Enjoy a unique, cultural combo, drive-yourself on this sightseeing excursion of the island with stops at “El Mirador”, beach break at Alberto’s Beach, Cedral Town, and Kun Che Park. Learn about the fascinating history of the Mayans plus enjoy a delicious traditional regional lunch. You’ll meet your guide at a convenient location close to your Cozumel cruise terminal. After checking in, the guide w
ill lead your group to the parking area where your island style Jeeps or Buggys are waiting. You'll have the option to book automatic or manual transmission Jeeps (must add note while booking) or automatic Buggys. Each vehicle is shared; if you want the vehicle to yourself you will need to book all 4 seats (the extra spaces at adult rate). If you do not add note to the booking, Jeep will be manual stick shift transmission. As soon as everyone is situated in their vehicle, you will follow your guide out caravan style on the paved roads crossing the island to the eastside beaches. Your first stop is at "El Mirador". Take in the rugged natural beauty of Cozumel's east coast at “El Mirador” lookout, where the sea has carved an arch into the rock. Don't forget your camera, "El Mirador" offers awesome photo opportunities. Guests may not get in the water here. Then jump back in your vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive around the southernmost tip of the island for the next stop to Albert’s Beach Club located on the westside. You will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach that does NOT have touristy big crowds. The beach club offers a big shaded area with tables and chairs and some lounge chairs are available (first come, first sit). Or you can just plop your towel down and relax on the sand if you prefer. You can rent snorkel gear and do some great snorkeling on the world’s second-largest reef, Mesoamerican Reef. The beach club has a full-service restaurant and bar where you can purchase drinks and food if you like. You’ll have approximately an hour to 2 hours to enjoy the sun, beach, and ocean at the club before heading to your next stop at “El Cedral”. After your beach time, it’s time to head to “El Cedral”. This little town is located in the jungle and was the first settlement on the island. It has a rich history mixed with mystery. Here you will be able to visit the small Mayan ruin that survived the Spanish conquerors, and also you’ll see the Catholic Church that the "Mestizos" build next to it. Then you will head to Kun Che Park located within El Cedral. You will receive a guided visit of the Park, view and participate in the activities. Kun Che Park is the only place in Cozumel where you will be able to experience true, authentic Mayan activities and enjoy watching a sacred pre-Hispanic ball game, Pok-Ta Pok. With its origin in the Mexican Mayan dynasty, Pok-Ta-Pok was part of their sacred rituals. It was played to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to ask for protection. It was played in every Maya city with 2 teams of 1-4 players each. The basic object was to keep the ball in motion using only legs, hips, and heads either the rules about bounces in between plays or getting the ball through a ring located on each side of the stadium and as high as 20 feet off the ground! Body pads were often used to protect the players as the ball was made of a local rubber and morning glory sap and weighed up to 9lbs (4 kilos). Over the years and Maya regions, the rules changed. One of the more unusual twists and as the ultimate honor to the Mayan Gods of the Underworld was that often the winning team was sacrificed! The game could go on for days as well. Other cultures such as the Aztecs adopted the game too. But the enjoyment does not end here! You will be treated to a Mexican fiesta, including folkloric ballet and regional dances from the Yucatan Peninsula with all performers in elaborate traditional costumes. As you watch the show, you will enjoy an authentic Mayan lunch. The buffet includes handmade corn tortillas, 2 different styles of chicken tacos (escabeche and pibil), beans, rice, chips, salad bar, seasonal fruits, and for drinking purified natural water and fresh iced Hibiscus tea. Other beverages are available for purchase such as bottled water, soft drinks, Mexican beer, margaritas, piña coladas, etc. With your mental and gastronomic appetites thoroughly satisfied, it’s time to head back to your meeting point close to your Cozumel cruise ship pier.
