El Rey Archaeological Zone — Attraction in Cancún

Small collection of Mayan ruins right in zona hotelera in Cancun. They are neither as dramatic or as picturesque as the more famous ruins all over the rest of the yucatan peninsula such as in Tulum or Chichen Itza. However, being conveniently located right in the touristy heart of Cancun, they are worth a visit for people who either don't have the time or the inclination to visit the more popular ruins farther away.

The ruins are the remnants of a smallish settlement of about 47 excavated buildings that are thought to have come up in the 13th century and abandoned with the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th. It takes about twenty minutes to half an hour to take a stroll through the site. In addition to the remnants of the stone structures that used to be homes and temples, another popular attraction here is the plethora of iguanas that now call the place home. You can see them popping up all over the ruins, some even leisurely sunning themselves along the stone outcrops.

Entry fee is about 45 pesos. There is an hour long tour available for 200 pesos for anyone who wants a more in depth knowledge about the history of the place. Worth your time for a nice leisurely walk through...

El Rey Archaeological Zone is a great spot to explore if you’re in the Cancun hotel zone and looking for something unique to do.

What to Expect Ancient Ruins While it’s not the largest archaeological site, the ruins hold significant historical value and give you a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. Abundance of Wildlife One of the highlights of the park is the large population of lizards and iguanas. They’re everywhere, and spotting them adds a fun, interactive element to your visit. Relaxed Atmosphere The site isn’t huge, so it’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. You won’t need a full day here, but it’s a great way to spend a few hours.

Tips for Your Visit • Comfortable Clothing: Wear light and comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be walking outdoors. • Bring Water: Stay hydrated, especially if you visit during the hotter parts of the day. • Timing: It’s an ideal activity if you have some free time in the afternoon.

El Rey is a simple yet worthwhile experience, especially if you’re staying in the hotel zone. It’s a mix of history, nature, and relaxation—a lovely way to break...

This is a Beautiful place to visit! I arrived at this location just after 9 am. It was a great time to get few pics before the crowd showed up. Bus loads of people ha ha ha Funny, just before arriving to Cancun I found out that Cancun means, Nest of Snakes. I was laughing once I arrived, saying.. I'm in the Nest with The Snakes. But then later, a flash came to mind. It was a pic of the end of my braid. OMG, it looks like the end of a rattlesnake tale. WoW, That was weird. One of the drivers in Cancun, Efren, had a rattlesnake tale hanging from his rearview mirror, which he treasures, it was given to him years ago. I went looking for one, but I was told those are not longer being sold. Cancún is derived from the Mayan name kàan kun, composed of kàan “snake” and the verb kum ~ kun “to swell, overfill”. Two translations have been suggested: the first is "nest of snakes" and the second, less accepted one is "place of the...