How does one differentiate between “Mayan Temples” and “Mayan Ruins”? Temples and Ruins in modern language have always been mistaken for each other. But in fact, temples are specific structures within a collection of ruins:a part of a whole. Temples where considered the sacred structures where the Kings made important decisions, politicos and philosophers congregated, and structures that were built as homage for the gods.

Notable Mayan Temples include the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichen Itza, Temple I in Tikal, the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, and the Coba Temple in Coba. These temples had distinct functions and applications that, contrary to popular belief, had little to do with tombs and religious ceremony. The following is an account of the function of temples to shed light on the difference between Mayan ruins and Temples.

Duende Tours will offers you a tour of the Tulum, Mexico ruins as part of optional package that also includes a trip to Chichen Itza, before or after your Mayan jungle Excursion. Below is synopsis of what the Tulum Ruins are like and what you can expect from the site.

The town of Tulum, Mexico has an aura of tranquility and beauty. The town is situated on the coast of the Riviera Maya South of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen, near the Guatemala-Belize Border. The town’s primary industry, like that of its sister cities in the Riviera Maya is tourism.

There are two principal styles of public architecture at Chichén Itzá. The first is a local variant of the Puuc style found at sites in west-central Yucatán and northeastern Campeche. The other style, according to Peter J. Schmidt, "is partly derived from the same roots but is vastly enriched by elements and concepts from other parts of Mesoamerica, notably the Gulf Coast, Oaxaca, and central México.

Early investigators of Chichén Itzá proposed that Puuc-style traits were "Maya" and the features of the "Toltec" style include serpent columns, Chac Mools, Atlantean figures, serpent heads at the top of alfardas, tzompontlis, and carvings of processions of warriors, among others, much like those found in Copan and Tikal.

North of Guatemala City lay the Tikal Ruins, the site of what was once a cultural Mecca of ancient times. The great dynasties of Tikal included some of the most famed of kings as well as several queens too.

In 1979, Tikal National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for the many offerings that it gave to the world. The technology, the architecture, the very atmosphere are the best reasons that Tikal ruins should be on your list of places to visit in Mayan territory.

Belize was once a very important part of the Mayan empire. The land was fertile and perfect for growing crops to feed their large numbers, and the sea provided trade not only to other Mayan cities, but to other countries all along the Eastern part of South America as well.

The remains of their cities can still be seen to this day, with several open to the public, and new ones being discovered each year. These jungle covered ruins spark a sense of adventure and mystery into the hearts and minds of all who walk among them.

Where the black rocky cliffs, the stone outcroppings meet the shock of the deep turquoise seas, the Tulum ruins of the Mayan culture stand in stark relief.The picture that they present against the white sand beaches, the black rocks, the lush green palms will inspire a sense of reverence.

One of the most fascinating and easily accessible of the Mayan Ruins, the Tulum ruins are well worth a trip to visit.

The power of the Mayan civilization stretched for almost the entire length of South America. The Mayan ruins that have been left behind are the only lasting memory we have of what the Mayans did for a living, how they worshiped, and how they went about making their civilization. Some of the Mayan ruins have dated back as early as 5000 BC, while others are as new as 1500’s.

Most of the Mayan ruins fall in between those two times though, such as Palenque located in Chiapas, Mexico. Palenque has become one of the most influential ruins in the modern understanding of the Mayan people. The reason behind this is the vast amount of detailed work that archeologists have done there. Some speculate that Palenque is one of the most excavated and studied Mayan sites anywhere in Mesoamerica.

Must see on your trip to Mexico!

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