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Yucatán is a land rich in history and home to amazing destinations and hidden gems, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Besides Chichén Itzá, Yucatán has two other sites recognized by UNESCO. Here, we will tell you about them so you can add them to your next trip to the Yucatán Peninsula.
Chichén Itzá is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but it has also been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1988.
UNESCO recognized the site because of its outstanding artistic value and the impressive architecture of the ancient Maya civilization in the Yucatán Peninsula. You can see this in all of its structures, but the most famous are the Temple of Kukulcán, El Caracol, and the Temple of the Warriors.
Its buildings are also perfectly planned and calculated. For example, the 365 steps of the Temple of Kukulcán represent the days of the year. The pyramid is also precisely aligned with the equinoxes, creating the famous Feathered Serpent shadow effect.
Chichén Itzá Admission Prices for 2026:
Unlike Chichén Itzá, Uxmal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, just eight years after Chichén Itzá received the same recognition.
Uxmal is especially famous for its strong connection to the Puuc architectural style, which stands out for its beauty, advanced construction techniques, detailed stone mosaics, and high-relief decorations.
Some of its most impressive and iconic structures are the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Great Pyramid, and the Governor’s Palace. During its peak, Uxmal covered an area of more than 12 square kilometers and was home to nearly 20,000 inhabitants.
If you plan to visit Uxmal, you should know that it is located 72 km southeast of the city of Mérida, in the municipality of Santa Elena.
Admission prices to Uxmal vary depending on whether you are a local, a Mexican citizen, or an international visitor. Here are the current rates:
Yucatán definitely leaves a lasting impression...
Besides its amazing Maya structures, Yucatán is also recognized by UNESCO for other cultural treasures, including traditional Mexican cuisine. Yucatecan gastronomy stands out because of its ancient cooking techniques that are still preserved today, such as cooking in a pib (an underground oven).
Other ancestral ingredients and traditions that contributed to this recognition include corn, annatto (achiote), sour orange, and many others that are still used in the region’s traditional dishes.
Traditional Yucatecan cuisine was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Yucatán on June 13, 2013. This recognition was granted because of the ancestral knowledge and techniques used to prepare its outstanding recipes.
In addition, Hanal Pixan, the Jarana (the traditional dance of the region), the Maya language, the vaquería festival, and Yucatecan embroidery are also considered part of this Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Yucatán is one of the most beautiful and fascinating states in the Yucatán Peninsula and in all of Mexico. It is home to countless cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, traditions, and colonial cities that together form part of its World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The fact that Chichén Itzá and Uxmal have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a great reason to include them in your next vacation to southern Mexico. These destinations offer unforgettable experiences in one place, especially because you will learn about the Maya civilization and its incredible knowledge of architecture, mathematics, astronomy, and much more.
Visit these World Heritage Sites of Yucatán in a single day by joining a tour that takes you to these archaeological zones, or plan your own route. Believe us, it is an experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in a lifetime.