They built elaborate cities, temples and roads. Invented a calendar. Studied the stars. And sacrificed humans to the gods. We’re talking about the ancient Mayans.
And if you travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya in Mexico, you can learn more about the remarkable Mayan civilization at several fabulous Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Sprawling over an area of more than four square miles, Chichen Itza was one of the largest Mayan cities and home to hundreds of buildings. It’s believed as many as 50,000 people lived in the city.
Dating back to the 13th century, they’re set over a relatively small area and aren’t nearly as extensive as Chichen Itza. But Tulum is the only Mayan city built on the coast.
Xcaret is a huge archaeological theme park, 45 miles south of Cancun. It encompasses the Mayan ruins of Pole, believed to date back to the 15th century AD. (Xcaret was originally called Pole)
Located about 40 miles south of Merida, on the Ruta Puuc, Uxmal was one of the largest cities in the Yucatan. At its height, some 25,000 Mayan people lived in the city.