Ruins & archaeology
Zapotec, Maya, Aztec — Mexico has more excavated ancient cities than any sane trip can cover. These are the ones worth building a day around, with entry fees and hours we keep current.
Central Mexico
Cacaxtla
Vivid battle murals in Mexico's least-visited state
If nearbyPuebloCholula
A church on the world's largest pyramid, and beer after
Worth itRuinsTeotihuacán
The Americas' biggest ancient city, an hour from the capital
Must-seePuebloTepoztlán
Cliff-top pyramid, a famous market, weekend gridlock
Worth itRuinsTula
Toltec warrior statues standing over a working town
Worth itRuinsXochicalco
Hilltop ruins and an underground solar observatory
Worth itYucatán Peninsula
Calakmul
Giant Maya city deep in a biosphere jungle, down a 60 km dead-end road.
Worth itRuinsChichén Itzá
The famous pyramid — and a vendor gauntlet that arrives with the tour buses.
Worth itBeachTulum
Maya ruins over the Caribbean, and a beach-club scene that priced out the beach.
Skip unless…RuinsUxmal
Puuc-style Maya city south of Mérida, a fraction of Chichén's crowds.
Must-see