ARCHAEOLOGY

In Cancun and its surrounding areas, many ruins and ceremonial grounds have been discovered, where the Mayans used to pray and pay homage to their gods.

El Rey – Located at Km 17.5 on Kukulkan Boulevard in Cancun’s hotel zone, just in front of Nichupte Lagoon. It was one the first archaeological zones discovered in Cancun. Many of the objects found there are now on exhibit in the Cancun Archaeological Museum, next to the convention center. According to experts in the field, El Rey was an important ceremonial center that reached its height during the Postclassic period (1250-1521). The architectural style resembles those found in other nearby sites such as Tulum, Xel-Ha and El Meco. On your tour of the site, you’ll notice that the constructions, like structure 3B, are very well conserved. Inside, you’ll find traces of an original painting in what was presumably a king’s tomb, which explains why the site is called El Rey (The King).

El Meco – Located 6 kilometers north of Cancun along the state highway that goes to Punta Sam, this archaeological zone was opened to the public in April 2001. There you can find ruins of several temples and remains of columns, a large square, and a well-conserved pyramid construction.

Tulum – An ancient Mayan city located 128 kilometers south of Cancun. It was one of the region’s main cities and was built by a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is surround by a wall on three of its sides and has five entryways and two watchtowers. Its important structures are a castle, two temples and the house of the ruler, who was known as the Halach Uinic (the True Man).

Chichen Itza – Located 200 kilometers from Cancun and 120 kilometers from Merida, on Highway 180 in the northern region of the Yucatan Peninsula. It was the most important regional capital of the Mayans from 750-1200.  Things to see include a castle (the Pyramid of Kukulkan) with 365 steps, a ball court, la Plaza de Mil Columnas (the Plaza of a Thousand Columns), el Cenote Sagrado (the Sacred Sinkhole), and the temples.

Coba – You can arrive there by taking the Cancun-Chetumal Highway. When you reach Tulum, take the Km 47 turnoff, which will take you directly to the town and the archaeological zone. An important political and commercial center, Coba was one of the most populated Mayan cities. You’ll appreciate its grandeur when you see a temple that is 25 meters (82 feet) high within the Coba Group, a cluster of urban structures. Another important structure is the Nohoch Mul, one of the highest Mayan constructions ever built, which towers 42 meters (138 feet) high.