Mayan Ruins are archaeological sites of the advanced Mayan civilization that existed between 1300 BC – 1200 AD in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. Tulum and Chichen Itza are the most visited ruins, while Tikal, Copan, and Altun Ha are other important sites.
Mayan Ruins are the remaining archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization that existed between 1300 BC – 1200 AD The Maya are known to be an extremely advanced civilization that flourished mainly between 300 AD – 900 AD The Maya inhabited the lands of the present day peninsula Yucatan in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, and were responsible for building large monuments to perform numerous rituals and ceremonies. The ruins of these ceremonial monuments can be visited in hundreds of places in areas of Mexico and Central America.
Tulum and Chichen Itza are two of the most visited Mayan ruins. Tulum faces the Caribbean Sea approximately 81 miles (131 km.) south of Cancun, Mexico. Tulum is considered one of the most important cities of the Mayan civilization because it was believed to be a major port city during their time. Also located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is revered as the most visited site of all Mayan ruins. Chichen Itza was the capital and cultural center of the Mayan civilization and the archaeological site spans over 6 square miles (about 15.5 sq km). Other Mayan ruins in Yucatan include but are not limited to: Becan, Bonampak, Calakmul, Chacchoben, Chac Mool, Chicanna, Coba, Mayapan, Uxmal, Xel-Ha and Yaxchilan.
Although many Mayan ruins are found on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, there are other sites in neighboring countries. Guatemala is home to Tikal National Park which covers over 222 square miles (575 square km) of dense rainforest and contains over 4,000 Mayan structures. Besides Tikal, Guatemala is home to Ceibal, Aguateca, Dos Pilas, Tamarindito, Solola, Antigua and many more.
Another of the most visited Mayan archaeological sites is Copan, located in present-day Honduras. Copan is the southernmost point of the Mayan civilization. Besides being a center of learning, Copan is famous for large stone pillars that have intricately carved hieroglyphs that tell stories of ancient Honduran culture.
Another important trading city for the Maya was located near Belize City, Belize at Altun Ha. Altun Ha contains at least 500 buildings, but the core of the ruined area consists of thirteen structures and two plazas. Altun Ha is home to one of the most famous Mayan temples, called the Temple of the Masonry Altars. In addition to its rich history and seven layers of tombs, the temple is on the label of Belikin beer, which is the national beer of Belize.
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