—one of the oldest in the Americas—plus its museums and the large modern national monument.

While in Mérida, plan excursions to Uxmal, Izamal, or other Maya sites nearby. The most impressive building in Uxmal is the Pyramid of the Magician. Legend says a sorcerer built it overnight. All the pyramids, palaces, and temples in Uxmal are in excellent condition.

New in 2025

• Direct train Mérida-Teya → Umán (Tren Maya) + taxi 25 min to Uxmal
• Combo ticket »Ruta Puuc« (Uxmal + Kabah + Sayil) 450 MXN

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10 | Practical Tips 2025

Tren Maya at a Glance

• Classes: Turista, Premier, Restaurante
• Fixed seat numbers, digital check-in via QR code
• Luggage limit 25 kg + 10 kg carry-on (currently 10 kg carry-on in T&Cs; checked 23 kg only on routes > 4 h)

Roads & Tolls

• Autopista 180D Cancún ↔ Chichén Itzá: toll 475 MXN
• New expressway Muna ↔ Tulum (sections already open)

Safety & Environment

• Police checkpoints: keep vehicle papers and passport ready
• Drones banned at archaeological sites (fines up to 150 000 MXN)
• Cenotes charge a 50 MXN reforestation fee

Compact Packing List

Gear	Why
Closed-toe trail shoes	Slippery ramps, jungle paths
Reusable bottle	Many sites have water stations
UV shirt & reef-safe sunscreen	Health & environment
Offline map app	No signal away from the coast

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11 | Further Links & Downloads

• PDF Map »Tren Maya & Maya Sites« (free download)
• Official INAH updates on site closures
• Video playlist »Tren Maya First Ride« (YouTube)

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Have fun planning your Yucatán adventure! Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions or spot new changes.