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Mayan Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Sun at Palenque is seen from the Temple of the Cross. Photo by Ricraider –

10 Stunning Mayan Temples to Visit

One of the greatest pre-Columbian civilizations is that of the Mayans, one that extended across Central America, including the present-day countries of Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, southern Mexico, and western Honduras.

 The period between 250-900 AD in the Mayan calendar witnessed the peak of urbanism and splendid architecture. The most important monuments that can be found in all cities are Mayan temples and they are truly a magnificent sight to behold. Read on to know the most popular Mayan temples along with their backgrounds!

1. EL Castillo 鈥� Tinum

El Castillo. Photo by Octavio Alonso Maya –

An erstwhile pre-Columbian city of importance in the Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza was an important destination in Northern Maya Lowlands throughout the periods of the Late Classic (c. AD 600鈥�900) through the Terminal Classic (c. AD 800鈥�900) centuries. and into the early portion of the Postclassic period (c. AD 900鈥�1200).

El Castillo is also commonly referred to as the Temple of Kukulcan, is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid that stands tall over the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucat谩n. It was built sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries AD and continues to be one of the most revered Mayan temples in Mexico.

2. Pyramid Of The Magician 鈥� Uxmal

Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal, Yucatan. Photo by Sybz –

Another ancient Mayan gem is located in what is known as Mexico in contemporary times, Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city of the classical period.

According to historians and archaeologists, most of the construction took place here when Uxmal became the capital of a Late Classic Maya state somewhere between 850 and 920 AD.

The Pyramid of the Magician is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid and is referred to with many more names such as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, Casa el Adivino, and the Pyramid of the Soothsayer.

However, this pyramid fell into disrepair after 1000 A.D. and was unfortunately even looted when Spain conquered Yucat谩n. It is one of the Mayan temples in Mexico City that you must pay a visit to during your time in this country!

3. Temple Of The Inscriptions 鈥� Palenque

Temple of the Inscriptions – Palenque Maya Site, Feb 2020. Palenque Ruins, Chiapas, MEXICO. Photo by Bernard DUPONT –

The Palenque also referred to as the Mayan temple of the sun is a historical temple that dates back from 226 BC to 799 AD. It declined at was then absorbed into the jungle of cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees.

However, many archaeologists undertook the excavation and restoration of this site.

The Mayan temple history of this structure is very interesting since it was built primarily as a monument to honor the passing away of K鈥檌nich Janaab鈥� Pakal, who ruled Palenque in the 7th century.

4. Rosalila Temple 鈥� Copan Ruinas

A Temple. Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on

Of the many Mayan temples in Honduras, Rosalila Temple continues to be one of the most preserved and visited ones. It is situated in Copan, an ancient Mayan city which is located in present-day Honduras, and has a stunning stucco design at the entry point.

A unique thing about Rosalila is that this wasn鈥檛 destroyed by the Mayans, but it was carefully buried under the soil and the stucco panels were painted white.

5. Calakmul 鈥� Tinum

A boy drawing some art within a temple building. Photo by Chetan Hireholi on

Another popular Mayan site that was hidden inside the jungles in Campeche is one of the largest Mayan cities that have been discovered with approximately 6,500 ancient structures identified.

Calakmul is almost 180 feet tall and is one of the Mayan temple names that you must definitely add to your bucket list!

6. Tikal 鈥� Guatemala

Parque Tikal Guatemala 2019. Photo by amslerPIX –

You must have watched the popular Mayan Temple game show, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and would remember feeling fascinated by the scenery! Imagine a site a thousand times more breathtaking than that and that is Tikal!

It is situated in the lowland rainforest of northern Guatemala, where one can find many restored buildings that are hidden by the jungle. Climb up to the top to experience truly panoramic views from what is popularly known as the Mayan temple of the jaguar.

7. Ixmoja Pyramid 鈥� Cob谩

Ixmoja Pyramid (8408078253). Cob谩 – Nohoch Mul Group. Photo by Greg Willis from Denver, CO, USA –

Coba, an ancient Mayan city on the Yucat谩n Peninsula is located in Quintana Roo in Mexico and this site is the focal point of many stone causeways of the ancient Mayan world.

It houses many engravings and sculptures which document the ceremonial life and important events of the Late Classic Period of the Mesoamerican civilization.

There are many large temple pyramids on this site and the tallest of them is known as Nohoch Mulgroup and is approximately 79 feet in height.

8. Xunantunich 鈥� Belize

Xunantunich Belize 1975 El Castillo. “El Castillo” temple pyramid at Maya site of Xunantunich, Belize, 1975. Photo unattributed –

Xunantunich literally translated to 鈥渕aiden of the rock鈥� or 鈥渟tone woman鈥� in Maya and this historical gem is located on the Western Highway from across the river in the village, San Jose Succotz.

One can reach the temple by taking a ferry from 8 am to 5 pm, which runs every day. This is one of the most popular Mayan temples in Belize and it must find a way in your bucket list!

9. Yaxchilan Structure 33 鈥� Chiapas

Yaxchil谩n, Structure. Photo unattributed –

Yaxchilan, an ancient Mayan city is situated on the banks of the Usumacinta River in present-day Chiapas, Mexico. During the Late Classic Period, Yaxchilan was a powerful Mayan state and a dominant power in the region. This structure has been described as a stone masterpiece and was most likely built in honor of the Bird Jaguar IV.

10. Tazumal Structure B1-1 鈥� El Salvador

Panoramic view of the southern and eastern sides of the top Tazumal pyramid (structure B1-1). Chalchuapa, El Salvador. Photo by Mariordo (Mario Roberto Dur谩n Ortiz) –

Another Mayan archaeological site located in Chalchuapa in El Salvador, Tazumal is an architectural complex which is located in the larger complex of the ancient city. The structure was built upon a basal platform which was known as the Great Platform by Boggs and was remodeled thrice before it reached its final dimensions.