This Maya-themed museum, opened in 2012, houses a permanent collection of more than 1,100 remarkably intact artifacts, including a reclining chac-mool sculpture from Chichén Itzá and an underworld figure unearthed at Ek’ Balam.

The striking, contemporary building was designed to represent the sacred ceiba tree, believed by the Maya to connect the living with the underworld and the heavens above.

There’s also the high-tech Mayamax auditorium for films, lectures and presentations.

How to get there: About 12km north of downtown along the road to Progreso. Public transport departing from Calle 58, between Calles 57 and 59, heads to the Gran Plaza mall, which is a short walk away from the museum.