El Rey is a small Mayan ruin within the Cancun Hotel Zone adjacent to Laguna Nichupté and across the street from the Caribbean Sea. The archeological site dates from the Late Postclassic period (1200 – 1539 AD) and has been identified as part of an Itza trade route. It was named Rey meaning king because of an excavated sculpture resembling royalty. El Rey takes about an hour to tour the remains of the 40 plus platforms, bases, walls and columns. Also consider visiting the Mayan museum about a mile away. Museo Maya de Cancún exhibits over 400 pre-Columbian artifacts. For a better Mayan ruins experience, rent a car or take a tour bus to Chichen Itza, Tulum and/or Coba. Travel guides for all three are available on this Encircle Photos website.
