Cancun and the Riviera Maya toenails three necessary activities: going to the beach, tasting its gastronomy, and visiting the ruins!
And well, this blog will focus on what you should know to visit these archaeological sites in Cancun, which invite you to learn about the time when they inhabited this Mayan paradise that today leaves us a legacy of history and culture.
For the same reason, and to help you enrich your trip, we will start by talking about the five mandatory tips to visit any of these attractions.
Five unmissable tips
- Investigate the price and schedules of the zone to visit
- Do not forget your INE, since Mexicans and foreigners sometimes have different prices
- Students, teachers, and seniors don’t forget your IDs! They will have a special discount when visiting these areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
- Bring your camera. Of course, no drones, no tripods
5 Archaeological sites in Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Here is the list of sites that you cannot miss. Of course, it will always be more enriching to visit this place in a private or rented car, so you don’t have to worry about meeting tour schedules.
Get ready; the following sites are much more extensive and more impressive than you imagine.
1. El Meco
El Meco is located north of Cancun. Its importance lies in the Mayan navigation route and, within it, you will be able to appreciate 14 different structures, among which stand out: a five-level pyramid known as El Castillo, the main square with a shrine where ceremonies and political functions were carried out (in occasions some special events).
2. El Rey
El Rey is one of the most important attractions on the island of Cancun; its origin dates back to the late Postclassic (1200-1550 AD ). Research has suggested that El Rey and nearby San Miguelito formed the nuclear area of a town dedicated to maritime trade and fishing. The most important building is number two, a pyramidal base with a temple, the main road, and two squares.
Fun fact: It is said that with the tremendous Spanish conquest, this place showed resistance, but its inhabitants died briefly.
3. Tulum
This unmissable tourist settlement is one of the most beautiful, meaningful, and imposing tourist destinations. Tulum has been the only Mayan city built on the coast, and, in ancient times, it functioned as a fortress and city, which was still inhabited when the Spaniards arrived. Still, it was also used as a lighthouse in its ancestor, which protected sailors. Mayans were crossing the great coral reef.
4. Coba
Despite continuing research on the origin of its name, the primary meaning found is “chopped water.” The city of Cobá developed between 5 lakes that were a fundamental factor for its development and subsistence. With 70 km of extension, the city communicated with raised stone roads, which reach very close to the praised Chichen Itzá.
Cobá was one of the most important cities of the Mayan empire, and it is believed that what we see is not even half of the paradise that this tourist area keeps, as excavators and experts suggest that only 5% of this mystic has been known. Place.
Plus: It is immersed in the immensity of the Mayan jungle. You can visit it by bike or on foot.
5. Xcaret
Yes, just as you read it, Xcaret is more than a tourist park! Well, within this majestic and unmissable place, there is an place known as Polé, a port of departure where some Mayans departed to visit the goddess Ixchel, currently located on Isla Mujeres.
Also, at night, you can travel to the Mayan past in its great night show.
Don’t think about it anymore, rent a car with Avant Rent a Car and know everything about these enigmatic places.
