Mayapan Mayan Ruin Videos:
Exploring the Mayan Ruins of Mayapan
Are the Mayapan Ruins worth visiting?
There have been nearly 4000 structures found at this site making it one of the largest ruins in the Yucatan. Though most have not been excavated, there is still much to see in Mayapan, which once was home to nearly 12,000 Maya. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, it was Mayapan that was the last standing civilization of the Maya people.Â
You can spend a full day here with your guide, learning about Mayan culture and the history of this ancient city. When you arrive, you will see the longest defensive wall in all of Mesoamerica, at a length of 5.6 miles. The Temple of Kukulkan is the largest structure in Mayapan, standing tall surrounded by smaller temples, altars, and shrines.
While not all ruins are accessible to tourists, there are 26 cenotes in the area that are.
Getting to the Mayapan Ruins
Mayapan can be found 20 miles south-east of the city of Merida and 60 miles west of Chichen Itza in Yucatan. Many tour companies will offer to take you to Mayapan as a package deal along with ruins in the Ruta Puuc; places such as Sayil and Kabah, among others.
Ruins Of Mayapan Overview:
Mayapan is an ancient Maya site located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, about 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Merida. The city was founded around 1200 AD and was the last great Maya capital before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.
Mayapan is surrounded by a wall that is 9 meters high and 2.5 kilometers long. The city has about 4,000 structures, including palaces, temples, ball courts, and residential areas. The main plaza is the center of the city, and it is dominated by the Temple of Kukulcan, which is similar in style to the famous pyramid at Chichen Itza.
One of the most remarkable features of Mayapan is the Observatory, which is located on the highest point of the site. This building is an astronomical observatory, used to track the movements of the stars and planets, and it is considered one of the most advanced astronomical instruments of the pre-Columbian era.
Another notable structure is the Temple of the Columns, which is located in the eastern part of the city. The temple is named after its columns, which are carved in the shape of snakes, jaguars, and other animals.
Mayapan is also known for its unique architectural style, which is a blend of Maya and Toltec influences. The Toltecs were a civilization that influenced many parts of Mesoamerica, and their style can be seen in many of the structures at Mayapan.
Today, Mayapan is an important archaeological site and is open to visitors. The site has been well-preserved, and visitors can explore the many structures and learn about the history and culture of the Maya people.
