Chest opened
+${chestReward.xp} XP
Explorer
NOUVEAU ×${chestReward.collectible.quantity}
tapez pour fermer

See the monuments around you in AR Open chests in the app

Around Us is built for your phone — point your camera at the streets and discover the monuments and places around you in augmented reality. Around Us is built for your phone — chests unlock when you walk, explore and capture nearby places.

•

Enable Location

We need your location to show you interesting places around you

Discover nearby places

Find interesting locations and hidden gems around you

Precise directions

Get accurate directions and distances to places

Your location is never shared with other users. It's only used when you tap the location button.

El Meco

Log in to your account

Start exploring — it's free

Trusted by 93,789 travelers worldwide

Continue with Google
Continue with Apple
or

We will send you a code to connect

By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy

Check your inbox

We've sent a pincode in your inbox. Please enter the code below.

El Meco, Mayan archaeological site in Cancun, Mexico.

El Meco is a Maya archaeological site on the Caribbean coast of Quintana Roo, at kilometre 2.7 of the Puerto Juárez–Punta Sam road, about eight kilometres north of central Cancún. Excavations uncovered 14 structures, including the five-tiered Castillo pyramid, which stands 17 metres high and is the largest Maya building in the region. The road through the site separates the main religious complex from the unexcavated remains of the harbour.

El Meco was likely settled in the Early Classic period (250–600 AD), as ceramics found beneath Structure 2 indicate; it was probably a small fishing village, possibly under Cobá's influence. The site was abandoned by 600 AD and reoccupied around 1000–1100 AD, when it linked closely to Chichén Itzá and later to Ich Paa. From about 1200 AD, as inland cities declined, its harbour made it one of the main ports of the Caribbean coast. It was abandoned soon after the Spanish arrived in the 16th century.

The original Maya name of the settlement is unknown; El Meco is said to derive from the owner of a coconut plantation on the site. The ruins lie on the mainland of Isla Mujeres municipality, directly facing the island, and the road Puerto Juárez–Punta Sam cuts through the archaeological zone. The site was probably the link port to Isla Mujeres.

The site is located north of Cancun and easily accessible by car or taxi, with sturdy footwear recommended due to uneven terrain. There is limited shade across the grounds, so sun protection is essential and visiting in early morning hours is advisable.

The five-stepped pyramid called El Castillo reaches 17 m, the tallest Maya building in the region, and the site's 14 excavated structures belong to its religious precinct. Across the road, the remains of the harbour installation have not been systematically excavated.

The community of curious travelers

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,789 contributors worldwide.

Start exploring
Location
GPS coordinates
20.48750,-87.69889
Latest update
November 3, 2026 23:26
Alternative destinations in Quintana Roo Mexico

Quintana Roo is a coastal region where remote beaches, Mayan archaeological sites, and natural wonders come together. The area is known for its cenotes – natural freshwater sinkholes, some with underwater caves and clear water for swimming and diving. You will find ancient ruins hidden in the...

Reviews
Share your experience

No review yet

Discussions
Start a discussion...

No discussion yet

« El Meco - Mayan archaeological site in Cancun, Mexico » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot
❝

A unique approach to discovering new places❞

— Le Figaro

❝

All the places worth exploring❞

— France Info

❝

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞

— 20 Minutes

Around Us
Travel Guide & Maps
Download

Send to your phone

QR Code
1

Open the camera app on your mobile.

2

Point at the QR code with your camera. A notification will appear.

3

Tap the notification to open the link.