Whether you’re staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, if you’re looking to learn more about Mexico during your vacation, these are the archaeological sites that Sandos Hotels & Resorts says you have to visit.

 

1. Tulum

How to get there

• Distance from Sandos Playacar / Caracol: 60 kms. / 40 min • Distance from Sandos Cancún: 150 kms / 1.10 hrs

Tulum is the only Mayan site that’s not located in the middle of the jungle.

It was once adorned with beautiful colours that could be seen in the sea from miles away. If you do snorkel, you can see it from the ocean.

Tulum is the last city inhabited and built by the Mayans and is believed to be a religious center for priests that remained active during the Spanish invasion.

 

 

2. Chichen-itza

How to get there

• Distance from Sandos Playacar / Caracol: 214 km / 2.5 hrs • Distance from Sandos Cancun: 180 km / 1 hr

World famous, and best known as one of the 7 new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza is also an active archaeological site.

It provides information about the culture of the Maya who ruled. It is a worthwhile trip. In addition, the excursion to Chichen-itza includes a meal, the entrance to an incredible cenote, a private guide and a visit to Valladolid Yucatán.

In one day you can visit another state, explore an underground cave and have one of the best days of your life! Simply book with the guys in the green shirt next to their concierge service.

 

 

3. Cobá

How to get there

• Distance from Sandos Caracol / Playacar: 109 km / 1.5 hrs • Distance from Sandos Cancun: 210 km / 2 hrs

Cobá is not as famous as the previous two sites, but Sandos promises that you will love it.

Surrounded by thousands of trees, with fresh vibes and the breeze on your face, Cobá hides culture, secrets and the most affable environment. This city was not exactly a Mayan city, but we do not want to spoilers of this adventure.

What we can really tell you is that you can visit the whole site on a bicycle and climb the highest pyramid.

You can book this expedition 24 hours in advance and the truck will pick you up in the hotel lobby. The guides will connect each story so that you feel as if you were living in the Mayan era.

 

 

4. Ek Balam

How to get there

• Distance from Sandos Playacar / Caracol: 157 km / 2 hrs • Distance from Sandos Cancún: 172 km / 2 hrs

Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mayan Ek Balam archaeological site is very unusual. The city is still protected by its original walls, and the buildings store the history and beliefs of the city among the rocks.

If you are looking for adventure, this is what you need to book: Seek and Go offers an adrenaline rush where.

In addition to the entire culture of Ek 'balam, you will submerge yourself in a cenote and rappel it. Also a Tarzan style zip line and a Mayan ceremony.

 

 

5. Chunyaxché

How to get there

• Distance from Sandos Caracol / Playacar: 87 km / 1 hr • Distance from Sandos Cancún: 206 km / 2.5 hrs

Last but not least! Located in the biosphere of Sian Ka’an, the Chunyaxche excursion will not only be about history, but about living Mayan!

After talking with the Seek and Go guys, you will notice that it is quite an experience. The tour starts early in the morning and, depending on where you stay, will return to your hotel at 5pm.

This incredible tour is extraordinary, as you will see an archaeological site and visit a Mayan community where they will teach you how to cook tortillas and release your soul with Mayan ceremonies.

 

 

Well, now there is no excuse for not living a real Mexican experience during your stay in Sandos. Find out more about trips to Riviera Maya at sandos.com