Acanceh: Ancient Maya Ruins in Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

Acanceh is a small town just south of Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, known for its ancient Maya archaeological site. It’s only about 20 kilometers from the city’s outskirts.

If you’re in Mérida, the short distance makes it a quick and easy trip. However, unless you’re planning to visit other attractions in the area, it might not be worth the journey on its own.

If you're planning to visit Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, or Hacienda Mucuyche (which I highly recommend), Acanceh makes for a perfect little stop along the way, as it sits right on the route.

Depending on your GPS, you might just cruise right past the town’s archaeological site without even noticing. And yep – that’s exactly how I first ended up in Acanceh. Total accident, just saw something interesting and decided to make a quick stop.

Modern-day Acanceh is built on a pre-Columbian settlement that was likely inhabited continuously. The town’s name, which may have originally been A'Kan'Keh, means "groan of the deer" in the Mayan language.

With a population of around 11,000, Acanceh remains predominantly Maya.

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Natividad

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Natividad on Calle 18 s/n is the central building in Acanceh and - like most churches in Yucatán - dates back to the Spanish colonial era. Construction of the church began in 1561 and was completed in 1593.

The church has the typical fortified appearance, a beautiful baroque chapel and a carved wooden altarpiece. The church also houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. The museum houses a collection of religious art from the Spanish colonial period.

Pre-Columbian History

The history of Acanceh remains largely unknown. It was founded between 300 and 500 AD during the Early Classic period, possibly by the Itzaes, the same group that established Chichen Itzá, Izamal, and T'Hó, now known as Mérida.

The ancient Maya city once covered more than four square kilometers and contained around 400 structures. Its peak spanned from the Late Preclassic to the Late Classic periods (350 BC to AD 900), making it one of the few continuously inhabited sites.

Today, three restored Maya structures are open to the public. The most prominent is the large pyramid next to the market square, but the so-called Acropolis is particularly noteworthy.

The Acropolis houses the remarkable Palace of the Stuccoes and is located not far from the pyramid within a residential neighborhood along Calle 18.

Maya Pyramids at Acanceh

The three-tiered step pyramid in Acanceh stands directly on the north side of the main square. A few blocks south, along Calle 18, you’ll find another important site, the Acropolis, which includes the impressive Palace of the Stuccoes.

The step pyramid was first excavated and studied by Teobert Maler in 1908. Its base measures approximately 30 meters (100 feet) on each side, and it rises to a height of about 11 meters (36 feet).

Across the street from the pyramid, you’ll find what is likely one of the smallest INAH field offices. The tiny building is only about two square meters in size.

If you want to visit the pyramid, as well as the slightly smaller one behind it, you’ll need to pay the entrance fee of 70 pesos there.

At the back of the main pyramid, a metal staircase allows you to climb to the top, where you can walk around on a covered platform. The highlight is the impressive sun god masks of K'inich Ahau, which make the visit especially worthwhile.

On each side of the pyramid, two large masks flank the staircase. These were originally painted red, but today, only faint traces of the color remain.

On the east side of the substructure, a small staircase leads to an inner chamber. Inside, archaeologists discovered a burial site containing the remains of a man and a woman, likely of noble descent.

The smaller pyramid is located to the northeast, just behind the main pyramid. It stands about 14 feet (4.5 meters) tall and features centrally positioned staircases facing both south and north.

When you reach the top of the larger pyramid, you get a nice first view of the smaller pyramid in the back.

There was once a brick structure on top of the pyramid, but it has not survived. Compared to the main pyramid, the smaller one is less impressive, but since it’s only a few meters away, it’s still worth taking a look.

Its stepped structure reflects classic Maya architectural style, though it is not as extensively restored as the main pyramid. By the way, I spent about half an hour to an hour there and had the place entirely to myself.

Less Visited Maya Ruins

You’re probably familiar with the major Mayan archaeological sites, but the many smaller, less-visited ruins, like those in Acanceh, can be just as fascinating.

In Mayapán, often called the "last great Maya city," you can explore well-preserved pyramids and murals without the crowds. Ek Balam stands out with its impressive stucco sculptures and climbable Acropolis, offering stunning views of the surrounding jungle.

Xlapak, one of the Puuc Route sites, features intricate stone carvings and is rarely busy, making it a peaceful spot to explore. In Dzibilchaltún, you’ll find the Temple of the Seven Dolls and a beautiful cenote where you can take a refreshing swim.

These lesser-known sites offer a more intimate and relaxed way to experience the rich history of the Maya civilization. Check out Mayan archaeological sites for more background information and travel tips.