Ancient Ruins Holidays

Guatemala is home to some of the world's most magnificent ancient ruins, specifically those dating back to the Maya civilisation. Tikal, set in the northern jungle of Guatemala, is arguably the region's finest and most impressive, with some structures dating back to around 600 BC.

Spider and howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis and a wide range of birds now inhabit the site.

Yaxha, near the Belize border, is less visited and less grandiose than Tikal, but its lagoonside location and stunning jungle views are equally rewarding.

Chichén Itzá is probably Mexico's most famous ancient ruin. It offers a fascinating look into the Maya civilisation; more than 20 groups of ruins are scattered across the site, dating back to the 6th century. It was recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Teotihuacán is celebrated for its alignment with the setting sun's axis and towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Palenque's intricate hieroglyphics and lush jungle setting make it one of Mexico's most beautiful archaeological sites.

Machu Picchu is, of course, the jewel in the crown of ancient Peru. The World Heritage site is perched almost 8,000 feet above sea level, requiring a multiple-day trek or adventurous train journey to reach. The blend of mountain scenery and impressive ruins together makes for an unforgettable site and one of the best ancient ruins in the world. Peru's northern coast is a wealth of archaeological treasure; Chan Chan is the world's largest adobe city and was the largest pre-Columbian city in all of the Americas. The Sacred Valley, near Ollantaytambo, was once the agricultural and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, with much of its tradition and ruins well-preserved to this day.

The nearly 1,000 monolithic statues comprising the Moai on Easter Island are incredibly enigmatic and remain one of the world's great mysteries. Situated on the most remote inhabited island on Earth, little is known about Easter Island before European discovery in the 18th century.

Ramthambore Fort, built in the 5th century AD, provides incredible views of the surrounding National Park. The park is famed for its 40 mammal species, 320 bird species and 35 reptile species, with its most famous resident being the Royal Bengal tiger. The Amber Fort, which dates back to the 16th century, sits on the outskirts of Jaipur. Its opulent halls and courtyards are well-preserved examples of Rajput architecture, blending red sandstone and marble with intricate design. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Agra Fort, near the Taj Mahal, is an interesting example of Mughal military strategy and architecture.

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle houses over 2,000 years of cultural heritage. Anuradhapura, once the Sinhala kingdom's capital, was abandoned in the 11th century and reclaimed by the jungle, before being excavated in the 19th century and opened to visitors. Polonnaruwa, the nation's former capital, contains the 12th-century remains of King Parakramabahu I's palace and the iconic Gal Vihara, three Buddha figures carved into the cliff face measuring up to 46 feet in height, one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya, commonly known as ‘Lion Rock', has been inhabited since the prehistoric Mesolithic period. Some carvings are estimated to date back to the 3rd century BC, and more ornate touches added by King Kashyapa in the 5th century are still visible. Kandy, the last outpost of the Sinhalese monarchy, is home to several 14th-century ruins and historical structures.

Around 90 minutes outside Hoi An is one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites: the My Son Jungle Temples. Set in a small clearing in the heart of the Jungle, the temples were once part of the capital of the Champa civilisation, rulers of Vietnam between the 4th and 13th centuries, and were built to honour the Hindu god Shiva. More than 70 structures still stand to this day.

Angkor Wat is the largest archaeological site in the world, spanning an area comparable to that of modern-day Paris. More than 1,000 temples comprise the site, which was built in the early 12th century and took between 30 and 40 years to build. The Angkor Wat complex is surprisingly well-preserved, with notable restoration projects keeping the site open to visit to this day, and even used as a religious site.

The desert fortresses of Uzbekistan are an archaeological marvel. Many of them are around Khiva; the Khorezm Desert Fortresses, between 90 minutes and 2 hours outside of the city, are vast. Ayaz Khala is a collection of fortifications dating from the 4th century BC to the 7th century AD, built to combat raids by nomads. Toprak-Kala was once a palace city and capital of Chorasmia between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and was not excavated until 1938. Kyzyl Kala, around 1 kilometre west of Toprak-Kala, likely served as a defensive outpost for the larger ‘Fifty Fortresses Oasis' area.

The desert city of Petra, which is carved into the rose-red Shara Mountains, is Jordan's most famous ancient ruin. The Treasury is perhaps its most iconic feature, but the 30-minute walk through the winding Siq (a narrow natural canyon) to get there is fascinating. Jerash, known as ‘the Pompeii of the East', is one of the most well-preserved and largest Roman sites outside of Italy. An arch built in 129 AD to honour the visiting Emperor Hadrian, a vast oval-shaped forum, and the columned Temple of Artemis are the most defining archaeological features.