8 notable sites ranked among the world's top 100
The ancient Maya city dominated by the step-pyramid El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán). During equinoxes, shadows create a serpent slithering down the steps.
UNESCO World Heritage, New Seven Wonders, astronomical precision.
The 'City of the Gods' with the third-largest pyramid in the world (Pyramid of the Sun). At its peak, it was one of the largest cities on Earth.
UNESCO World Heritage, third-largest pyramid, ancient metropolis.
One of the finest Maya cities with the Temple of Inscriptions containing King Pakal's elaborate jade-covered burial.
UNESCO World Heritage, finest Maya funerary art.
A walled Maya city perched on 12-meter cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. One of the last cities built by the Maya.
Only Maya city on the coast, dramatic clifftop setting.
An ancient Maya city with the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán (Nohoch Mul at 42 meters) connected by 50 sacbé (white roads).
Tallest Maya pyramid in the Yucatán.
A Zapotec hilltop capital with a massive leveled plaza, astronomical observatory, and carved 'swimmer' figures.
UNESCO World Heritage, earliest Mesoamerican writing.
A masterpiece of Puuc Maya architecture. The Pyramid of the Magician has a unique rounded base and steep steps.
UNESCO World Heritage, finest Puuc architecture.
A vast Maya city hidden in the jungle with two massive pyramids. Rival to Tikal, it dominated the Classic Maya lowlands.
UNESCO World Heritage, Maya superpower, jungle-shrouded.