Archaeological site 28 km north of Maní
The last great Maya capital of Yucatán, with a round observatory and painted stucco; closed since early 2024 over a land dispute.
Mayapán, in the municipality of Tecoh about 40 kilometers north of Maní, was the last great Maya capital of Yucatán. After the decline of Chichén Itzá it became the political center of the north from roughly the 13th to the mid-15th century, when a revolt led by the Xiu lords, the family later based in Maní, brought it down. Its history is tied closely to Maní's own.
The city was packed inside a low stone wall enclosing about four square kilometers, with thousands of buildings crowded together. At its center stands the Castillo de Kukulcán, a stepped pyramid that looks like a smaller version of the one at Chichén Itzá, and beside it a round temple that resembles Chichén's observatory. Mayapán is also known for rare late stucco work, including figures on the Castillo's inner structure, and for murals in a style influenced by central Mexico.
The site has been closed since early 2024. Members of the Telchaquillo ejido, who own the surrounding land, took over the entrance in a dispute with INAH over compensation, and as of mid-2026 talks were continuing without a reopening date. Check the current status before planning a visit.
What to see and do
Check first whether the site has reopened; it has been closed since early 2024.
If open, see the Castillo de Kukulcán and the stucco figures on its inner structure.
Look for the round temple next to it, similar to Chichén Itzá's observatory.
Stop in the village of Telchaquillo, with its cenote and small 16th-century chapel on the main square.
Getting there
From Maní, drive north through Mama and Tekit toward Tecoh; the site is just south of Telchaquillo, about 45 minutes in total. While the closure lasts there is no access to the ruins.
28 km north of Maní
Directions from Maní on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Photos
Weather warm
Mayapán shares the climate of Maní, 28 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec.
Make Maní your base
Mayapán is an easy trip from Maní, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Maní
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Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.