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 It is one of history’s great mysteries: What happened to the mighty Mayan civilization? When their society - with its breathtaking pyramids and striking temples – collapsed, why did they leave it all behind?
The Mayan trail weaves through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Archeologists have deciphered three major periods of Mayan civilization: the Preclassic (20th century BC – 2nd century AD), the Classic (mid 2nd century – early 10th century), and the Postclassic period (10th century – 16th century). The Classic period is considered the Mayan Golden Age. Characteristics of this period include intricate artwork, advances in astronomy and mathematics, and the development of a complex calendar system.
One of Mexico’s most breathtaking Mayan ruins is Tulum, primarily because it has the azure Caribbean as a backdrop. Built around 1200 AD as Mayan society declined, Tulum is located in the state of Quintana Roo (about 80 miles south of Cancun). “Even if you stay in Cancun, we cannot imagine a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula without going to Tulum!,” write travelers Sasha and Paul Seely.
One distinct highlight of visiting this historic coastal city is that you may take advantage of its beautiful beach. “If you have time, I would plan on first taking a dip in the aquamarine waters off the pristine white beach below the ruins,” writes traveler Thomas Curley. “Cooling off in the waters will make a Tulum tour much more enjoyable on a hot humid day.” In fact, there is perhaps no more awe-inspiring experience than taking in the full expanse of the ruins as you float in the ocean.
The ruins of Coba sit 28 miles northwest of Tulum. Widely considered one of the largest Mayan cities, Coba extends over 80 square miles, and includes five lakes. In its heyday (between 400 and 1100 AD), nearly 50,000 people lived within Coba confines.
The main pyramid, Nohoch Mul (meaning “large hill”) is 138 feet tall (12 stories), and is the highest in the Yucatan peninsula. Climbing the 120 steps to the top is worth the magnificent view. “From the top, you can see for miles in every direction, with jungle-covered pyramids and ruins poking out of the jungle floor,” says HomeAway Cozumel homeowner David Hammer.
 Coba is full of mysterious ancient roads called Sacbeob, which branch into smaller trails leading to more ruins. It is estimated that Coba has 6,000 structures, only a few of which have been restored or uncovered. “Coba offers a unique ruin experience in that the excavation is not completed and won’t be for decades to come – providing an ongoing source of explorations for archaeologists and universities around the world,” says HomeAway Playa del Carmen homeowner, Tonya Sarina,
In contrast to the remote and largely unexcavated Coba, Chichen Itza is the best-restored and most -visited archeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is located 125 miles west of Cancun, and was a major city and prominent ceremonial center during the Maya Classic period. The name Chichen Itza literally means “mouth of the well of the Itza.”
Chichen Itza is best known for its cenotes (ritual wells), Ball Court – the largest in Mexico (about as long as a football field and a little wider), and El Castillo (the great pyramid). In essence, El Castillo is a huge solar calendar. If you add the castle’s 91 steps on each of its four sides, plus one (the crowning platform), you get 365 - one step for each day of the solar year. During the equinoxes, the shadow of a serpent remarkably appears on the pyramid steps, climbing up the steps in March, and down the steps in September.
In addition to touring the ruins, climbing El Castillo, and visiting El Caracol (the primary observatory dome), don’t miss Chichen Itza’s night “light-show.” Not only is it a good way to beat the heat, but for Mayan ruin buffs, it’s also entertaining to see the ruins illuminated with multi-colored lights. “The lasers dance against the pyramids to the beat of music,” write travelers Sasha and Paul Seely. “It was wonderful to sit out there under the stars surrounded by so much history.”
 If you have time, your Mayan ruin tour should also include a stop at San Gervasio, located on the north end of Cozumel Island. It is the only excavated archeological site on the island, and was built to honor Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, weaving, pilgrims, the moon, and medicine, among other things. “With all those responsibilities, it is no wonder she chose tranquil Cozumel for her home,” says David Hammer.
Cozumel is an excellent place to take a break from following the Mayan trail. “Cozumel Island is the jewel of the Yucatan,” says HomeAway Cozumel homeowner, Paul Mila. “The island is famous for its easily accessible reefs, teeming with abundant ocean life, and enjoyed by scuba divers and snorkelers.”
After you’ve had your share of island life, hop on a ferry or small plane, and head to Playa del Carmen, where you can kick back and relax on miles of unspoiled sandy white beaches – or, resume your Mayan trail. Writes HomeAway Playa del Carmen homeowner, Karen Christner, “Our guests love the location of Playa del Carmen – near Tulum, Coba, Chichen-Itza, and many other ruin locations in the Yucatan.”
You probably won’t glean any answers along the Mayan Trail. Did the Mayan civilization collapse, as some scholars believe, due to malnutrition and disease? Might it have been because of the social gulf between the ruling elite and the common people? Or, perhaps, thanks to a breakdown in trade?
We may never know. But as HomeAway homeowner, Ann Irvine comments, “The warmth of the Mayan people and natural beauty of the Yucatan’s diverse landscape will captivate you.” This may be your most significant discovery of all.
Read other traveler stories from the Mayan Trail.
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