A trip to Cancun should include a visit to one of the famous nearby archaeological sites. A miniature sample of these sites is right on  Cancun island. The Ruinas del Rey, or King's Ruins, which border the lagoon on the south end of the island, date back to the Late Pre-Classic period (300 B.C.-100 A.D.). Only two and a half hours away is one of the most impressive of all Mayan ruins, Chichen-Itza.

The site dates to the Classic period, around 600 to 900 A.D., but most of the structures for which Chichen-Itza is renowned date  from the Toltec-Maya, or Post-Classic period (900 to 1200 A.D.). Near Chichen-Itza are the Balankanche Caves, the major portion of which remained sealed until the middle of this century, protecting the secrets Mayan priests  left inside. There are light and sound shows at both Chichen-Itza and Balankanche. Fifty miles south of Merida are several famous Mayan sites, among them Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil and Labna.

A little beyond is Loltun Cave, a huge cavern left much as nature created it, with little commercialism, other than  guided tours, and minimal footpaths. Nearby also is one of the newest sites to  open to the public, Ek-Balam, home to remarkably well-preserved Mayan ruins.

The Mayan civilization extended through Central America, so more archaeological treasures lie across Mexico's southern border, in neighboring  Guatemala and Belize, and in Honduras and El Salvador. One- and two-day tours  are available from Cancun to Tikal in Guatemala, and two-day tours to Copan in  Honduras.