If you’re exploring the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most astonishing archaeological sites just a few hours’ drive into the jungle. The Becan Ruins in Campeche offer a magical day trip that’s perfect for families craving adventure and history.

Nestled deep in the lush jungle, this ancient Maya city is both awe-inspiring and accessible, making it a hidden gem worth the drive. Whether you’re history buffs, nature lovers, or simply looking for a memorable outing, Becan delivers a unique experience just across the state border of Campeche.

Let’s dive into why this spot should make your family’s must-visit list!

Where is Becan located? 

Becan is located centrally in the Yucatan Peninsula, near the Guatemala border. We planned to visit Kohunlich, staying at Explorean for a relaxing experience, you can read our review here. However, Kohunlich was closed due to the Mayan Train construction. Luckily, there are many Mayan settlements in the area, so you can always find another spot to explore.

We drove from The Explorean to Becan, which took about 3 hours due to the construction traffic. On non-workdays or holidays, Google Maps will give you an accurate estimate from any starting point.

Why are The Mayan Ruins of Becan Famous? 

The city of Becán was the capital, religious center, and economic powerhouse of the Maya region known as Rio Bec. Built during the Classic Period of Maya civilization, Becan is notable for its distinctive Rio Bec Style, featuring twin towers in many of its structures. The city’s name, Becan, meaning “trench” in Yucatec Maya, refers to the dry moat that once surrounded it, serving as a defensive feature.

The site was first discovered by Karl Ruppert and John Denison during an expedition to the region and later excavated with the support of Tulane University, which helped fund the extensive excavation efforts that revealed its remarkable history.

What To Do While Visiting The Archaeological Sites? 

Becan was the most extensive archaeological site we’ve explored in Mexico. A few weeks later, we visited Tulum and Chichen Itza, but I’d choose Becan over them. It’s more secluded, free to explore, and we had the whole place to ourselves.

Becan boasts the tallest pyramid in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, making it a must-see stop. This Mayan site features large structures, a ball court, and a 32-meter (105-foot) pyramid you can climb for amazing views.

Becan is divided into three major plazas, and by chance, we explored the least of the west plaza. We did visit the ball court and Structure X, where a stucco figure is preserved behind a glass window and tarp to protect it from the sun

Becan Central Plaza

The architectural style in the central plaza really stands out at Becan. With 20 major constructions and numerous plazas to explore, we spent more time here than expected, immersing ourselves in the vastness of this incredible site.

In the heart of the central plaza, you’ll find the impressive main pyramid, once a major religious hub for the ancient city. It’s topped with a striking stone mosaic mask overlooking the east plaza.

We took on the climb to Structure VIII, where two massive twin towers rise dramatically from the base, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Around the back, you’ll find nine chambers, possibly symbolizing the nine levels of the Underworld, adding a touch of mystery to this ancient structure.

Though difficult to photograph, walking through the plaza and city felt truly special, especially since we had the place to ourselves. It allowed us to really connect with the ancient culture.

East Plaza at Becan

The east plaza was the most astonishing, and we visited it last. On our way to the central plaza, we passed the lower level, which was filled with passageways and massive limestone blocks stacked perfectly to create this monumental structure. The craftsmanship was incredible.

It’s an incredible feeling to stand on the upper level and imagine how they built this city around 2,000 years ago, using it as a hub to trade goods with settlements far and wide. It was a great experience, allowing us to explore the structures at our own pace while learning about their history.

How do you get to Becán? 

To get to Becan, we rented a car from America Car Rental, and had a great experience driving to the archaeological site from The Explorean Kohunlich and our review can be found here. If you’re staying in Bacalar or nearby, many local tours offer transportation, sometimes with snacks included.

If you prefer public transport, the nearest ADO bus station is in Xpuhil, just one town away. From there, you can take a taxi for the final 8 kilometers, or even walk or hitchhike if you’re feeling adventurous. Another option is the Mayan Train, which is under construction in the area but promises to be a great way to travel between cities and visit other Mayan settlements once completed.

If you’re looking for places to stay in the Yucatán, check out this review on the hotel Bacalari boutique in Bacalar Mexico! If you’re also looking for things to do in Bacalar, check out this great blog post!

When is the archeological site open and how much does it cost?

Since Becan is regulated by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), it is typically open from 8 am to 5 pm, though it is closed on most national holidays. The entry fee is quite reasonable, around 80 pesos per adult. If you are a Mexican citizen, entry may be free on Sundays.

Should You Visit The Ancient Mayan City Becan With Your Family?

If you’re looking for a more relaxed Mayan ruin experience, Becan is the perfect spot. We had the freedom to climb all the structures at our own pace without the chaos of large tourist crowds. If you’re as lucky as we were, you might even spot a beautiful Mayan Toh bird flying by while exploring Structure X. Be sure to add Becan to your itinerary if you’re visiting the Yucatan, it’s a peaceful, memorable spot to explore!