While the Royal Caribbean onboard experience is enough in itself, one of the things I most loved about my Liberty of the Seas cruise was the shore excursion I took in Cozumel, Mexico. At first it was a difficult decision to choose a shore excursion in Cozumel. There were so many fun and exciting things to do like swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling. After much debate, I settled on the Mayan Ruins, Island Tour, and Beach excursion. It seemed to offer a little of everything and left enough time for me to do a some shopping in the afternoon.
This excursion was a great way to discover the past and present of the beautiful Island, Cozumel, explore the Mayan Ruins and enjoy a wonderful time at the Beach.
After being greeted by my guide, Cesar, I boarded an air-conditioned motor coach for a short drive to the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel the main Mayan entity in the island.
Our tour guide, Cesar, had a wonderful sense of humor and was very educated on the Mayan culture as well as the ruins. He walked my group through the ruins and explained all details about the millenary Mayan culture and the vestiges left for us all to admire.
San Gervasio is the largest Mayan Ruins site on Cozumel, and also the most significant. It was a holy site, dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility. Mayan women would pilgrimage there from all over the country to pray at the temples of San Gervasio. The settlement dates back as far as 100 B.C., and was continually settled starting in 200 A.D.
It was interesting to learn how Mayan women paid several visits to San Gervasio throughout their lifetime such as when puberty was met, when the married, and again to give birth to their children.
I felt this was a very worthwhile tour and highly recommend it. There are a couple of things to keep in mind, if you are planning to do this excursion.
The path you walk is very rocky and uneven at times, making it difficult for strollers, wheelchairs and unbalanced people like myself. Luckily, I didn’t encounter any spills along the way.
Expect it to be very hot and dress appropriately. If you get tired, no worries because there are plenty of good flat rocks you can sit on to rest.
The journey continued after the Mayan ruins tour, to the wilder side of the island. A scenic drive around the island took us to the stunning Chen Rio beach. The untamed beach and the blue crystal waters of the Caribbean were a sight unmatched. We had plenty of time to enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant, and play in the waves.
I’ll be following up with another blog post soon, sharing more on Chen Rio beach. Also, be sure to have plenty of cash with you for shopping at the ruins on-site gift shop. I purchased my Mom a beautiful fresh water pearl and black coral necklace for a steal.
You never know who you might run into at the ruins.
The Mayan Ruins, Island Tour and Beach shore excursion currently costs $59, plus guide tip. I felt it was worth every penny. Many thanks to Royal Carribbean, Brandflential, and Brandcation for making my amazing time aboard Liberty of the Seas possible!
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When we went on a western Caribbean cruise I went on a Mayan ruins tour. I’m thinking it was out of Cancun, though. We saw some pretty big ruins. They were awesome! Loved these pictures!
Looks like an awesome experience! We have visited some of the Mayan ruins in Mexico and it was so neat.
How cool.. I have heard soooo many things about Cozumel, but never seen pictures.. loved it.. thanks for sharing; looks like an awesome trip. Have to talk hubby into it…:-)
I bet that was so much fun. I would love to explore the ruins someday.
This is a beautiful place that I would like to visit. Thanks for all the information also. Would love to see the clear blue waters at the beaches – wowo
THAT is where I want to go! I desperately want to visit the Mayan and aztec ruins! Oh that would be amazing to see in person!
My husband and I would love this… it would make a great second honeymoon. 🙂
I would totally choose that kind of excursion too. I love all the historical tidbits.
This tour looks fantastic. We will be in Cozumel in a few weeks and I have been trying to decide what we should see. The ruins look absolutely amazing.
I really want to see Mayan ruins one of these days. What a great trip!