A small Mayan site on the road to Puerto Juárez, north of downtown Cancun. El Meco is older and architecturally more substantial than El Rey — the central pyramid, called El Castillo, stands about 12 metres tall, the largest pre-Columbian structure in the immediate Cancun area. The site functioned as a coastal lookout and trading post from around 300 AD through the post-classic Mayan period.
The setting is more atmospheric than El Rey — fewer visitors, more shade, dense surrounding vegetation. Plan around 90 minutes for a slow visit including the climb up the side staircase to the top of El Castillo (still permitted, with a chained guide rope). Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission a few dollars. Combine with a Puerto Juárez ferry to Isla Mujeres.