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 Cancún
es many things to many people: it's the ancient Maya, picturesque
México and the sunny Caribbean all rolled into one.
Most visitors tend to include at least one look at the many
faces of Cancún according to their inclinations and
interests. So, while budding historians spend most of their
time at the archaeological sites, they'll reserve a day or
two for the beach; watersports enthusiasts usually get out
of the water long enough to see at least one Mayan archaeological
site.
El Rey (The King) archaeological site, located within the
city's looming ultra-modem Hotel Zone, offers an excellent
introduction to the ancients, especially for those not anxious
to spend an entire day away from sand and surf. It is a
smallish site located on the lagoon side of the highway.
The entrance is well marked near the Caesar Park Hotel.
El Rey belongs to the Maya Post Classic
period from A.D 900 to 1521. On site investigations have
pinpointed constructions dating between A.D 1200 and 1500.
Skulls found at the site have led to speculation that is
was a burial site for the nobolity - commoners were laid
to rest under the floorboards- hence its name.
 El
rey can be explored in about an hour. The area's vegetation
is low, tropical scrub brush for the most part, so be prepared
for sun exposure. In fact, the rocky remains make and ideal
spot for Cancun's most serious sunbathers the uguanas. They
can be found stretched out among the pyramids and may even
pose for picture, if you approach exotic birds and occasional
crocodiles.
As an archaeological zone it is
operated in accordance with the rules governing all such
areas: open every day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission is cheap,
and free on Sundays and holidays. |
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