Yamil Lu'um Ruins, Cancun

Yamil Lu'um Ruins are a small but historically significant archaeological site located directly within Cancún’s Hotel Zone, between the Park Royal Piramides and the Westin Lagunamar. Surrounded by modern resorts, the ruins offer a quiet reminder that this coastline was once part of an active Mayan network long before tourism reshaped the area.

The site dates to the late Postclassic period, roughly between the 13th and mid-16th centuries. It consists of the remains of two small temple structures built on a raised platform. Although modest in size, their placement is notable: Yamil Lu’um sits at one of the highest natural points along Cancún’s beachfront. This elevated position suggests the site functioned as a lookout, navigational marker, or signaling point for coastal travel rather than as a ceremonial center.

Each structure was once identified by distinctive features. One was associated with a carved scorpion motif and became known as the Temple of the Scorpion, while the other featured a handprint impressed into the stucco, earning it the name Temple of the Handprint. These details are no longer visible today, but their recorded presence helps explain how the buildings were originally distinguished.

Yamil Lu’um was documented in 1842 by American explorer and diplomat John Lloyd Stephens and is now maintained as part of the surrounding resort property.