~ Top 10 Of The Most Interesting Mayan Temples ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Of The Most Interesting Mayan Temples

Mexico and the southernmost portion of the continent are the best places in the world, where the Mayan Temples provide an unsurpassed experience. The reason is that these areas once were the home of the Maya civilization, while these ancient civilizations are famous for their developed urban life, as well as art and architectural masterpieces. Probably the most beautiful of these "architectural masterpieces" are the Mayan temples, which nowadays offer a unique possibility to get back in time and enjoy a fabulous historical adventure. Well, the Top 10 of the most interesting Mayan temples create a collection, which will pamper your adventure with the finest experience. Some of these temples are well-preserved; others are only ruins; while there are also temples, of which only a few barely visible remains are left. In all cases, the following Mayan temples are the best of the best. See why!


1. Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
 


Nearby the tip of Yucatan Peninsula and only about an hour's drive southwest from Cancun is situated the ancient Mayan city Coba. It is one of the largest Mayan communities, which are located within the peninsula and it is considered that Coba was first settled around 100 BC. Nowadays, this ancient community is still developed and inhabited, and it covers a large area along the north shore of Laguna Coba, as well as another common area along the south shore of the lake. The old Mayan streets within the village are great attractions to explore and, plus, you can come across a number of Mayan pyramids. But that makes Coba really famous is the tallest Mayan temple on the peninsula - the Nohoch Mul temple. It has a well-distinctive steep pyramid shape, while the panoramic vistas from its top (over 40 meters above ground) are just breathtaking.

[MysteRy]

2. Copan, Honduras, Central America



In westernmost Honduras you can come across the ruins of a whole ancient Mayan city. Its name is Copan and it is situated between the community of Barrio El Centro and a small river. Copan was once one of the largest Mayan cities within the southern area of the kingdom and it is famous for a number of well-preserved ruins. This archaeological site also contains lots of sculptures, which are a symbolic part of the architectural style of the temples. The site was inhabited until the 9th century, but it still keeps lots of secrets to explore, as well as unique mystical charm. You can find a number of stone monuments that depict Mayan kings, a hieroglyphic stairway and a group of temple pyramids. Copan also contains two large courts, which are irresistible places to explore. In the meantime, the green scenery offers a perfect fit to immerse completely into the old spirit of the site.

[MysteRy]

3. Lamanai, Belize, Central America



The Mayan ruins of Lamanai are situated in northern Belize and along the northern shore of a long narrow lake. The first settlement of the area dates to nearly 1500 BC, while within the site you can find numerous ancient ruins, as well as one of the tallest Mayan temples - the Temple of the Jaguar. Its huge steep shape creates a mystical accent to the surrounding green colours of the tropical forests, while there is also a staircase that leads to the top of the pyramid. From there you can enjoy plenty of panoramic vistas, which are definitely worth the climbing. Then, close your eyes and imagine the vision of the ancient Maya people.

[MysteRy]

4. Chichen Itza, Mexico
 


Chichen Itza is a small ancient community at the northern tip of Yucatan Peninsula and it is situated about an hour's drive east from the city of Merida, Mexico. Chichen Itza is one of the most interesting highlights to include in your trip list, because it was one of the largest Mayan cities during the 10th century. Therefore, Chichen Itza is also famous for its abundant collection of numerous architectures and ruins, such as temples, columns, walls, courts and other ancient buildings. One of the greatest attractions is Kukulkan Temple Pyramid, which is also one of the largest and best preserved Mayan temples. You can climb atop the pyramid and take full advantage of the inspiring panoramic vistas, especially at sunset, when all the ruins within the site are bathed in the golden low of the sun's rays. Moreover, right next to Chichen Itza you can find a variety of lodges, hotel villas, bungalows and other vacation homes, which offer a perfect fit to stay and enjoy a longer adventure in the Mayan world.

