7 Unwritten Rules of Exploring Mexico’s Ancient Mayan Ruins
There’s no doubt that Mexico’s Mayan ruins are more than just a testament to an ancient civilization—they stand as a living, breathing history that you can still see and experience today.
But before you visit these incredible archeological sites in Mexico, there are a few unwritten rules that every traveler should know.
As a travel blogger that lives in Mexico, I’ve had my fair share of experiences at these ruins and have picked up some tips that will make your visit more enjoyable and respectful.
In this post, I’m sharing 7 unwritten rules of exploring Mexico’s ancient Mayan ruins, so you can make the most out of your trip while also being mindful of the culture and history surrounding these sites.
Ready to discover these unspoken rules? Let’s dive in!
Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!
🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars
🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator
🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master
Unwritten Rules of Exploring Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Here are some insider tips to keep in mind when visiting any Mayan ruins in Mexico:
1. Respect the Heritage
When you visit any of the ancient Mayan ruins scattered across Mexico, you are stepping into a world that predates modern borders and cultural divides.
It’s crucial to treat these sites with the respect owed to any sacred place. This means refraining from any behavior that could be deemed disrespectful.
For example, avoid climbing on structures, touching or removing artifacts, or disrupting any protected areas.
Instead, take in the grandeur of these ruins and leave them undisturbed for future generations to admire.
2. Choose a Guided Tour for an Enhanced Experience
Exploring Mexico’s ancient Mayan ruins can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
While many sites can be visited on your own, a guided tour can provide you with a better understanding of the history and significance of each site.
Expert guides are trained to navigate through the ruins safely and efficiently while providing insider information that is not readily available to the general public.
Plus, guided tours come with other added benefits such as transportation, entrance fees, and sometimes even a delicious traditional lunch.
3. Dress Appropriately
When you’re planning to spend a day venturing through Mexico’s ancient Mayan ruins, wearing the right clothes and shoes can make all the difference.
Most ruins in Mexico offer little shade, so it’s best to dress in lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool from the scorching sun.
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and wear sunglasses and a sun hat to protect your face and neck.
Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for navigating unpaved and uneven terrain.
Most archaeological sites in Mexico, such as the Tulum Ruins and Chichen Itza, are huge and you will be doing a lot of walking!
4. Go Early to Beat the Crowds and the Heat
As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. And in this case, getting to the ruins early in the morning can make a world of difference.
Not only will you avoid large crowds and long lines at popular sites, but you’ll also beat the heat as most ruins become extremely hot during midday.
Arriving early also gives you more time to explore the ruins at your own pace and take in all the extraordinary details without feeling rushed.
5. Take Safety Precautions
As mentioned, the sun can be extremely intense at archaeological sites in Mexico so it’s important to take safety precautions to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Wear biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment and avoid a sunburn, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
It’s also a good idea to wear insect repellent as many ruins are surrounded by jungle areas where mosquitoes can be prevalent.
6. Avoid Climbing or Touching Structures
Although it may seem tempting to climb on the ancient structures, this is strictly prohibited at most sites and disrespectful to both the ruins and the Mayan culture.
Not only can climbing or touching damage the delicate structures, but it also goes against the rules set by archaeological sites for preservation purposes.
Most sites have ropes or barriers in place to prevent visitors from touching the structures, so be sure to follow these guidelines and admire from a safe distance.
Don’t be that obnoxious tourist that always ends up on the news for trying to climb Chichen Itza!
7. Avoid Sundays
On Sundays, Mexicans can often enter the ruins for free, leading to a significant increase in the number of visitors.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on a weekday.
You’ll likely have more space and time to explore without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by local visitors.
Final Thoughts: Tips for Visiting Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Mexico’s Mayan ruins offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in a rich and fascinating culture.
By following these unwritten rules, you can ensure that your experience is both enjoyable and respectful to the heritage of these ancient sites.
Remember to dress appropriately, arrive early, take safety precautions, and leave the ruins undisturbed for future generations to enjoy.
And most importantly, be open-minded and ready to learn as you explore the wonders of Mexico’s ancient Mayan ruins.
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
