Becán-Ruins of the Rio Bec

Dotting the stretch of highway between Escárcega and Chetumal is a group of fabulous Mayan ruins in an area called Río Bec. These are some of our favorite archaeological sites in Mexico—not only because they have awesome structures, but also because you are frequently the only person about, a truly magical experience. Becán, although intimate in size, this is a real gem. You find here a series of courtyards surrounded by huge pyramids, so steep that a rope is provided to give you leverage as you ascend. Some of the buildings have deep tunnel-like staircases that lead to nowhere. Fun to explore, but be aware that you need to back out the same way you entered. Also of interest is a giant mask on one of the temple walls, covered by glass to protect it against the elements. The ubiquitous ball court is here too, of course. The city was originally surrounded by a 2-kilometer moat crossed by seven bridges. The moat is now dry, but you can clearly see its remains.