Ancient Maya Mural Saved in Cancún’s Hidden Ruins

Cancún, Mexico — A hidden gem of Maya mural art, concealed within the lush vegetation of Cancún’s tourist heart, has been stabilized as part of conservation efforts by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The mural adorns one of the structures in the Conjunto de los Dragones (Group of the Dragons), located in the San Miguelito Archaeological Zone.

A Marine-Themed Masterpiece

The site, named after a serpent-head sculpture discovered decades ago, houses three small pre-Hispanic sanctuaries. The recently stabilized structure—the northernmost in the group—contains fragments of mural paintings depicting marine life, including zoomorphic figures of fish and turtles traversing an aquatic band. This iconography underscores the significance of the sea to the ancient Maya of the Eastern Coast.

In April 2025, a team led by restorer Mónica Alejandra López Portillo Guzmán from INAH Quintana Roo, alongside specialist Claudia Martínez Ávila, carried out stabilization work on the polychrome remains, which were at risk due to the Caribbean climate and the deterioration of their protective covering. The efforts included cleaning and consolidating the plaster using physico-chemical techniques, as well as rehabilitating the polycarbonate structure shielding the temple. Custodians of the site and Luis Bermúdez, a student from the University of the Caribe on an academic placement, assisted in the project.

Preventive conservation measures, such as weeding and cleaning the area, were also conducted with the support of San Miguelito’s safeguarding personnel.

San Miguelito: Legacy of the Eastern Coast

Situated at kilometer 16.5 of Boulevard Kukulcán in Cancún’s Hotel Zone, San Miguelito flourished between 1200 and 1550 AD as part of the Maya cacicazgo (chiefdom) of Ecab. Its inhabitants relied on fishing and trade in salt, honey, and other regional goods.

Discovered by archaeologist Pablo Mayer in 1974 and opened to the public in 2012 alongside the Cancún Maya Museum, the site features at least 50 structures, 16 of which have been restored. Additionally, 47 pre-Hispanic burials have been identified.

The Conjunto de los Dragones, located near the Palacio de Chaak—one of the site’s most emblematic buildings—is believed to have served as a possible astronomical observation center, further highlighting its historical value.

Under the management of Margarito Molina Rendón, director of INAH Quintana Roo, and with support from the National Coordination for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, San Miguelito continues to unveil the secrets of the ancient Maya who once inhabited the Caribbean coast.