Chicanná-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. Chicanná is located on the highway just across from the Chicanná Ecovillage Resort. This is the third-largest of the Río Bec cities and is known for its stunning architecture. Its special feature is Temple 2, called the Earth Monster. Its doorway is a giant mouth through which the high priests entered to communicate with the underworld. You can clearly see the eyes, the nose, and the menacing teeth, which hang down above the door.