There are so many Mayan archeological sites scattered all across the Yucatan Peninsula that it is easy to overlook a site like the Ruinas del Rey. But it is well worth a visit. It is right on the edge of busy Boulevard Kulkulcan at the south end of the hotel zone but once you enter the ruins you are in a different world. Somehow, it is impossibly quiet and peaceful in the ruins.
The Ruinas are largely overlooked by the toursits who crowd Coba, Tulum, and Chichen Itza.
The ruins are actually quite extensive. We hired an older man who offered to act as a guide for US$5. He showed us round the stie for over an hour and we were impressed by his extensive knowledge. I paid him US$20 and it was a bargain at that price!!!
There are a large number of iguanas in the ruins. According to the guide, the Mayans brought the iguanas to the site and used them for food.
The site is easily accessibly by bus or taxi and outside of a very steep entrance ramp, is accessible by wheelchair. Visitors can climb on most of the ruins.
One tip: When we visited in December 2006 they were doing renovations and the restrooms were closed. In fact, from the street, the entire site looked closed. Once we went down the ramp there was a man selling entrance tickets for a nominal fee.
