The Mayans, who once flourished in this area, left behind a remarkable legacy.

Mayan cities in the Yucatán began to appear around 2000 BCE. Over time, they reached their peak of architectural and cultural glory during the Classic Period, which spanned from approximately 250 CE to 900 CE.

During this time, the Maya built city-states like Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uxmal, and Palenque. The towering pyramids, intricate temples, and observatories showcase the Mayans’ knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

The decline of the Mayan civilization is a topic of ongoing debate among historians and scholars. It is believed to be associated with factors such as overpopulation, environmental stress, warfare, and resource depletion.

The arrival of the Spaniards marked a significant turning point in the history of the Yucatán. By the time the Spanish conquistadors arrived, many of these ancient city-states had already been abandoned or were in decline.

Over time, Spaniards imposed their culture, religion, and authority on the region, resulting in the amazing blend of Mayan and Spanish influences that can still be seen today in the local culture, architecture, and traditions.

The Yucatan Peninsula has a rich history and a great ancient heritage. If you happen to travel to the Riviera Maya, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these amazing Mayan city-states scattered all over the Yucatan.

Archaeological sites along the Riviera Maya coastline:

• Tulum
• Coba
• Xel-Ha
• Xcaret
• El Rey
• Isla Mujeres
• San Gervasio (Cozumel)

Archaeological sites near Chetumal:

• Oxtankah
• Kohunlich
• Dzibanche
• Calakmul
• Kinichna
• Becan

Archaeological sites near Valladolid:

• Chichen Itza
• Ek Balam

Archaeological sites near Merida:

• Dzibilchaltun
• Uxmal
• Muyil
• Sayil
• Labna
• Mayapan
• Kabah
• Izamal

Archaeological sites near Campeche:

• Edzna

These one-day excursions are to explore the ancient Mayan ruins in a short time.

Travelers have the freedom to choose between local transport such as buses or “colectivos”, private transfer, or opting for guided tours to gain deeper insights into the history and culture of pre-Hispanis Yucatan regions.

The inauguration of the Maya Tren adds an exciting new dimension to travel across the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya Tren provides a convenient easy and efficient way to explore the Yucatan region and its wonders.

The Maya Tren is an additional option for an easy, eco-friendly, and time-efficient means of experiencing the rich Mayan historic and cultural remarkable heritage across the Yucatan Peninsula and the state of Chiapas.

The El Rey site is located on the Mexican coast of the Caribbean Sea, in the hotel zone of the island of Cancun. The island is located on the outskirts of the city center and is connected by two bridges to the mainland.

The original name in the Mayan language is not known.
In 1909 two English travelers Channing Arnold and Frederick Frost visited the site and found an anthropomorphic sculpture of what was interpreted as a monarch or a noble person and from which they derived the name El Rey (“The King”). This head actually is preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Cancun.

History

The site reached its housing peak probably in the early classical period (250-600 AD). The first settlers built houses on platforms, although the organic materials used have not been preserved over the centuries.

Between the years 200 and 1200 AD. the inhabitants of the site worked as fishermen and in salt extraction.

,In a later period the site gained importance because immigrants arrived from the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately between 1300 and 1500 AD. The structures that can currently be seen date from then.

Within the coastal commercial network El Rey was one of the ports on the Caribbean coast. Other important ports in the south were Xcaret, Xelha, Tulum, and Muyil.

After the arrival of the Spaniards in the sixteenth century, the site was abandoned by the Mayans.

Archaeology

El Rey is the most important archaeological site on the island of Cancun. It is made up of 47 structures of varying functions. Archaeologists have found remains of mural paintings and drawings dating from the post-classical period.

During the excavation of a temple in 1975, archaeologists found the burial site of a person of high rank, with a copper axe, a bracelet, and ornaments of shell and bone.

Tourist information

The site is open from Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 17:00.