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The Top Historical Sites to See in Cancun, Mexico

Home to one of the greatest ancient civilizations on earth, you could spend your whole vacation wandering the Yucatan peninsula's many historical sites. Several of these are only a short drive from Cancun, and can provide an intriguing alternative to beach-side activity.

If you rent a car, you can easily drive to the ruins of Chichen-Itza, the most fully restored Mayan ruins on the peninsula. You can make it a quick trip by driving the new super highway, or if you prefer to experience the local culture, you may want to drive by way of the smaller roads, passing many small Mayan towns, each with it's own topez (speed bump), water well and rooster. The homes are constructed in the traditional Mayan style, formed of palm fronds and branches. Most people leave their doorways open to the air, and you may notice that inside sleeping hammocks are swinging in the breeze.

While Chichen-Itza is a magnificent reconstruction, the surrounding area has been developed with the traveler in mind. There is easy access to the grounds for both strollers and wheel chairs. While the very young and physically challenged may find the stairs to the ancient buildings too steep, strolling the grounds and experiencing the magnificence of these structures makes it a worthwhile trip for anyone. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children under 12.

Traveling south of Cancun on the coastal road will take you to Tulum. Its spectacular location on the Carribbean Sea makes this one of the more striking of the sites. Tulum does not have the extensive structures and reconstruction of Chichen-Itza, but its seaside location gives it a quality all its own. Though known for the many preserved paintings inside the structure, the Mexican government has roped these off to prevent further desecration of these historic treasures. (Admission $3, free on Sundays and holidays.)

Turning further inland, you will come to Coba. Coba is a massive, largely unreconstructed place. Long paths in the jungle lead the visitor from site to site. Between the rough, bumpy paths and hungry mosquitoes, this is not a good site for wheelchairs and strollers.

Walking the paths in Coba almost gives one the sense of being there when the early explorers first discovered these sites. Largely unreconstructed, dramatically strangled by the jungle, Coba retains a lot of its original experience. Admission is $4, free for children under 12.

If you don't want to rent a car in Cancun, tours are available from many tour companies. Typically, a tour of Chichen-Itza is for one full day, and Tulum and Coba are combined into a one day tour. If you are driving, or if a guide is not included with your tour, personal guides are available at the gate.

Be sure and bring a swimsuit with you, as it gets very hot, and you may just have the opportunity to take a dip in the ocean, or a swim in a fresh-water cenote!

Learn more about this author, Frances Simon.
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