Visit El Rey Ruins (Cancun) during Easter Holidays

It is known that Cancun, as one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico, has as many attractions as you can imagine in order to keep its tourists out and about each and every day of their vacations. In spite of the fact that many people think that Cancun only consists of beaches and sun, this dreamlike paradise is far more than that. Culture, nature, history – all of this combine to strike the perfect balance which keeps on captivating tourists from all over the word. Regarding the best time of the year, we must say that it does not matter when you are planning to travel – hotels in Cancun provide the best services all year long, and this is why many tourists choose Easter Holidays to do so. One of the main attractions which can be visited during Holy Week is El Rey Ruins (Cancun), located south Cancun downtown right in front of the Caesars Park and the love lagoon, quite near the Cancun International Airport.

This was the first archeologicalarea explored in this city, home to two main squares as well as two main streets. Its architectural style is similar to other Mayan temples such as Tulum, Xel-Há and El Meco; inside it we can find rests of original paintings and a niche where probably the head of a significant character was located. It is thought to be a real Mayan tomb which was originally called “Kin Ich Ahau Bonil”, meaning “King of the Sun”. these ancestral ruins were linked to astronomic practices in the Mayan culture – this is why they are called El Rey (the King).

Plenty of the objects which were once found in it are exhibited by the Archeological Cancun Museum.. According to specialists, this archeological area was an important ceremonial center which reached its splendor peak during the Pos Classical period. If you happen to visit it, you will have the chance of admiring the vestiges of the 3B structure, one of the most conserved ones in all Mexico.  El Rey ruins may have functioned as thecenter of a Little village mainly devoted to maritime commerce and other sea activities, since it is located in a privileged place which has Access not only to the Caribbean sea but also to the Nichupte Lagoon, traditional places where the Mayan may have fished in order to get their food.

These ruins are definitely a must for Cancun visitors; this is one of the different cultural spaces which this tourist area have and at the same time it is also the shelter of a huge number of birds and reptiles who have found protection within this site. As regards the ticket price, this is quite affordable and includes parking access, bathrooms and of course the expedition itself. Certified guides offer their services and the archeological museum of the city also offers guided tours for groups of students who want to know more about the pre-Hispanic legacy of the area.

Agostina Giacomino

Picture: Flickr (leomtxwebmaster)

Tourist attractions in Cancun during Easter Holidays

There are so many different attractions in Cancun for tourists that the hardest part for them is deciding what to do first. The capital of the water sport world has everything you can imagine under the hot Caribbean sun. There are different tours to tourist places such as the jungle, snorkeling, practicing some ski, scuba diving and even fishing. The rich history of Mexico is pervasive all over Cancun; near it you will find perfectly restored archeological sites, including Tulúm, Chichen Itzá, Kohunlich and Cobá. Discover the beauty of nature in the parks of Xcaret, Xel-Há and Tres Ríos or meet the crocodiles in Crococun. All this and other Tourist attractions in Cancun during Easter Holidays will be waiting for you! Don’t even hesitate and book your accommodation in any of the so many different hotels in Cancun. By now, let’s check some of the best activities available for you and your family:

1) Water Activities

Different Hotels located right beachfront have different water activity centers offering plastic boats, kayaks, sailors, and snorkeling equipments among others. The quiet Nichupte Lagoon is also part of all this, but let me tell you that the most popular activity in this lagoon is the Jungle tour. Go sailing on a little boat for two people through the jungle and find yourself snorkeling. This type of tours generally lasts two hours, the perfect time for those who have counted hours.

2) Scuba Diving

As the leader scuba diving destination, Cancun has different options to satisfy all types of tastes, from reefs in the open sea to scuba diving in wells and subterranean caverns. Spoil yourself watching the wonderful submarine fauna composed of thousands of colorful tropical fishes and miles of coral reefs. One of its most valuable treasures is the Mayan Reef, the second largest in the world after the great Australian Barrier. Some of the best reefs in Cancun are the Flags and El Bajito ones.

