On a recent day trip to Cancun we stumbled upon the remains of a Mayan temple. I don’t know Cancun like I know my city (Playa del Carmen) so I can’t tell you the name of the beach where the temple is located. What I can tell you is that the ruins are across from the “La Isla” shopping centre (in the hotel zone) and right on the beach.
The temple is perched up on a hill, with ancient steps leading to the top. After following the winding path and up the stairs we were met with these amazing views and history. My photos do not do the temple and sights justice — you simply must see it in person to take it all in. There is a magical aura that will want to keep you there. Enjoy!
According to a sign we saw at the ruins, this is called the Templo Del Alacaran or Scorpion’s Temple. This is exactly what the plaque said: “Its name is due to the remaining of a scorpion’s sculpture found in one of the walls of the temple. The temple rises on a vertical walls plinth with a four step stair limited by two dice, and a platform was build at the top as base of the one room temple, which access is available by three entrances formed by two columns; the flat ceiling that covered it was formed by a wood architrave and a kind of bricks placed one next to the other; the walls show a slight inclination towards outside; the border is limited by two cornices and it is crowned by a single incline flat surface.
All the construction was stuccoed and painted; there is no vestige of this conserved. This temple is chronologically located in the Late Post-Classic Period (1200-1500 A.D.)”
In the steps you can see just how much traffic they have received since their existence. There are grooves that show the wear and tear of so many feet that have crossed these steps.
Who can spot the two hidden temple guardians?
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a beautiful Saturday day and to all fathers I’d like to wish you a wonderful Father’s Day.
P.S.
Need last minute Father’s Day recipes? Check out these 25 recipes your dad will love!
Paradise! This is such a beautiful place.
Cheers,
Rosa
It really is paradise, I hope one day you can see it for yourself. Thanks Rosa!
How beautiful! Mayan ruins are so incredible. Several years ago when Luke and I were in Cozumel, we toured some Mayan ruins and it’s so amazing how advanced they were in their construction. Your pictures are gorgeous!!!
I’m glad you’ve seen Mayan ruins in real life, Jamie. They really are incredible! Thank you.
What a gorgeous place and absolutely lovely pictures Nancy! I love the shot of the steps and the centuries of feet impressions. There is a pueblo near that sits on top of a plateau and has a secret path to the valley floor that has been use by the natives for centuries. It has similar foot impressions as well as “hand holds” in the walls sine the path was steep and narrow. Thanks for sharing your trip!
Looks like a FANTASTIC place! Hope I can visit it one day! I’m not sure about seeing those gigantic reptiles though!
It’s been several years, but I once drove that coast (from the ferry to Isla Mujueres all the way down to Tulum). We stopped at more than one beachsode ruins area. I wonder if this had been one of them. GREG
Looks like a fabulous place. How funny to think of ancient ruins across from a shopping center!
Omg… I almost fainted at that last photo!
Magical is putting it mildly! This would be such an awesome place to see. Adding it to my list!!!