A small ruin is located right within Cancun's Hotel District, with a tour that lasts just about 30 minutes. There are no large pyramids, but the location is ideal as a quick side trip for vacationers. One unique attraction is the hundreds of iguana's that have fled the area, after being driven out by the large resorts and hotels. They are not generally afraid of humans, and people can often get very close before the lizards run for cover. The site is primarily made up of platforms with large stone columns. Since the site is small and close to the city's busy tourist district, it is most often populated by families with young children. During visits, guides often feed the iguanas tortillas, making it an interesting experience for children.
Blvd Kukulcan Km 17
Zona Hotelera
77500 Cancun
Quintana Roo, Mexico
mayanbeachgarden.com/elrey
One of Mexico's smaller sites, El Meco sits just north of Cancun's busy tourist region, and tends to be less busy than some of the area's larger sites. The site includes a few pyramids, including the tallest archaeological structure in northern Quintana, and Charmochuc Lagoon. Opened to the public in 2009, the site has yet to offer organized tours, but the small size makes it easy to navigate. The site can be easily accessed by road, but parking can be difficult. Ideal for travelers on their way to Punta Sam, a popular beach on the outskirts of Cancun, the ruins are just off the main road.
El Meco
77500 Cancun
Quintana Roo, Mexico
homeandabroad.com
Located in Cancun's northern peninsula, Ek Balam was once a powerful Mayan city situated on fertile farm land. Today, the area is popular among tourists and is a short distance from Cancun's hotel district. One of Ek Balam's most mysterious structures is a spiral-shaped tower that doesn't fit the Maya's standard style and is thought to have been the base of astronomical observation. The site is still under excavation, but is open seven days per week to visitors. The whole site has yet to be excavated, but visitors can explore the city entrance, altar and an almost fully intact plaza. Several structures have yet to be restored, but visitors are treated to a taste of what the Maya were capable of.
Ek Balam
Cancun
Quintana Roo, Mexico
yucatantoday.com/en/topics/ek-balam
