Mayan Ruins Cozumel vs. Belize

[kelster42]

We want to see the Mayan Ruins but loved Paradise Beach. We heard you can visit the Mayan Ruins in Belize and Roatan, has anyone done the ruins and these sights which is the best?

[Mike2131]

We want to see the Mayan Ruins but loved Paradise Beach. We heard you can visit the Mayan Ruins in Belize and Roatan, has anyone done the ruins and these sights which is the best?

 

We have never been to Roatan, but I can give you a comparison of Lamanai in Belize and Tulum outside of Cozumel. Both were taken through Princess.

 

Tulum - Very interesting ruins in a spectacular wide open location overlooking the Caribbean. The beach is picture perfect and you can swim if you wish. No climbing on the pyramids. Shopping on-site was poor. The coach was about 1 1/4 hours going and a little quicker coming back. We were provided with a snack sack (not very good). We had a brief bathroom break going to the ruins (read shopping stop). A very enjoyable tour.

 

Lamanai and New River Safari - Highly recommended. A coach ride to a boat launch area with a few vendors. The boat ride up the river had wildlife sightings of bats, a lot of waterfowl, iguanas, crocs, etc. Upon arrival, we had a tasty lunch as well as some time to see the small on-site museum and visit a small shopping area. We then took a tour of the ruins. They were very impressive and most of the site has not been excavated. It is in the jungle and there were two very vocal groups of howler monkeys that added to the Indiana Jones feel of the excursion. Climbing is allowed. Then the boat back to the departure point and the coach back to the ship. This is an all day tour.

 

If you can take both, they make a fascinating contract. If you can only take one, I recommend Lamanai and the New River Safari.

[ellikitten]

Thanks so much for the info, Mike... and for posting the great question, Kelli! I was wondering which tour to do also and it seems like Lanai is winning out so far :)

 

~elli

[kelster42]

I agree. We just had so much fun at paradise beach in cozumel we hate not to go again. But my son "HAS" to see the mayan ruins.