The El Rey Ruins (or Las Ruinas del Rey) are a spectacular archeological site in Cancun's Hotel Zone, with 47 structures estimated to have been inhabited by the Mayans as early as 900 AD. There are two primary platforms and temples believed to be the remains of religious ceremonial buildings and market areas.
El Rey was named for the ceremonial mask and skull found on the site to honor the Mayan Sun God and over the years further excavations have incited speculation over the ruins history. Although, the El Rey Ruins are not as large in size when compared to Chichen Itza, many visitors enjoy taking pictures of the hundreds of Iguanas that call the ruins home. The Iguanas are unafraid of humans as the park guides keep them well-fed with tortillas.
Unexpectedly located adjacent to the Hilton Resorts Golf Course, this group of ruins is situated in the lagoon of the Southern Hotel Zone and many of the Mayan plazas offer great views of the Nichupte Lagoon as well as the Hotel Zone. The El Rey Ruins are a great way to see Mayan ruins without the trip to Chichen Itza or Tulum.
