The temples of the Mayan empire are truly staggering in scale and number. Only a small fraction of sites have been excavated. Even famous temple sites such as Palenque only have less than 30% of their structures reclaimed from the jungle.
For some travelers, they may only want to see a Mayan temple to add it to their resort vacation itinerary. Others build their whole travel around seeing the cultural treasures of the Mayan. Most people fall half way in between and visit a few temple sites that are along their route.
Here is a list of the most interesting temples to explore. The list is rated with the most interesting and unique temples first.
Tikal - A truly amazing temple complex set in a jungle. Plan to be here before sunrise to hear the jungle wake up complete with the terrifying sounds of howler monkeys. Accommodations can be found right outside the park entrance or in the nearby town of Flores.
Palenque – On par with Tikal, this large temple complex in the jungle of Chiapas is beautiful to behold. Visit the temple early in the morning before it gets too hot and the howler moneys go to sleep. Spend the afternoon visiting the beautiful waterfalls of Agua Azul. Stay in cabanas in nearby El Panchan to get the jungle experience.
Uxmal – One of the jewels of the Yucatan region, this temple is worth the effort to visit. Buses can be caught from Merida to get to the complex. There is a light show at night but there might not be a local bus back to Merida afterwards so consider going on a group tour.
Coba – Not as visited as many of the others in the area, Coba offers the tallest pyramid in the area and is unique as visitors can still climb it. A series of sacbeob or white roads connect the buildings of this post classical complex.
Chichen Itza – Probably the most famous Mayan temple, which is funny as it is thought to be Toltec in origin. Definitely worth seeing, but if possible it should be visited before the hordes of tour buses descend upon it. The temple complex takes on a different atmosphere when it is not crowded. Stay overnight in a local hotel or nearby in Valladolid, and make sure to be there first thing in the morning. Tour buses start arriving by 10am. At night there is a light show telling the histories of the temple. At vernal equinox the shadow of the serpent descends the steps of the main pyramid. Large numbers of people gather for this event.
Teotihucan – Close to Mexico City, this is a massive city temple complex. It should be noted that there is considerable disagreement on the origins of this site. Named by the Aztecs, it is unclear whether the builders were Mayan or Toltec.
Ek Balam- Not as impressive as most temple sites and not the easiest to get to, but it is interesting in its findings. Unique to this site are carvings and statues that are reminiscent of the temples of southern Asia. Ek Balam can be reached by taxi from Valladolid.
It is easy to get “templed out” when visiting any temple complex, so it is wise to not overdo it. A few sites in a week are plenty.
Try to avoid large tour groups and busy times of the day. The temples are best experienced in an intimate and slow manner.
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