Cobá

Near five lakes and between coastal watchtowers and inland cities, Cobá (pronounced ko-bah) exercised economic control over the region through a network of at least 16 sacbéob (white-stone roads), one of which measures 100 km (62 miles) and is the longest in the Mayan world. The city once covered 70 square km (27 square miles), making it a noteworthy sister state to Tikal in northern Guatemala, with which it had close cultural and commercial ties. It's noted for its massive temple-pyramids, one of which is 138 feet tall, the largest and highest in northern Yucatán. Cobá is often overlooked by visitors who opt for better-known Tulum. This site is less crowded, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in ancient culture.