Enjoy a unique, cultural combo, drive-yourself sightseeing excursion and learn about the Mayan fascinating history at Pueblo del Maiz and El Cedral. Small groups only, 20 participants max in 5 cars. You’ll meet your guide at a convenient location close to your Cozumel cruise terminal. Your guide will give you a safety briefing before you head off in your automatic, air-conditioned new Nissan March
car. This is a good option for those looking for a smoother ride than in a buggy or Jeep and something with cold air-conditioning! The maximum per car is 4 passengers regardless of age. The cars are shared and are NOT private. You’ll drive along the waterfront in town, you will pass the "Dos Culturas" (Two Cultures) monument built in front of the beach where the Spaniards landed and site of the first mass on the island. See "Capilla de la Santa Cruz", a Catholic church errected on the site for the 500 year anniversary. The next stop is on the cross-the-island-road at Pueblo del Maíz (Corn Town). After parking, you’ll be welcomed by the park staff who will lead you on your 1.5-hour journey through ancient Mayan times. During this interactive walk, you’ll learn about the ancient Mayans and how they lived. Discover the different houses and replicas dedicated to the Mayan gods. See how tortillas are made at the palapa of Hun Nal Ye, and how chocolate is made at the palapa of Ek Chuah, the God of Cocao. There are Chicozapote trees, whose sap is made into chewing gum, different plants that are used to make medicines, and the fiber extracted from the henequen (agave) plant to weave into fabrics at the palapa of Soskil. Visit the temple of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness. At the end of your walk, you’ll be treated to traditional Mayan dance and music. Now drive along the wild east coast of the island with its few inhabitants and long stretches of white sandy beaches. If there’s time you can stop for some amazing photos at Punta Morena or El Mirador. As you continue driving, you'll arrive at the ancient town of El Cedral where you can visit the tiny church next to the small Mayan ruins. A fertility temple stands there which leads them to believe this site had important ceremonial significance. This was the first settlement on Cozumel Island and has a rich history. As you return to the meeting point area, you’ll have a delicious lunch of chicken or beef fajitas. Then you will have free time and enjoy the facilities and beach at El Cid Resort. The excursion ends here and you can spend as much time as you wish and your ship's departure time allows. Take in some sun and enjoy the sparkling turquoise ocean, you'll have access to all the facilities including pool, restroom, lounge chairs, umbrella and restaurant/bar service. Food and drinks here are not included. There is a sandy made beach area and stairs leading down to the water. At the end of this amazing day, you can return to your Cozumel cruise terminal.
