Must See: The Ruins of Eastern Mexico

Millions of people visit Cancun and Riviera Maya each year without even leaving their resort.

One of the must-see experiences in this area of the world is vising the Mayan ruins.

The major ruins near Cancun are Chichen-Itza, Tulum and Coba.

Chichen-Itza

These are the largest, most extensive set of ruins as Chichen-Itza was one of the largest Mayan cities in the 10th century. At the vernal and autumnal equinoxes (around March 20 and September 22), the morning and afternoon sun produces a light-and-shadow illusion of the serpent ascending or descending the side of El Castillo’s staircase.  It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive one way from the Cancun Hotel Zone. 

Tulum
These are compact set of ruins on the coast directly south of Cancun. These are about an hour and 45 minute drive from Cancun Hotel Zone. The structures are well excavated. You can bring your swimsuits and enjoy the beach. 

Coba
These ruins are located inland. It's about a 2 hour and 22 minute drive from the Cancun Hotel Zone. The big attraction to these ruins is that they are less crowded and you can climb the temple. They are about 45 minutes from Tulum so they make sense as a detour.

There's another smaller set near downtown Cancun: El Rey Ruins. This is a very small set of ruins located very close to the Hotel Zone.

I recommend booking a private transfer versus a larger tour so that you can be there right as the sites open. We were one of only 10 people at Tulum when we arrived right as it opened.