In the language of the Mayan peoples who once inhabited this region, Sian Ka'an means 'Origin of the Sky'. Located on the east coast of the Yucatán peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a large marine section intersected by a barrier reef.

During pre-Hispanic times this was one of the chiefdoms of the Mayan world, while in colonial times it saw an economic boom that caused it to be besieged by pirates and filibusters. The area was also characterized by its henequen haciendas and for being the cradle and bastion of the struggle for Mayan autonomy known as the Guerra de Castas or Caste War.

One of the first Mayan settlements seen by the Spanish conquistadors in 1518, opposite to the island of Cozumel. Its Maya name means “water from the north.” There are eight groups of small buildings lined up between the beach and the jungle; there are fragments of paint and one of the last Mayan dates recorded.

Crucial maritime port for the Maya Caribbean, possibly serving the great kingdom of Coba 1400 years ago. Impressive structures remain, such as the Building of the Birds, with its outstanding mural paintings. This and other vestiges reveal the influence of Teotihuacan.

Pre-Hispanic port of departure to Cozumel for numerous pilgrims headed for the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, as well as a very important Maya trading city whose inhabitants navigated the Caribbean coast as far as Honduras. Its monuments are in the unique coastal style with large platforms and rounded corners.

A powerful walled city on the coast, with some of the best preserved mural paintings in the Mayan area.  Its monuments exemplify the particular style of the East Coast, where the ancient pointed arch gave way to flat roofs supported by columns.

Located in the hotel zone of Cancun, it was one of the principal ports on the Caribbean coastal trade route. It has two plazas and a number of structures, some of which still bear the remains of mural paintings depicting gods.

Situated on the coast, it probably played an important role in the navigation routes of the Maya. From the top of the highest building of the zone, known as "El Castillo," there is fine view of Cancun and the surrounding area.

Important ancient Maya city in an area of lakes, from here the great sacbe’ob (long roads) were built, which helped it survive over many others until it was defeated by Chichen Itza. The round observatory, the great Pyramid of Nohoch Mul and the stunning inscriptions make it unique.