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Explore the Mayan Civilization on a Cruise from Galveston
The Mayan civilization, renowned for its advancements in mathematics, astronomy, writing, and art, thrived in Mesoamerica for centuries. This area happens to be where most cruises from Galveston dock, specifically in the areas of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and the coast of Belize.
Xcambo Ruins on a Carnival Cruise shore excursion.
Xcampo
(~ 40 minute drive from Progreso cruise dock)
The Xcampo Mayan archaeoligical zone features Peten style architecture dating to the Early Classic (250-600 AD). The area is adjacent to a salt flat which provided salt to the Mayan empire. La Rosada pink lagoon salt flats are still used for salt production today. The pink waters are an attraction worth seeing on your way to the ruins.
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Uxmal Mayan Ruins
Uxmal
(~ 1.5 hour drive from Progreso cruise dock)
Discover the beautiful Mayan City of Uxmal, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Mayan world. Most of the architecture visible today was built between about 700 and 1100 AD. Its buildings are typical of the Puuc style and include the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the Nun’s Quadrangle, Temple de los Falos, Nunnery Quadrangle, Governor’s Palace, Ball Court and House of the Turtles. It’s typically less crowded and more serene than Chichén Itzá.
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Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins
Chichén Itzá
(~ 2 hour drive from Progreso cruise dock)
Chichén Itzá was once the most important cities in the Mayan empire. Today it is one of Mexico’s most visited sites. The massive step pyramid, known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan towers above the ancient city, which thrived from around 600 to 1200 AD.
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Mayan Ruins of Tulum on a Carnival Cruise Line shore excursion.
Tulum
(~ 2 hours from Cozumel via ferry to Playa del Carmen and then a bus or car)
Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Maya and was an important trading hub, generating enormous wealth exporting jade, turquoise and obsidian during the Mayan post-classic period (1200 AD). The Castillo, or castle, is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean coast. Just north of the Castillo is a pathway that leads down to a sandy beach and the multi-hued Caribbean. The Tulum archaeological site is relatively compact compared with many other coastal Maya sites, and is one of the best-preserved. The Tulum ruins are the third most-visited archeological site in Mexico.
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Coba Ruins on a Royal Caribbean Cruise shore excursion.
Coba
(~ 2 hours from Cozumel via ferry to Playa del Carmen and then a bus or car)
Explore the Mayan Ruins of Coba by walking or riding a rented bike through the tree-lined paths that connect areas of the site to the main pyramid. You can also climb to the top of the 138-foot-tall Ixmoja Pyramid, part of the Nohoch Mul group of buildings, and enjoy the jungle views. The ancient city of Coba offers a glimpse of the Maya civilization through many intricate engravings.
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San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
San Gervasio
(~ 30 minute drive from San Miguel, Cozumel)
Tucked away in an iguana-filled wildlife refuge, the San Gervasio archaeological zone was once a sacred pilgrimage site dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Although not as massive and well known as other ruins on the mainland, these are on Cozumel so the site is much easier to get to. If you rent a jeep or have a driver, this would be a perfect adventure. You can also book shore excursions that include the site.
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Exploring Mayan Ruins on a Royal Caribbean Cruise shore excursion.
Chacchoben
(~ 1 hour from the Port of Costa Maya cruise terminal)
Chacchoben is Maya for “the place of red corn”. The site is thought to have been settled in 200 BC and the structures date to 700 AD. Visitors can walk a path that includes three pyramids and many other smaller structures. Only a portion of the site is open to the public, as many structures are still covered with vegetation awaiting to be restored. It’s located in an area known as the “Region of the Lakes”, so tour companies often pair Chacchoben with Lake Bacalar together on excursions.
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Stone Masks at the Temple of the Masks in Kohunlich, Mexico.
Kohunlich
(~ 2 hours from the Port of Costa Maya cruise terminal)
The Kohunlich archelogical site encompasses over twenty acres spread out over relatively flat terrain, with over two hundred mounds. Walk through the ancient Mayan ceremonial center where a temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The large Sun God masks are a main attraction. The site dates from the Late Pre-Classic (300 BCE-250 CE) through its peak in the Late Classic (600-900 CE), and was abandoned around 1100 CE. At its peak, Kohunlich served as a residential and ceremonial center.
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Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Altun Ha
(~ 1.25 hour drive from the Belize City cruise terminal)
Altun Ha has dual main plazas, 13 temples and residential structures, including the Temple of the Sun God. During the Classic Mayan period, it was a trading link between the Caribbean coastline and the interior Maya centers . The site is famous for the discovery of “The Jade Head”, a large jade carving of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau. This 6-inch, nearly 10-pound jade carving is the largest of its kind found at any Mayan site.
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Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Xunantunich
(~ 2 hour drive from the Belize City cruise terminal)
Xunantunich, “Maiden of the Rock/Stone Woman”, is an archaeological zone where Mayans worshipped and lived during the Classic period up to 900 AD. El Castillo is the tallest structure in the zone and is the second tallest building in the entire country of Belize.
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Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins
Cahal Pech
(~ 2 hour drive from the Belize City cruise terminal)
Cahal Pech, settled in 1200 BC and abandoned in 850 AD, was once the hill-top home to an elite Mayan family. The site has over 30 structures (one being 77 feet high), ceremonial Temples, Steam houses, and intricate explorable tunnels. Today, the peaceful town of San Ignacio is built around it.
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