Scattered across dense jungles, coastal cliffs and modern cities, Aztec and Mayan temples stand as powerful reminders of two of the most sophisticated ancient civilisations in the Americas. These extraordinary structures were not only architectural marvels but also spiritual, political and scientific centres that shaped daily life for centuries.
Today, visiting Aztec and Mayan temples offers travellers a rare opportunity to step back into a world defined by astronomy, ritual and monumental design. From the heart of Mexico City to the rainforests of Guatemala and Belize, ancient Mayan temples and Aztec pyramids continue to fascinate historians and visitors alike.
Seeking out these constructions is one of the most highly recommended activities for anyone who is holidaying in these regions as you can only truly appreciate their pure scale once you have seen them in first person. Add to this theorised construction dates and the principles behind them and you may well have your perception of these ancient civilizations fundamentally altered.
Join us on a journey as we uncover some of the best Aztec and Mayan temples to visit across central America, and provide fascinating insights which may fundamentally alter your perception of civilizations to have emerged from this storied part of the world.
The Best Aztec and Mayan Temples in Mexico to Visit
Mexico is home to some of the most famous Mayan temples and iconic Aztec temples in the world. Nowhere else offers such a concentration of sites spanning different eras, landscapes and architectural styles.
In
Mexico City, visitors can explore the remains of the Templo Mayor, the spiritual heart of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Once one of the most important Aztec temples, it was dedicated to the Gods of War and Rain and formed the centre of religious life. Today, its ruins sit dramatically alongside the city's colonial cathedral, offering a striking contrast between ancient and modern Mexico.
Chichen Itza is perhaps the most recognisable of all Mayan pyramids and temples. Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. During the equinoxes, shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid, a testament to the Mayans' advanced understanding of astronomy.
Mayan temples in Chichen Itza also include ceremonial platforms, sacred cenotes and observatories, making it one of the best Mayan temples to visit for both scale and symbolism.
Along the Caribbean coast, Mayan temples in Tulum offer a unique setting unlike any other. Perched on limestone cliffs above turquoise waters, this former trading city blends dramatic scenery with historical significance. Tulum's temples once served as navigational landmarks for sea traders, and today they remain among the most photographed Mexican Mayan temples.
For travellers
staying in the Riviera Maya, the Mayan temples in Cancun are easily accessible. While Cancun itself is modern, it provides a convenient base for exploring nearby ancient sites such as El Rey and Coba. These ancient Mayan temples reveal how the civilisation adapted to jungle environments, building vast networks of causeways and ceremonial centres.
Aztec and Mayan Temples in Belize
Belize is often overlooked, yet it is home to some of the most atmospheric Mayan temples in the world. Surrounded by rainforest and wildlife, the effort required to reach these ancient sites only heightens the anticipation for discovering the secrets that they still hold.
Caracol is the largest Mayan site in Belize and one of the most important ancient Mayan temples in the region. At its peak, it rivalled major cities like Tikal in power and population. The central pyramid, Caana, remains one of the tallest structures in Belize and provides sweeping views across the jungle canopy which aren't to be missed.
Xunantunich is another highlight, located near the Guatemalan border. Its intricately carved friezes depict gods, rulers and cosmological scenes, offering valuable insight into Mayan beliefs.
Mayan Temples in Guatemala
Guatemala is often considered the heartland of Mayan civilisation, and its sites are among the most dramatic and historically significant in the world.
Tikal is the most famous example of Mayan temples in Guatemala and one of the most iconic ancient cities in the Americas. Rising above dense jungle, its towering pyramids were once the centre of political and religious power. The scale of Tikal alone serves to underline the power and influence that this civilization once had in this part of the world.
Other sites such as Yaxha and El Mirador reveal the sheer ambition of Mayan architecture. El Mirador, in particular, contains some of the largest ancient Mayan temples ever built, suggesting that the civilisation's achievements began far earlier than once believed.
Fascinating Facts About Mayan Temples
We thought we'd end our whistle-stop tour of Aztec and Mayan temples by answering some of the questions that are most frequently asked in relation to these structures. Information about their theorised dates of construction, their purpose and their number will really help you gain a better perspective of just how important the attractions once were in the ancient world.
For instance, did you know that many Mayan temples were often constructed so that they aligned with celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes? The Mayans were renowned for their understanding of astronomy, seamlessly integrating advanced mathematics, religion and agriculture to make incredibly accurate deductions which steered the direction of their communities.
Despite this, the Mayans had not advanced to a point of having metal tools or wheeled transport at the time of constructing these remarkable buildings. All of the limestone blocks were instead shaped by hand and transported over long distances, demonstrating remarkable engineer skills and stamina.
How Many Mayan Temples Are There?
So how many Mayan temples are there? The answer is complex, as thousands of sites are spread across Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. Archaeologists estimate that there are over 6,000 known Mayan sites, many of which contain multiple temples.
Even today, new ancient Mayan temples continue to be discovered beneath jungle vegetation using modern technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). This means the true number of Mayan pyramids and temples is likely far higher than the 4,000+ which have already been documented.
What Were Mayan Temples Used For?
Understanding what Mayan temples were used for adds important context to any visit. These structures were not simply places of worship but multifunctional centres of society. They hosted religious ceremonies, royal rituals and astronomical observations.
Temples often served as stages for public events, reinforcing the authority of rulers who claimed divine connections. Some were used for human sacrifices, while others functioned as burial sites for elites. In many cities, temples also played a role in calendar calculations and seasonal planning.
How Old Are the Mayan Temples?
Another common question is how old are the Mayan temples?. The earliest examples date back to around 1000 BCE, while many of the most famous temples were constructed between 250 and 900 CE during the Classic Period of Mayan civilisation.
This means that some ancient Mayan temples are over 2,000 years old, predating many of the most famous European landmarks. Despite their age, their precision, scale and artistry continue to astonish modern visitors to this day.
Exploring Aztec and Mayan Temples
Visiting Aztec and Mayan temples is more than another day trip. It is a journey into the worldview of ancient civilisations that shaped Mesoamerica for millennia. Whether exploring Mayan temples in Mexico, discovering jungle-covered pyramids in Belize or standing atop towering structures in Guatemala, each site tells a story of innovation, belief and resilience.
From famous Mayan temples like Chichen Itza and Tikal to lesser-known ruins hidden deep in the rainforest, these extraordinary monuments remain among the most compelling travel experiences in the world.
You can make these experiences part of your tailor made holiday when you book a luxury getaway with Elegant Resorts. Our team of luxury travel specialists are on hand to help you put together the perfect package, combining tours of these historic attractions with stays in the most luxurious hotels and dining at class leading restaurants. Get in touch with our team to start planning your next holiday today.