[MysteRy]

5. Tikal, Guatemala, Central America
 


In northern Guatemala, in the southern portion of Yucatan Peninsula, and within the green tropical woodlands of Tikal National Park, you can come across one of the oldest and best preserved Mayan archaeological sites. It comes to Tikal, which is something unique. A wide variety of Mayan temples and other ancient constructions are nestled within a small area and they create an unsurpassed illusion that you are in a heavenly seclusion. Moreover, this is a paradise of Mayan, which originates from 4th century BC, while if you climb atop the highest temple ruins you can enjoy everything at once. Just because the panoramic vistas of the temples are magically isolated by the green trees and the clear blue sky.

[MysteRy]

6. Caracol, Belize, Central America   



Caracol is one of the largest Mayan temples in Latin America. It is located nearby the western border of Belize and it is founded on a tall picturesque hill. Within the lush green scenery of the hill are nestled numerous Mayan temples including the great Caana temple pyramid, which gorgeously depicts the impressive historical background of Caracol. And this background originates from around 1200 BC! Caracol was once a large Mayan community while, nowadays, make sure to enjoy a couple of hours or even a whole afternoon in exploration of the giant trees and some of the greatest Mayan temples in Latin America.

[MysteRy]

7. Tulum, Mexico   



Along the northeastern shore of Yucatan Peninsula is situated the small scenic village of Tulum, which indeed is one of the greatest attractions to visit along Riviera Maya in Mexico. Only a couple of kilometers east of Tulum you can come across the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Together with this unsurpassed exotic beauty you can find the famous Tulum archaeological site. It was a major Mayan port during the 13th century and it contains a variety of fortified Mayan buildings. The best thing is maybe that these Mayan ruins majestically stand over a dozen of meters tall cliffs from where the panoramic vistas are unique, especially at sunrise.

[MysteRy]

8. Calakmul, Mexico
 


Also in Mexico, but right in the heart of Yucatan Peninsula is located the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul. The ruins of the village cover a huge area within the lush tropic forests, while these ruins feature a number of some thousands. The largest of them are the pyramids, which stretch to over 45 meters above ground and therefore they are some of the largest Mayan temples. You may need even more than a whole day to explore all the stunning sights, while their colours and carvings are definitely some of the most beautiful accents in this so beautiful tropical scenery.

[MysteRy]

9. Palenque, Mexico



A few kilometers southwest from the village of Palenque, Mexico, you can enjoy another fabulous archaeological site - the ancient Mayan City of Palenque. Furthermore, it is one of the most beautiful Mayan cities, because it is fulfilled with precise stone carvings, exquisite bas-reliefs and other inscriptions, which depict the vibrant lifestyle of the ancient Mayan society. There are even ruins, which originate from the 2th century BC, but most of the area is still unexplored. The Temple of the Count is a truly remarkable sight to witness, thanks to its unique rooftop with massive columns and panoramic platforms, from where the vistas are amazing. Well, just a walk trip within the green lawns is enough to feel the majesty of the atmosphere, especially when the sun sets behind the giant shapes of the Mayan temples.

[MysteRy]

10. Uxmal, Mexico



Within the lush jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula is situated another group of Mayan temples to include in your historical adventure. These temples are part of the Mayan city of Uxmal, which is situated not far from Merida. The whole site of Uxmal is famous for the gigantic proportions of its temples, while the greatest of them is the Pyramid of the Magician. It is the tallest Mayan structure in Uxmal and it was built after the 6th century. This giant pyramid stretches high above the tallest crowns of the trees and it is definitely a striking sight to witness. Moreover, there are plenty of other ruins to explore in Uxmal.


Enjoy a historical adventure in Mexico and southernmost North America and you can get back in time through the awesome vistas of the mystical Mayan temples. It comes to about 1000 BC, when the Maya society was the king of these areas and they have built lots of temples and other urban constructions. What about the Top 10 of the most interesting Mayan temples? Each of them is a unique time machine, as well as unsurpassed source of inspiration, captivation and a wealth of magical mysticism.