THE MAYA CIVILIZATION

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, where we are located, is the center of the ancient Mayan civilization. Over 2000 years ago, these people were some of the world's greatest pyramid builders, mathematicians and astronomers. Scientists and historians are still attempting to understand some of the complex math, language, and building skills of the ancient Maya. Descendants of the ancient Maya still populate the area - their language, food, and many of their traditions shape the culture of Yucatan. There are several Mayan archeological sites located near Mayab Center to study and visit. The ruins of Tulum, the only city on the coast, are just up the beach. The cities of Coba and Muyil are a short drive into the jungle. Chichen Itza, probably the most famous and well-studied site, is about a three hour drive from Mayab Center.

THE TULUM ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

Closest to Mayab Center is the ancient city of Tulum, a fortress overlooking the Caribbean. Originally called "Zama," or "place of the dawning," Tulum grew into an important ceremonial and cultural center.

Tulum was the first Maya community reportedly sighted by the Spanish in the 16th century. Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, it is the only walled ruins discovered on the coast to date. Archaeologists believe that the city was one of the ports scattered along the coast of the Yucatan used by Mayan traders.

The most famous and important structure at Tulum is El Castillo (castle). Located on a 40 foot bluff, it commands a breathtaking view of the coastline. It once served as a lighthouse guiding ships through the treacherous reefs that lie offshore. Another interesting structure contains wall paintings of the rain god Chaac and Ixchel, the goddess of weaving, women, the moon, and medicine.  

CHICHEN ITZA

The ancient city of Chichen Itza covers a six square mile area on the peninsula and is about a three hour drive through the jungle from Tulum. Building started here in roughly 600 A.D. One of the most magnificent structures is El Castillo (the castle), otherwise known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. The pyramid reflects the advanced skills the Maya had in astronomy. The total number of steps on the building is 365, and on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow on the pyramid which resembles a huge snake slithering down the front staircase.

The ancient Maya performed an important ceremonial ball game; experts are still attempting to fully understand the rules and purpose of this game. At Chichen there are 22 ball courts. The largest of these, known simply as the great ball court, is 270 feet long, and has amazing acoustics. Chichen Itza is a huge site and takes a full day to explore.  

COBA

The Mayan ruins at Cobá are unique in that they have been barely restored. In fact, only a few of the 6,500 or so structures have been uncovered. Cobá may have once had the largest population of the Mayan cities in the area. The site dates from 600-900 A.D. and there were an estimated 100,000 people living in its domain. Coba is situated on the shores of two lakes and has as many as fifty sacbes (ancient roads) leading from it’s city center out to the other sites all over the peninsula. The Nohoc Mul pyramid is the tallest in the Yucatan at over 126 feet. Climbing the 120 stairs to the top of the Grand Pyramid is well worth the effort. There is a view for miles over the jungle canopy to the lakes and unexcavated temple mounds peeking above the trees.  

MUYIL

Most people who come to the Riviera Maya have no idea that just south of Tulum pueblo, within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, there are two large absolutely pristine lakes that can be toured by boat.

The ruins of Muyil, one of the oldest Mayan cities in the region, lies inside the biosphere and near these lakes. The site may be reached by boat or by land. On the grounds of the ruins there is a boardwalk nature trail through a lush marshland that ends up at the edge of beautiful Laguna Muyil.

It is thought that the Maya originally built Muyil because it was an important link in their maritime trade route up and down the coast of Quintana Roo. The Maya hand excavated the canals to link Boca Paila [the sea entrance] to the two large lakes where the ruins are located. These links created a vast inland waterway of narrow canals and big lakes.