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.

The Maya world at a glance

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The Maya world

Ancient Cities

From the dense tropical forests to the Caribbean coast, ancient Maya cities stand as a testament to a sophisticated civilization whose familiar landmarks tell only part of the story.

My travels take me from UNESCO landmarks to cities that barely see a visitor. These storiestake you there, sharing what makes each place remarkable and worth the journey.

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The Maya world

Travel Itineraries

Suggested 1 to 7-day trips connecting major sites across regions of the Maya world.

Each itinerary reflects actual journeys on the ground, designed for travelers who want to move deliberately rather than simply check sites off a list.

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Featured articles

Entering the Zoomorphic Language of Chenes Architecture

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Hochob

An overlooked site in Campeche that feels even more arresting than Chichen Itza.

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Edzna

Cultural Regions

The Maya world

Rio Bec

A remote architectural tradition of southern Campeche, where tall, sculpted towers rise above low forest platforms. These sites reward slow exploration and a tolerance for distance and silence.

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The Maya world

Puuc hills

The Puuc hills define a distinct architectural region of the Maya world, known for mosaic stone façades and refined palace compositions.

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The Maya world

Chenes cities

A distinct architectural tradition known for elaborate façades and mask-like temple entrances.

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The Maya world

Costa Oriental

A late Maya tradition of compact shrines, columned halls and flat-roofed temples along Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coast.

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Paths into the Maya world

The Maya world

Around Merida

From Merida, explore the Puuc hills and western Yucatan’s major ceremonial cities — Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil and beyond — with itineraries and reflections rooted in landscape and architecture.

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Tropical water scene in the Laguna de Bacalar, with lush green palm trees in the foreground, turquoise water, and several boats, under a partly cloudy sky, in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

The Maya world

Around Bacalar & Chetumal

Lagoons, river routes, and southern Maya sites near the Belize border — including Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and the quieter forests of southern Quintana Roo.

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The Maya world

Around Campeche

Forest cities, long approaches, and some of the most remote Maya sites in Mexico.

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The Maya world

Around Cancun

Coastal ruins, inland forest cities, and some of Quintana Roo’s most accessible Maya sites.

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All Maya articles

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.

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