Chichen Itza vs Other Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan has dozens of Mayan archaeological sites. Here's how the top 5 compare to help you choose — or visit them all!
Chichen Itza vs Other Ruins: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chichen Itza | Tulum | Coba | Uxmal | Ek Balam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNESCO World Heritage | |||||
| New 7 Wonders of the World | |||||
| Can climb the pyramid | |||||
| Beach/ocean views | |||||
| Cenotes nearby | |||||
| Night light show | |||||
| Less crowded | |||||
| Guided tours available |
Chichen Itza & Mayan Ruins Detailed Breakdown
Chichen ItzaOUR SPECIALTY
History buffs, bucket-listers, photographers
Highlights: El Castillo, Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, Sacred Cenote
Our Verdict: The must-see Mayan ruin. World-famous for good reason — the sheer scale and preservation are unmatched.
Tulum
Beach lovers, Instagram photographers, easy access
Highlights: Clifftop ruins, Caribbean sea views, beach below ruins
Our Verdict: Smaller ruins but the ocean backdrop is stunning. More of a photo opportunity than a deep archaeological experience.
Coba
Adventurers, pyramid climbers, nature lovers
Highlights: Nohoch Mul pyramid (42m, climbable), jungle setting, bike paths
Our Verdict: The adventurer's choice. Climbing the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan is unforgettable.
Uxmal
Architecture lovers, Puuc style enthusiasts, fewer crowds
Highlights: Pyramid of the Magician, Governor's Palace, detailed mosaics
Our Verdict: Arguably the most beautiful Mayan architecture. Less touristic, more intimate.
Ek Balam
Off-the-beaten-path, pyramid climbers, art lovers
Highlights: Climbable Acropolis, intact stucco frieze, Cenote X'Canché
Our Verdict: The hidden gem. Incredible stucco art, climbable pyramid, and almost no crowds.
Our Recommendation
🏆 If You Can Only Visit One
Visit Chichen Itza. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the most significant Mayan city ever discovered. See our history guide for the full story.
🧗 If You Want to Climb a Pyramid
Add Ek Balam or Coba to your itinerary. Our Chichen Itza + Ek Balam combo tour lets you do both in one day.
📸 If You're an Instagram Photographer
Tulum's cliff-top ruins with the turquoise Caribbean below are unbeatable for photos. But Chichen Itza's El Castillo is the more iconic shot. Get the best angles with our photography tips.