El Rey Ruins

Cancun’s El Rey Ruins offer visitors an introduction to the Mayan people who once settled in areas of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. It is thought that the Mayans lived in Central America from as early as 1800 BC, and reminders of a great civilisation still remain scattered across the region. The ruins of El Rey are found in the hotel district in the heart of downtown Cancun, and are a unique testament to the architectural brilliance of the Mayans.

Archaeologists have unearthed evidence that the area around Cancun was very densely populated, but many of these settlements were abandoned with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, Cancun among them. The 47 stone structures are all that remains of the ancient Mayan city here, and contrast strongly with the high-rise hotels peeking out from behind them. If you climb to the top of the tallest building you’ll be rewarded with an up-close look at a ruined temple and the burial site of an illustrious Mayan figure.

Some of the stone work still displays paintings of ancient Mayan scenes, and if you look hard you can just about make out the fading images of Mayan kings and other significant characters. This site is not the largest or most impressive archaeological site you're likely to come across in Mexico, but it is very easy to access and offers a valid introduction to the Mayan world. It is also an important reminder of what lies beneath the concrete of modern-day Cancun.

The site is overrun with iguanas which now seem to have become very comfortable around people – especially when those people have food to offer them. Be sure to pack some fruit and bread if you want to make some new friends.

The El Rey ruins are found in the hotel district of Cancun, just by the lagoon. It’s probably easiest to get there by bus or taxi, although there is some paid parking in the area for those who have their own transport. The ruins are open daily and there is a small admission charge on Sundays, however, it’s free. There is little protection from the unforgiving sun here, so wear a hat and take some sunblock, maybe an umbrella too.