From Chichen-Itza To Kohunlich

Have you ever dreamed of vacationing like Indiana Jones, visiting archaeological sites and climbing pyramids? There is no better place to do it than Mexico , and more specifically, the Riviera Maya. Yes, the Riviera Maya is not just Cancun's white sand beaches, monumental discos, and shopping on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. The Riviera Maya is a paradise for visitors who want to learn and experience history firsthand, not through museum glass cases.

I have prepared for you a plan for a road trip through Yucatan and the Riviera Maya, covering five incredible archaeological sites, that can be comfortably completed over 5 days or more if you have time. I have also added accommodation suggestions so that you don’t need to go back to your starting point every time.

Got your interest? Keep reading!

Archaeological Tour in Riviera Maya at a Glance

I suggest you choose Chichén Itzá as your starting point. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the northern part of Yucatán, surrounded by lush jungle. Your next stop will be Ek' Balam, a very peaceful site with grand staircases and finely detailed stucco sculptures, about 128 km south of Chichen Itza. Then head to Coba, 187 km to the northeast, with its towering pyramid, Nohoch Mul . Next are the famous ruins of Tulum, less than 40 kilometers away, a perfect place for an extended stop and a mix of archaeological thrills and beach relaxation. Your final stop is Kohunlich, about 4 hours southwest of Tulum. This is a hidden gem, off the beaten path, with an amazing Temple of the Masks.

Ready to hear the details? This 5-day itinerary is perfect for archaeology and cultural explorers who also want to enjoy some serious beach time.

Day 1 - Chichen Itza

Most travelers begin their adventure by flying into Cancun International Airport, the main gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula. You can arrive in Cancun, explore the city, and then drive to Valladolid to be ready for Chichen Itza early in the morning. Although, you could drive to Chichen Itza straightaway.

From Cancun, it's about a 2-hour drive to your first stop, Valladolid, a beautiful colonial city near Chichen Itza where you can spend your first night.

It's easy to rent a car at the airport, the drive is straightforward, and along the way, you'll get your first glimpse of the lush jungle that surrounds this region.

Valladolid is a perfect base with added benefits to your trip. You can stroll the streets, have a delicious lunch at the local restaurants, and check out some beautiful cenotes nearby. There are many accommodation options available, from beautiful colonial hotels right on the main square to some smaller, eco-conscious options with more modern twists.

If you can, head to Chichen Itza early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. However, the Light and Sound show at night is also worth seeing. Ideally, you would come for sightseeing in the morning and come back in the afternoon for the show.

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and an absolute must-see. It probably dates back to 750 and 900 AD, but reached its full splendor in the 10th century. You can spend an entire day at the site, exploring the famous Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Sacred Cenote, and the Temple of the Warriors. Don't miss El Caracol, a circular building with a spiral staircase that is believed to have served as a proto-observatory for the Mayans.

Go back to your hotel in Valladolid to rest and head to Ek’ Balam the next morning.

Day 2 - Ek’ Balam

You will have to drive for about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Valladolid to get to Ek’ Balam, a hidden gem, often overshadowed by the bigger sites in Riviera Maya. Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” in Maya and unlike many other ruins in the region, it is still protected by its original walls, giving you an idea of what a fortified Mayan city once looked like. Not everything has been excavated yet, so the site can still give us many surprises in the future.

A highlight of the visit is the Acropolis pyramid known as El Torre, the main tower in the central Plaza. This structure is 30 meters high (100 feet), one of the largest in the Yucatán, and is a must-see. You can climb 106 steps to the top for stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding jungle and the walls around the site, and admire the stucco carvings on your way up carefully restored to what looks like their original splendor.

After exploring Ek' Balam, you can just cool off at Cenote X’Canche, located nearby, and later head for Tulum to stay there for the next 2 nights. It will take you almost 3 hours and a half to get to the hotel zone in Tulum.

Days 3 and 4: Coba and Tulum

Coba is just a short 45-minute drive from Tulum, where another opportunity to climb a Mayan pyramid awaits you. Once in the archaeological park, you can rent a bike and explore the jungle trails, or if you're not feeling that adventurous, opt for a cart with a driver or simply walk to the ruins.

Coba's beginnings have been traced back to 50 BC, but it took 150 years for this place to become one of the most powerful Mayan cities due to its proximity to trade routes.

You should try climbing to the top of Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in Yucatan, an impressive 42 meters (137 feet). It's not the easiest climb, but there's a thick rope you can grab to help yourself. The view at the top is worth the effort.

There are a couple of cenotes near Coba where you can enjoy a refreshing swim after the sweaty climb, or you can head back to Tulum and relax on the beach. You can also enjoy Tulum's laid-back vibe, sandy beaches, and an evening dinner with a view over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.

In the morning, begin Day 4 with a visit to the Tulum archaeological site, located on a cliff overlooking the ocean. These extremely well-preserved ruins are one of the most photogenic in the region, with blue waters as a background to ancient stone temples. You will need at least 3 hours to cover the entire area.

Tulum was once an important port for the region, with its most glorious period between the 13th and 15th centuries, and a key trading point for Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Coba. "Tulum" is a new name and means "wall" to emphasize the defensive nature of the city. The original name was most likely Zama, "City of the Dawn," since you can admire the sunrise from the site.

Go back to your Tulum hotel to get ready for an early drive to Kohunlich ruins the next morning.

Day 5 - Kohunlich

For your last day, head further south to the lesser-known but still spectacular Kohunlich ruins, about a 4-hour drive from Tulum. The original name is unknown, and the current one comes from English, not Spanish! "Cohoon Ridge" refers to a type of Corozo palm tree found in the area.

Tucked away in the jungle, with many tree-shaded trails, Kohunlich is best known for its Temple of the Masks - five large, six-foot-tall stone faces of the god Kin'ich Ahau staring out from the ancient stonework. There are many other structures in the area that are worth seeing and taking a photo for your album. It's a peaceful site, far less crowded than the others, and a great way to end your archaeological adventure. The site dates back to around 300 BC and was abandoned around 1100 AD.

If you're feeling adventurous and have more time, consider driving to Bacalar, just an hour's drive from Kohunlich. Bacalar is famous for its Lake of Seven Colors, a stunning lagoon with crystal-clear water. You can spend an extra night there and enjoy kayaking, swimming or just chilling on the shore.

Best Time to Go

The best time to take this Riviera Maya archaeological trip is between November and April, when the weather is cooler and the skies are clear. Avoid the summer months (June through August) as they can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Also keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to October, so it's best to plan around that.

A Journey through the Archaeological Wonders of Riviera Maya Awaits you

At the end of your unforgettable 5-day (or longer) journey through the Yucatán Peninsula, you'll take with you not only memories of breathtaking archaeological sites, but also a deeper appreciation for the rich Mayan history and culture. From the iconic pyramids of Chichen Itza to the serene beauty of Kohunlich, each stop will remind you of the civilization that once flourished in this beautiful Mexican land.

Let the vibrant stories of the past inspire your future travels and book your flight to Cancun and rental car today. Don't miss this opportunity and remember, the Riviera Maya is not just a destination - it's a gateway to a world waiting to be discovered. Safe trip!