Skip the crowds at Chichen Itza for these lesser-known Maya sites

Nestled in the jungles of the Yucatán, about 45 minutes from Valladolid, lies one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites—Chichén Itzá. Once a thriving Maya city with an estimated 35,000 residents, it now draws crowds of visitors from around the world to admire its grand temples and explore the region’s rich history.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and later named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá continues to break visitation records. While its significance and beauty is undeniable, it’s also expensive to visit and overcrowded.

For those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative, these three hidden temples offer a chance to explore the Yucatán Peninsula’s lesser-known archaeological sites.

(Why the idea that the Maya civilization ‘collapsed’ is wrong)

Palenque

The Maya civilization once stretched across present-day southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. At its peak, it had over 2 million people spread across its empire with its most powerful cities in what is now Yucatán and northern Guatemala.

Nestled in the dense Lacandón rain forest in Chiapas, Palenque is one of the most impressive Maya sites, known for its multi-level pyramids, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and hidden crypts home to dozens of archeological treasures.

Its most famous structure, the Temple of the Inscriptions, has provided archeologists an invaluable look into the Mayan civilization. Partly thanks to its well-protected and detailed hieroglyphics, but also from the crypt below. The 7th century ruler K’inich Janaab’ Pakal was buried in the crypt with a beautiful jade mask. The mask is considered one of the biggest archeological finds from the Maya civilization and can be seen in Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology.

Excavation of Palenque began in the 1940s and remains ongoing. Despite decades worth of work, less than 10 percent of the 1,780-hectare city has been explored; Palenque still holds countless secrets beneath the jungle.

You can stay in the city of Palenque for your visit or at one of the more rural eco-lodges and resorts tucked away in the jungle. Hotel Maya Bell is just around the corner from Palenque’s entrance; it has charming thatch roof bungalows with air conditioning and an on-site restaurant and pool.

Calakmul, Campeche

Hidden deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, this ancient city is one of the least-visited Maya sites. Swallowed by dense jungle for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1931 by biologist Cyrus Longworth Lundell.

Calakmul, meaning “the city of the adjacent pyramids,” is one of the largest Maya cities, with thousands of structures sprinkled across it’s 331,397 hectares. Historians believe it was the political heart of the Kaanul, or Snake Dynasty, one of the most powerful Maya dynasties during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). White limestone roads, known as sacbés, connected Calakmul to nearby cities, forming an ancient highway system used for military, diplomatic, and trade alliances.

Visiting Calakmul feels like stepping into an Indiana Jones movie, with a high chance of spotting monkeys, turkeys, toucans, and possibly jaguars. Reaching it requires three separate entrance tickets and a 90-minute drive from the nearest train station.

Guided tours are encouraged for this reason and usually last around five-to-seven hours. Plan to spend the night in the nearby village of Conhuas or La Selva, Campeche. Entrance tickets, restaurants, and tour guide costs will be cash only, so come prepared with Mexican pesos.

(In search of the lost empire of the Maya)

Uxmal

Roughly four hours from Cancún and on the way to Mérida, Uxmal was a major city during the Late Classic Period and part of the League of Mayapán. It is one of the best places to see Puuc-style architecture, similar to Chichén Itzá.

While its towering limestone pyramids now stand bare, they were once coated in smooth white stucco made by burning trees. Uxmal’s buildings aren’t laid out with a traditional courtyard design but instead align with the celestial movement of Venus. This makes Uxmal a special place to visit in different seasons, although not as famous as Chichén Itzá on spring equinox.

The Pyramid of the Magician, the tallest temple in Uxmal, looms over what was once the city’s residential district. Guided tours provide insight into Maya culture, including sacrificial rituals, the Mesoamerican ballgame, and legends like La Casa del Enano, House of the Dwarf, a pyramid said to have been built overnight by a magical dwarf who later ruled Uxmal.

One of Uxmal’s most distinctive features is the House of the Pigeons, a 240-foot-long structure lined with pyramid-like formations that was named for its resemblance to a pigeon roost.

Roughly one hour from Mérida, Uxmal is an easy day trip and a great alternative to the more crowded and expensive Chichén Itzá. Mérida is a fantastic place to stay nearby, with delicious Yucatán cuisine and vibrant streets to explore.