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There is one thing that the Mexican Caribbean and the Yucatan Peninsula is in no short supply of: ancient Mayan ruins.
Yes, for the Indiana Jones types and explorers among you, places likes Cancun have become ever more attractive over the years for exactly that reason, with some of the most popular archeological sites in Mexico situated just outside the city.
With this current trend of archeological tourism showing no sign of stopping, more and more sites are being opened and expanded in order to capture the interest of even more tourists; and the plan seems to be working.
Temporary Closure of Archeological Site
One such site has just announced that it will temporarily close for a month, and that is El Meco in Quintana Roo.
@rosayarelistaheli1 El Meco #Cancun #zonaarqueologica #archeologicalsite #amazing ♬ Los Mayas – K' Inich Jannab`
Set to close between January 22nd to February 29th, the site will unfortunately not be available to tourists looking to visit the area, as confirmed by the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology).
The closure comes into effect due to work being completed for the Maya Train, which is currently on schedule for completion by February 29th.
Carried out by the Program For The Improvement Of Archeological Zones (PROMEZA), the work will include the construction of a service unit, a research area, an archaeological camp and a pedestrian bridge.
@thebeardedvagabond This is a short from my full video at El Meco Archaeological Mayan site in Cancun. In this clip I just discuss some of the history of this ancient city while exploring the ruins all to myself. Watch the full video on my channel The Bearded Vagabond. #elmeco #mayan #mayanruins #cancun #mexico #ancientruins #archeology #history #archaeology #travel #méxico #cancún #travelvlogger #traveler #travelling #travelguide #travelholic #traveladdict #archeologytok #archeologytiktok #archeologylover ♬ original sound – TheBeardedVagabond
As the continued popularity of the zones grows, these necessary works are pivotal to ensuring that the sites are protected and preserved in the best possible way so that tourists can continue to marvel at the incredible wonders that have truly stood the test of time.
A Closer Look At El Meco
Though smaller in size than other zones, El Meco still holds its own, located on the northern outskirts of the city of Cancun, along the coastal road of Punta Sam.
Host to the tallest pyramid on the northeast Yucatan Peninsula, El Meco is made up of three plazas as its core site and dates back as early as 600 A.D, when it began life as a small fishing village.
Believed to have been taken over by the influence of Chichen Itza many years later, the site was an important port to the trade network that existed all over the Yucatan Peninsula and still stands today in all its glory.
The site is a perfect way to spend your day when looking for something to do beyond lying by the beach when it reopens next month.
Where To Go Instead of El Meco
Tourists who have been looking forward to a trip to El Meco over the next month need not worry, as there are still plenty of other options sure to pique their interest.
Museo Maya De Cancun
This contemporary museum located in Cancun is a top choice by Lonely Planet and offers a far different vibe from the busy beaches and hustle-bustle shopping areas.
Showcasing some of the incredible history and art of the Mayans, with important artifacts pertaining directly to the time period, the museum offers a powerful introduction to the ancient Maya civilization.
The museum itself is located in the jungle area near the hotel zone of Cancun, and its large, floor-to-ceiling windows allow its visitors to see into the tropical forests and mangroves, as well as the breathtaking Laguna Nichupte.
You don’t want to miss it!
San Miguelito
Like we said above, you don’t have to travel very far to find an archaeological site in the Mexican Caribbean, and San Miguelito is the perfect area to explore when you’ve had enough of the beach.
Transporting you back to a time of Spanish conquistadors and banana boats, this relatively small Mayan archaeological site was once a thriving city and an important trading post during ancient Maya times.
So close to the hotel zone that you can see the popular skyscrapers peeking above the trees, here you are able to witness just how far civilization has come.
Covered by thick jungle mangroves that shade you from the hot Mexican sun, this forgotten world is host to ancient structures, palaces, and even a three-story pyramid.
Located just beyond the Museo Maya de Cancun, these two places are the perfect day for exploring and thrusting you into a pivotal time period in the history of civilization.
You are sure to leave feeling fully immersed in the culture and traditions of the Mayan people, and we highly recommend you check it out!
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