The Maya World
Journeys through ancient Maya cities and archeological landscapes.
Introduction
Across Mexico and northern Central America, the ancient Maya world survives in places both famous and largely forgotten.
These journeys explore its cities and archeological sites, following the ruins, landscapes and stories that still shape the region.
30 Maya sites explored firsthand - and more to come
Explore the map to discover the places I’ve visited and read their stories.
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The Maya world
The Great Capitals
Ten cities, many centers of power. From Tikal and Calakmul to Uxmal and Chichen Itza, explore the capitals whose influence reached far beyond their plazas.
Their temples, palaces, and carved monuments offer different perspectives on the ambitions and achievements of the Maya world.
The Maya world
Cities in the Forest
Temples above the canopy, plazas enclosed by trees, and paths connecting scattered buildings: here, the forest is part of how you encounter the city.
From the monumental scale of Calakmul to smaller sites along quieter roads, explore Maya architecture through its relationship with the landscape.
Featured articles
El Tabasqueño
A solitary visit to a Chenes temple in the forests of Campeche, where an elevated serpent-mouth doorway gives an intimate site an imposing presence.
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Muyil
Monumental pyramids and later coastal shrines stand side by side in a forest city linked by lagoons and waterways to the Caribbean.
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Edzna
Across a broad plaza, the Temple of the Five Stories commands a city whose architecture brings together influences from several regions of the Maya world.
Read the articleCultural regions
Click a region on the map to discover its Maya cities, architecture, and landscapes.
Plan a journey
Pick your departure point on the map and explore all the itineraries available
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The Maya world
Blog library
From small forest compounds to major ceremonial centers, browse full library of field-based articles on the Maya cities, regions and architectural traditions.