A Window to Mayan Heritage

Besides being a popular tourist party destination, Cancun is also one of the best places to visit if you wish to gain a deeper insight into the Mayan culture and heritage. The Mayan civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world that existed in southern Mexico and in the northern region of Central America. The Mayans had a very rich culture, rudiments of which can be found in the contemporary world as well.

Mayan Heritage Sites in Cancun
Cancun boasts of being home to the Mayan heritage, which can be traced back as far as 1500 BC. A large number of archeological sites can be located near various hotels in Cancun. Popular attractions are:

* El Rey Ruins: Located in the heart of the Cancun hotel zone, this site is famous for the Iguana birds which flock the area in large numbers. The site is believed to have been created in 300 BC and still bears traces of mural paintings.
* El Meco Ruins: Located in northern Cancun, this is a fairly small heritage site. However, it offers splendid views of the Chacmochuc Lagoon. You can also find pyramids here. The site is believed to have served as a lighthouse to the Mayans.
* Yamil Luum: This is believed to be the highest point in Cancun and consists of two structures, one resembling a temple and the other a lighthouse. It is located in the Cancun hotel zone and provides unmatched views of the Caribbean Sea.

You can also find a number of rich Mayan heritage sites within a two-hour drive from Cancun, including:
* Ek Balam: This ancient Mayan city is located 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the west of Cancun. The Mayans are believed to have settled in this region around 100 BC. The city houses some of the best Mayan Sculptures. The temple, building and palace ruins found at this site indicate that Ek Balam was a political headquarter and a sacred center.
* Chichen Itza: Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this site houses the Kukulchan Pyramid. During the spring and autumn Equinox, people can observe a magnificent illusion (created by the sun’s rays), wherein a serpent appears to descend from the pyramid.
* Coba: The city was one of the largest Mayan settlements spanning approximately 60 square miles. It is believed to be an important economic center of the Mayan civilization. The site houses the Nahoch Mul Pyramid, which is the tallest pyramid in the northern region, measuring 42 meters.

There are a plethora of other things to do in Cancun, besides archeological expedition. Moreover, the tropical climate and white sand beaches make a Cancun vacation a wholesome travel experience.