Mexico's Playlist for Your Next Stay in Mayan Resorts Timeshares

Riviera Maya Landmarks

For a glimpse at some of the finest representations of how the Mayans lived from about 100 AD to 900 AD, history buffs will gain tremendous insight by Riviera Maya's ancient archaeological sites. In Tulum, the Temple of the Frescos is where to see the 13th century murals depicting ceremonies.

Interesting fact: it is believed that at one time all the buildings in Tulum were painted red. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichén-Itzá, is only a 30-minute drive from Tulum. The Mayan’s political and economic center between 750 and 1200 AD, legend has it that people were frequently thrown into the nearby cenotes (sink holes) as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be prophets.

Kukulcán, a 75-foot high pyramid also known as El Castillo (“the castle”) features staircases with 91 steps each on all four sides. Also check out the Temple of the Warriors’ 1,000 columns and carved reliefs, the Observatory and the Main Ball Court (the largest discovered from the ancient Mayan world). Derring-doers can tag along for a trip to Cobá, where it’s possible to scale Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in Yucatán. For eye-popping views of the surrounding jungle and beyond, you’ll need to climb 120 steps.