Dzibanche-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. The ruins of Dzibanche and Kinchua are located about half-an-hour’s drive off the highway. These are two individual sites, but so close together that one entrance fee covers both. Don’t bother going to Kinchua unless you have an interest in seeing what archaeological sites look like before restoration. Dzibanche, however, is beautiful, not so much for its structures but for its setting. You walk through a splendid forest with the path meandering through lovely glens when suddenly in a clearing before you, a giant pyramid appears. The setting is mystical.