3) Excursions On Board

A wide range of boats and ships sail along the Nichupte Lagoon, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy and other dreamlike tourist places available all day long from Cancun. Modern engine yachts, catamarans and even old embarkations can take you to the middle of the sea to sunbathe or snorkel on its crystal clear beaches. Some of these tours include continental breakfasts, meals and a shopping tour. Night cruises go to Isla Mujeres, far away from the town in order to admire some Caribbean shows which usually include buffet dinners and happy hours.

4) Parasailing

Another thrilling activity which can be done in Cancun is the famous parasailing which can be found in most beaches of this Mexican paradise. Put your equipment and admire the different blue colors of the sea and the hustle and bustle of the Beach. Enjoy admirable views of the Hotel area while the marine breeze touches your face. Live the most amazing vacations ever!

Agostina Giacomino

Picture: Flickr (dMap Travel Guide)

Restaurants to Visit during Easter Holiday in Cancun: La Casa de las Margaritas

Have you booked your hotel in Cancun for the Easter Break already? Cancun is ready for the Holy Week action! Turquoise waves are already bathing the white sanded Caribbean beaches; tour operators have the packages ready and restaurants are melting, pouring, adding and removing novel ingredients to delight your palate.

Staying in the lively Hotel Zone will give you the chance to be at the spotlight and have everything within close reach. If you’re planning a shopping day in Cancun to buy your perfect Mexican souvenirs, I recommend you to pay a visit to Plaza La Isla Shopping Village right in the heart of the Hotel Zone.

• Plaza La Isla Shopping Village:

This incredibly beautiful mall is different from every other you’ve known so far. Located close to the Nichupte Lagoon, La Isla Shopping Mall boasts impressive architecture and design. More than 150 upscale stores, craft shops, entertainment venues, fine restaurants, stalls and even an aquarium and a Mexican Folk Art Museum are all lined-up along a beautiful canal with arched bridges crossing the clear lagoon. You’ll love it.

• La Casa de las Margaritas:

If dinner time catches you by surprise while strolling the mall; among the many restaurants to visit during Easter Holiday in Cancun, La Casa de las Margaritas is a must-try if youre creaving for  an authentic Mexican dish. Meaning in English, The Margaritas’ House,  the name makes reference to the traditional “margarita”: a typical Mexican cocktail prepared with tequila, cointreau and lime or lemon juice either shaken with ice (margarita on the rocks) or blended with ice (frozen margarita).

This beautiful Hacienda-style restaurant offers a true Mexican décor and ambience in its four different sections. You can choose to savor your lunch or dinner in Los Patios (The Patios), La Fonda Santa Cecilia (Santa Cecilia’s Inn), La Capilla (The Chapel) or Los Balcones (the Balconies), surrounded by authentic Mexican handicrafts and Mariachi, Cielito Lindo, Jarocho and Marimba live performances starting at 7.30 pm every day.

The best flavors of both traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine are prepared marvelously by experienced chefs and served by lively waiters dressed in local customs. The prices are reasonable and I can assure you that the food is worth every cent you pay for it.

• Top Favorites:

It’s hard to pick only a few favorite dishes at La Casa de las Margaritas because all of them are delightful, but some are generally ordered by tourists willing to taste the traditional Mexican flavors. The traditional starters include fajitas (of course) of all types- filled with chicken, grilled vegetables, mixed steak and chicken; Pastor tacos; lime and tortilla soup; and the star: Pork Tamale Starter (exquisite pork meat wrapped in a leaf and covered with a spicy sauce). Your entrée may consist of the exquisite Margarita Shrimp accompanied by garlic, crème and chipotle chile sauce.

• Some Pluses:

– La Casa de las Margaritas features a great cantina open until midnight. Enjoy regional dances, music and cocktails at La Cantina de Margarito.

– Every Sunday, you can enjoy the Sunday Buffet serving Lime and Tortilla Soup, Quesadillas, Corn and Pork Soup “Pozole” and tacos.

– On Tuesdays and Thursdays, cooking lessons and tequila tastings are offered from 11 am to 2 pm.

Had you ever imagined that a restaurant could offer you so much? You can’t miss visiting La Casa de las Margaritas during your Easter Holiday in Cancun if you really want to smell and taste the real Mexican flavor. Happy Easter!

Cecilia Vittori
Image by: Flickr (author: W610 Guy)