The world is full of ancient wonders — so many that you could spend a lifetime trying to visit them all. But when it comes to awe-inspiring ancient ruins, you don’t have to travel halfway across the globe. Just head south to Mexico, where a treasure trove of Mayan pyramids, Aztec temples, and pre-Columbian cities awaits.
You’ve likely heard of the Maya, who ruled and still reside in southern Mexico and Central America. You might even know a thing or two about the Aztecs, whose grand capital laid the foundation for today’s Mexico City. Iconic archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Teotihuacán are among the top attractions in Mexico, but the country is home to dozens of other remarkable civilizations — and incredible pyramids — that helped shape its ancient story.
“The Maya and the Aztecs are the two most people know about, but you can’t ignore all these other wonderful cultures that existed and also built pyramids,” says Dr. Edwin Barnhart, director of the Maya Exploration Center and a veteran archaeologist with over 30 years of experience.
So let’s dive into Mexico’s deep cultural heritage and discover the top pyramids to visit in Mexico, from famous landmarks to hidden gems buried in the jungle.
Who Were Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations?
Before we get to the travel bucket list, let’s take a quick walk through history. The Olmecs are often considered the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica. They thrived between 1600 BCE and 350 BCE and were the first to build major ceremonial centers.
The Maya came next, settling as early as 1500 BCE and reaching their peak during the Classic Period (250 CE to 900 CE). In the southwest, the Zapotec civilization, based in modern-day Oaxaca, flourished from 700 BCE to 1521 CE. These civilizations — along with the Toltecs, Mixtecs, Totonacs, Huastecs, and many more — left behind monumental temples, ceremonial platforms, and pre-Hispanic pyramids.
Today, Mexico is home to over 16 million Indigenous people representing 68 different ethnolinguistic groups, and their cultural legacy lives on in these ancient structures.
1. El Castillo – Chichen Itza, Yucatán
No list of famous pyramids in Mexico is complete without El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán. Located at the heart of Chichen Itza, this iconic Mayan pyramid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was built as a cosmic calendar, with 365 steps and a solar light show that reveals a serpent descending the staircase during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
How to get there: Drive from Cancun or Riviera Maya (2.5 hours). Tour operators offer full-day trips with guides.
2. Temple of the Inscriptions – Palenque, Chiapas
Nestled in the jungle, Palenque is one of the most captivating yet under-visited Mayan ruins in Mexico. Its crown jewel is the Temple of the Inscriptions, home to the tomb of the great ruler Pakal.
“Pakal’s tomb was a shot heard ’round the world,” says Barnhart. “It transformed our understanding of Maya royalty and burial practices.”
How to get there: Now accessible via the new Tren Maya, or by long-distance bus (ADO) to Palenque town.
3. Pyramid of the Sun & Pyramid of the Moon – Teotihuacán, State of México
Just outside Mexico City, Teotihuacán is one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Mexico. Its origins are still debated, but it was once one of the largest cities in the world. Climb the Pyramid of the Sun for sweeping views, then explore the Avenue of the Dead and Pyramid of the Moon.
How to get there: One-hour drive from Mexico City or book a guided day tour.
4. Great Pyramid of Cholula – Puebla
What looks like a hill crowned with a Spanish church is actually the largest pyramid in the world by volume. The Great Pyramid of Cholula has a base even wider than the Great Pyramid of Giza. Beneath the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, layers of Aztec and pre-Aztec history lie hidden.
How to get there: Two-hour drive from Mexico City or 20 minutes from Puebla.
5. Pyramid of the Magician – Uxmal, Yucatán
Uxmal is one of the most architecturally unique Mayan cities, famous for its Pyramid of the Magician. Its smooth, rounded design is unlike the stepped terraces of other sites. According to legend, it was built overnight by a magical dwarf.
How to get there: 1-hour drive from Mérida; available via tour or self-drive.
6. Structure 2 – Calakmul, Campeche
Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, this massive pyramid rivals the largest in the Maya world. Few tourists make the journey, but those who do are rewarded with an immersive jungle experience and a chance to climb Structure 2, one of the tallest Mayan pyramids in Mexico.
How to get there: Long drive through Campeche + 43-mile dirt road. Locals may offer guided transport across ejido land.
7. El Torre – Ek Balam, Yucatán
On your way to Chichen Itza, make time for Ek Balam, one of the best lesser-known pyramids in the Yucatán. The main pyramid, El Torre, features stunning stucco art and is still climbable — a rarity these days.
“The doorway is carved like the mouth of a monster, with figures in the eyes. It’s probably one of the best pieces of Mayan art in the entire world,” says Barnhart.
How to get there: 2 hours from Cancun; 30 minutes from Valladolid.
8. Monte Albán – Oaxaca
Overlooking Oaxaca City, the Monte Albán pyramids offer history with a view. The site was a major Zapotec capital for over 1,300 years and is filled with stepped pyramids, plazas, and panoramic vistas.
How to get there: 10 minutes by taxi or bus from downtown Oaxaca.
9. Pyramid of the Niches – El Tajín, Veracruz
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Tajín is known for its unusual Pyramid of the Niches, believed to be used as a calendar. The site feels truly untouched, with relatively few visitors and a mystical atmosphere.
How to get there: Four-hour drive from Veracruz City. Day tours available.
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