~ Top 10 Maya Ruins Sites ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Maya Ruins Sites


1. Tikal, Guatemala   



These Mayan ruins, found within the Tikal National Park, can be reached from Chiapas by organized tour and then a short hike. They are said to comprise one of the largest archaeological sites and pre-Columbian Maya civilization in Central America. The site has such a surreal feel that it was used as the rebel base in Star Wars. It also appears as the Maya city in the Mel Gibson movie Apocalypto. This Mayan ruin site is one of the more expensive to enter, but it is worth the trip to see the paintings and frescoes that have been preserved inside the pyramids. This impressive city includes the remains of temples, large royal palaces, pyramids, residences, administrative buildings, and inscribed stone monuments. The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Impressively, there has been monumental architecture at the site as far back as the 4th century BC. Be on the lookout as you enter the park, since it is claimed that jaguars can sometimes be seen in the surrounding forests.

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2. Chichen Itza, Mexico   



Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya in the Mexican Yucatán state. This ruined city was one of the largest Maya cities and it appears to have been one of the mythical great cities, called Tollans, referred to in Mesoamerican literature. The site is known for the variety of architectural styles present, which may be a result of its diverse population - indeed, one of the most diverse in the Maya world. This site is incredibly popular with tourists, receiving about 1.2 million visitors every year. It was an attractive settlement for the Maya because of the two large sinkholes, called cenotes that may have provided water year round. The Carnegie Institution was a major factor in the initial archaeological excavation of the site, and was responsible for restoring the Temple of Warriors. There have been many other excavation projects, often partnerships between the Mexican Government and private institutions. If you make the trip, dont miss the Cenote Segrado, which was a place of pilgrimage for ancient Maya people.

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3. Palenque, Mexico   



This former Maya city-state flourished in southern Mexico in the 7th century. After the citys fall, around 800 BC, it was absorbed into the jungle before being excavated and turned into the now-famous archaeological site that it is today. You can find this incredible ruin near the Usumacinta River in Chiapas, 130 km south of Ciudad del Carmen. Palenque is a much smaller site than what youll see at Tikal, but it has some of the finest architecture, sculpture, and bas-relief carvings that the Mayas produced. Readings of the hieroglyphic inscriptions on the many monuments have allowed experts and historians to reconstruct much of the history of Palenque. This spot is sure to ignite the imagination, as only 10% of the site has been uncovered. Visitors can wonder at what remains enveloped in the surrounding jungle.

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4. Uxmal, Mexico



The Maya ruins at Uxmal, 62 km south of Mérida, the capital of Yucatán state in Mexico, are famous for the size and decoration of the buildings. Little is known about Uxmal because although much work has been done to consolidate and restore the buildings, not much in the way of archaeological excavation and research has been undertaken. Uxmal was founded in 500 AD according to Maya chronicles, and was dominant from 875 to 900 CE. The buildings at this site are better preserved than many other sites, so visitors can truly get a feel for what the pyramids and structures originally looked like. The Mayan style of Architecture called Puuc predominates at Uxmal, with carefully cut veneer stones set into a concrete core. Imagine playing on the large ball court that was used for playing the Mesoamerican ballgame called Tlatchtli.

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5. Lamanai, Belize   



This Mayan temple, deep in the Central American rain forest gets its name from the Maya word for "submerged crocodile". These ruins of a medium-sized Mayan city are located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize. The site was occupied as early as the 16th century BC and its history includes two Catholic churches that were built there during the Spanish conquest of Yucatán. A Maya revolt later drove the Spanish out. The site was occupied, however, for over two millennia. Two of the largest structures have been the focus of excavation that began in the mid-1970s: the Mask Temple, the Temple of the Jaguar Masks and High Temple. To reach these ruins deep in the jungle, visitors must take an organized day boat trip from Orange Walk Town (San Felipe) along the New River. There is a small museum at the site, exhibiting local artefacts and providing the sites history, and facilities and shops can also be found.

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6. Xunantunich, Belize   



The Maya name of this ruin means "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" and can be found on the Western Highway near the village of San Jose Succotz in western Belize. The site can be accessed by a ferry, which traverses the Mopan River across from the village. Climb up to the top for a spectacular view of the entire river valley below. The "stone woman" of the name refers to the ghost of a woman that supposedly has inhabited the site since 1892. The ghostly story depicts the woman dressed all in white with flame-red eyes. She appears in front of "El Castillo", one of the main structures on the site, climbs the stairs and disappears into a stone wall. The centre of Xunantunich is about 2.6 square kilometres, with six plazas and more than 26 palaces and temples. Its quite a place to behold, especially if you catch sight of the "stone maiden".

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7. Altun Ha, Belize   



31 miles north of Belize City on the Old North Highway, you will find Altun Ha. This Mayan ruin is in an area that has abundant wildlife, such as armadillos, paca, foxes, agouti, tyra, tapir, and white-tailed deer. There is also a reservoir made by the Maya that is now home to large crocodiles, and 200 species of birds have been recorded. But apart from the impressive displays of wildlife, Altun Ha is known for the discovery of a carved Jade head that represents the Sun God Kinich Ahau. There were other Jade artefacts uncovered there, which reinforces the what is known about Altun Ha - that it was a major ceremonial and trade centre.

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8. Caracol, Belize



Travel a mere 40 km south from Xunantunich and youll find yourself at Caracol, a large Maya archaeological site located in what is now Belizes Cayo District. It rests 500 metres above sea level on the Vaca Plateau in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. This site is now known to be one of the most important political centres of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. At one time, Caracol spread over more than 200 km, making this ancient city larger than Belize City, which is the biggest city in the country today. Even more amazing, the current population of Belize City is only half that of its ancient predecessor. And the Maya people were living there as early as 1,200 BC. When visiting Caracol, see if you can imagine lords with names like Tree Branch Rain God, Lord Water, or Smoking Skull ruling over the city and erecting monuments as proof of their power.

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9. Yaxchilan, Mexico   



Travel back to Chiapas, Mexico, to visit this next awesome Mayan ruin, located on the bank of the Usumacinta River. Yaxchilan was at one time one of the most powerful Maya states along the river, and was a rival of other cities such as Palenque and Tikal. The site is best known for the well-preserved sculptured stone lintels above the doorways on the main structures. The lintels, as well as the stelae (monuments) in front of the larger buildings are etched with hieroglyphic texts that tell the tale of the citys dynastic history. The rulers of this ancient city also have intimidating names. Moon Skull and Bird Jaguar were two of the kings who lorded over Yaxchilan around the 5th century.

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10. Quirigua, Guatemala   



Izabal in south-eastern Guatemala is the home of Quirigua, an ancient Maya archaeological site covering approximately 3 square kilometres. During the Maya Classic Period from 200 - 900 AD, this site was at the crossroads of several important trade routes. The site is best known for its acropolis, on which construction was begun around 550. Quirigua houses some of the tallest stone monuments ever erected in the Americas. The many intricate sculptures make this site a must-see. The well-preserved site of this ancient city is a marvel to behold, especially considering that it was built over the Motagua Fault and major earthquakes rocked it in ancient times and it has seen flooding over the centuries as well. It is a true testament to Maya architecture.