The ancient ruins of the Maya civilization attract thousands of tourists each year, with five-star resorts coexisting alongside the remnants of a once-thriving culture. While we may not yet have the technology to travel back in time, there are places around the world that serve as tangible links to our past, offering a glimpse into how ancient civilizations lived. This type of travel, known as archaeological tourism, allows visitors to explore sites with preserved settlements, ruins, and artifacts, contributing to the economic development of their regions.
While the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and the Colosseum in Rome are iconic examples of archaeological tourism, Mexico stands out in Latin America as a pillar of this niche, particularly the Yucatán Peninsula, often referred to as the 'Egypt of the Americas.' Here, deep within the jungle, lie the ruins of ancient Maya cities, shrouded in mystery.
Chichen Itzá is the most famous and visited site, but the treasures of the Riviera Maya extend far beyond this well-trodden path. Quintana Roo, located in southeastern Mexico, is renowned for its extensive underground rivers and numerous cenotes, but it also houses significant archaeological treasures like El Meco.
El Meco, named after a local resident from the 19th century, is situated near the current lighthouse at kilometer 2.7 of the Puerto Juárez-Punta Sam road. This site was once a bustling hub for traders and astronomers alike, with buildings specifically constructed for celestial observation still standing today, welcoming visitors from around the globe. Key structures to explore include the Castle, the Temple of the Stele, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Another vital archaeological site in Quintana Roo is Dzibanché, a city that flourished between 300 and 1200 CE, discovered in 1927 by explorer Thomas Gann. At its peak, Dzibanché was one of the most important cities of early Maya culture, featuring monumental temples and ceremonial spaces that remain intact.
In Cancun, the ruins of San Miguelito stand out as the most significant prehistoric Maya settlement on the island, comprising approximately 40 structures across five architectural complexes. Visitors can admire various constructions, altars, well-preserved palaces, as well as utensils, tools, murals, and ceramics.
El Rey, another pre-Hispanic site in Cancun, served as a religious and administrative center where important ceremonies took place. Visitors can still see fragments of mural paintings depicting various deities within the palace structures.
To fully immerse yourself in the historical treasures of Quintana Roo, consider staying at a nearby accommodation. The Residence Inn by Marriott - Playa del Carmen, located just a ten-minute drive from El Rey, offers suites equipped with kitchens and a rooftop pool, perfect for enjoying a sunset over the Caribbean Sea.