CHICHEN ITZA
The archeological center of Chichen Itza, the most important Maya capital at the end of the classic period (750 to 1200 A.D.), was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Chichen Itza, which in the Mayan language means – at the mouth of the well of the Itza, – was one of the most important Mayan political, commercial and religious centers of the classic period, but it fell into decline after the emergence of Mayapan as the new focal point of regional power in the Yucatan Peninsula.
COBA
Cobá, is located in Quintana Roo, just 30 miles northwest of Tulum on the road to Valladolid. This archaeological site sits amid 5 small, shallow lakes and is largely unrestored, however, work is proceeding currently. Cobá is well on its way to becoming one of the most important finds in the Maya world.
TULUM
The name Tulum in Mayan refers to its fortress like walls, but the real Mayan name for the site was “Zama” which means dawn. The site is located an easy drive down the coast from Playa del Carmen and is also easily accessible from Valladolid via Cobá.
The ruins at Tulum are now part of a National Park covering some 1600 acres, but the ancient city stretches along the coast for almost four miles. This royal city, perched on limestone cliffs seems to rise right out of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.ULUM