Cancun is not known as an archaeological site as Chichen Itza or Tulum. Nevertheless it has some interesting sites including El Rey and El Meco. There were Maya settlements in Cancun and Isla Mujeres and it was in a trade route between Tulum, Cozumel and Chichen Itza. El Rey: El Rey is located directly in the Cancun´s Hotel Zone. Dating from the 3rd to 2nd century BC, the site is a quiet and peaceful. El Rey is an impressive site because of the two main plazas as well as two main streets when almost all of the other Mayan sites only have one. The pyramid here is topped by a platform, and inside its vault there are paintings on stucco. It is thought to have been a royal burial ground Originally named “Kin Ich Ahau Bonil”, Maya for "king of the solar countenance," the site was also linked to astronomical practices in the ancient Maya culture. Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres, located 5 miles across the bay from Cancun Hotel Zone, was a religious center dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of Fertility and you can still visit the temple at the south tip of the Island.
The temple has another purpose, as it was used as a lighthouse for the Mayan ships travelling along the coast. It was part of a huge maritime road, including Comuzel, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres. El Meco: El Meco ruins are located just north of Cancun, on the way to Punta Sam. From the top of its pyramids - the highest archeological structure in the northern peninsula - there is a beautiful view of one of Cancun’s lagoons
This two to three-hour visit offers the magnificent opportunity to become acquainted with an ancient coastal Maya city.
El Meco played an important part in communication with Isla Mujeres and belongs to the Postclassic period. It is considered the departure point for the Mayas sailing to the island and as an important reference for coastal navigation, including navigation through the lagoons and even at night.
The site has 14 structures with a main temple in good condition. There are no organized tours. Rent a car or hire a taxi to reach El Meco. | | Archaeological Sites and Ruins in Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is not known as an archaeological site as Chichen Itza or Tulum. Neverthless it has some interesting sites including El Rey and El Meco. | Keywords
Cancun, History, Archaeological Sites and Ruins in Cancun, Mexico |
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Published on 2008-03-21 by Discovery Mexico; Last modified on 2008-03-21 | Terms
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