The ancient Mayan civilization stretched across vast territories in Central America, leaving behind architectural marvels that intrigue historians and adventurers alike. While Tikal and Chichen Itza draw millions of visitors annually, mass tourism keeps countless other magnificent Mayan sites relatively untouched.
These lesser-known archaeological wonders offer authentic experiences without the crowds, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with Mayan history. Here is a list of 15 forgotten Mayan cities in Central America that deserve more attention from travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.
El Mirador (Guatemala)
Hidden deep in Guatemala’s northern rainforest, El Mirador houses La Danta, one of the world’s largest pyramids by volume. The site dates back to 600 BCE and was once home to an estimated population of 250,000.
Reaching El Mirador requires a challenging two-day hike through dense jungle, but the reward of standing atop ancient structures with no other tourists in sight makes the journey worthwhile.
Calakmul (Mexico)
Buried within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve near the Guatemalan border, this Mexican site features more than 6,750 ancient structures across 70 square miles. Calakmul’s towering pyramids rise above the jungle canopy, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of endless green stretching to the horizon.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot howler monkeys, toucans, and jaguars while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Yaxchilan (Mexico)
Accessible only by boat along the Usumacinta River, Yaxchilan offers an adventure before you even arrive at the ruins. The site is famous for its ornate roof combs, impressive stone lintels, and the feeling of discovery as you wander through structures partially reclaimed by the jungle.
Monkeys swing through the canopy overhead as visitors explore the ancient plazas that once hosted elaborate royal ceremonies.
Quirigua (Guatemala)
Known for having the tallest stelae in the Mayan world, Quirigua in Guatemala features incredible stone monuments up to 35 feet high. These massive sandstone carvings tell the story of Quirigua’s unexpected victory over neighboring Copan and the subsequent capture of its king.
Despite being easily accessible from the main highway, this UNESCO site receives surprisingly few visitors compared to its historical significance.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Lamanai (Belize)
Along the New River Lagoon in northern Belize, Lamanai was continuously occupied for over 3,000 years until European contact. In Yucatec Maya, the name means ‘submerged crocodile, ‘ reflecting the site’s proximity to the river and the numerous crocodile effigies throughout the ruins.
Visitors can climb the High Temple for spectacular views of the jungle and lagoon, often accompanied by the haunting calls of howler monkeys.
Uxmal (Mexico)
In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Uxmal features the distinctive Puuc architectural style with elaborate façade decorations and intricate stonework. The Pyramid of the Magician, with its unusual elliptical base, dominates the site with a design found nowhere else in Mesoamerica.
Despite being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and containing some of the best-preserved Mayan architecture anywhere, Uxmal receives only a fraction of the visitors who flock to nearby Chichen Itza.
Copan (Honduras)
Copan is a site in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border, renowned for its remarkable carved stelae and intricate hieroglyphics. The site features a stunning hieroglyphic staircase containing the longest-known Mayan text, which tells the history of the royal dynasty.
Copan’s Acropolis complex reveals layers of construction as successive rulers built over previous structures, providing archaeologists with a fascinating architectural record spanning four centuries.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Xunantunich (Belize)
Xunantunich, accessible by a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River, stands majestically on a natural limestone ridge in western Belize. The imposing El Castillo pyramid rises 130 feet above the plaza floor and is adorned with remarkable stucco friezes depicting astronomical symbols.
From its summit, visitors can see across the border into Guatemala while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that comes from being overlooked by most tourist itineraries.
Joya de Ceren (El Salvador)
Often called the ‘Pompeii of the Americas,’ this remarkably preserved village in El Salvador was buried under volcanic ash around 600 CE. Unlike most Mayan sites that showcase monumental architecture, Joya de Ceren offers a rare glimpse into everyday Mayan life with preserved homes, gardens, and household items.
Despite being much smaller than typical Mayan ruins, the site’s extraordinary preservation earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Dzibilchaltun (Mexico)
Located just 10 miles north of Merida in Mexico’s Yucatan, Dzibilchaltun has been continuously occupied for over 3,000 years. The site’s Temple of the Seven Dolls is perfectly aligned to capture the sun during equinoxes, demonstrating the Mayans’ advanced astronomical knowledge.
After exploring ruins that span multiple eras of Mayan civilization, visitors can cool off in the crystal-clear waters of the site’s cenote (natural sinkhole).
Tonina (Mexico)
Rising from the valley floor in Mexico’s Chiapas highlands, Tonina features an acropolis complex built into a hillside across seven terraces. The site contains one of the world’s largest ballcourts and numerous monuments documenting wars with Palenque and other rival cities.
History enthusiasts will appreciate Tonina’s detailed sculptural record of military victories, including captives’ names and the dates of their sacrifice.
Uaxactun (Guatemala)
Located north of Tikal in Guatemala’s Peten region, Uaxactun contains one of the oldest complete Mayan astronomical complexes ever discovered. Three temples are perfectly positioned to mark the solstices and equinoxes when viewed from a fourth structure.
The site’s remoteness ensures visitors can contemplate these ancient astronomical achievements in peaceful surroundings rarely interrupted by tour groups.
Takalik Abaj (Guatemala)
Straddling the boundary between the Olmec and Maya civilizations, Takalik Abaj in Guatemala’s Pacific lowlands represents a crucial archaeological link between these cultures. The site features over 300 monuments spanning a 1,700-year occupation period from 1000 BCE to 700 CE.
Elaborate sculptures show the transition from Olmec to Mayan artistic styles, offering visitors insight into how Mayan civilization evolved from earlier Mesoamerican cultures.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Nakum (Guatemala)
In Guatemala’s northeastern rainforest within the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Nakum features remarkably well-preserved architecture from the Classic and Post-Classic periods. Its 34 structures include an impressive acropolis, multiple temples, and a palace complex with intact roof combs.
The site’s remote location and limited visitor facilities mean you’re likely to share this magnificent city with wildlife rather than other tourists.
Sayil (Mexico)
Distinguished by its magnificent three-story palace over 300 feet long, Sayil exemplifies the elegant Puuc architectural style in Mexico’s Yucatan. The site features intricate stone mosaics depicting the rain god Chaac, reflecting the region’s perpetual concern with water supply.
Despite being part of the UNESCO-recognized Puuc Route alongside Uxmal, Sayil remains wonderfully uncrowded, allowing visitors to appreciate its refined architecture in tranquil surroundings.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Legacy of the Forgotten Cities
These overlooked Mayan sites offer modern travelers the chance to experience archaeological wonders in their natural setting, much as early explorers did when they first documented these ruins. Each site tells a unique chapter in the story of Mayan civilization, from its earliest beginnings to its eventual transformation following European contact.
By venturing beyond the famous ruins, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Mayan culture while supporting conservation efforts at less-visited archaeological sites.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Towns Built for One Purpose That Were Later Abandoned
- 15 Hidden Spots in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Most Visitors Miss
- 20 Once-Popular Beach Towns That Are Now Ghostly Empty
- 15 Canyons in the U.S. That Are Just as Stunning as the Grand Canyon
- 10 Under-the-Radar Mountain Towns That Are Both Affordable and Beautiful
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.