If you are into Mayan ruins, here are a few lesser known places to visit. If you are in the Yucatan and coming from or on your way to Chichen Itza, it’s worth it to stop in Valldolid and go out to Ek Balam. (I may have already posted that one.)

Also, when I was in Chiapas this summer, I decided to go to Bonampak and Yaxchilan after visiting Palenque and on my way to Tikal. It was well worth it because they are impressive sites surrounded by jungle…and there were hardly any other people there! It is a 40 minute boat ride from La Mesilla just to reach the ruins at Yaxchilan! Bring good shoes and be ready to sweat as it is unforgivingly hot!
I’ve heard it is much cheaper to book a trip through a company to see these sites than to try it on your own with public transport.