Mayan Ruins close to Cozumel?

[fern1226]

We may switch to an itinerary that has Cozumel and I was wondering if there were any Mayan Ruins closer to Cozumel then the ones at Tulum? I know Tulum is beautiful, I'm just not sure if one of our companions can handle that long of an excursion.

Fern

[fern1226]

Fern, the only Mayan Ruins (commercially offered) near Cozumel other than Tulum are the San Gervasion Ruis in Cozumel, about in the middle of the island and ca. 30-40 minutes away from downtown Cozumel. Do not expect the extend or size of Tulum, Coba or Chichen Itza, although there are various ruins spread across a big area, the ruins are smaller but believe me, very interesting if you have a good guide. IT is the only excavated Mayan site on Cozumel and it is believed it was the center..Good luck!

 

Thank you very much.

[BK_Essence]

We went the to San Gervascio ruins because we didn't want to take long excursion. We got a tour on the pier for only $20 per person & cost of admission at ruins $5.75 pp. It included brief city tour, ruins, then tour of island. The tour had only had 9 people so not too big and easy to ask questions. Both guides (driver and guide at ruins) were friendly and knowledgeable. We spent an hour or so at the ruins, then took tour of island. We stopped twice by mutual constent to take photos at beach and shop at local stands. Total time of tour was about 3.5-4 hours. it was great tour and best bargain of whole cruise.

[dcasian]

Hi BK,

Could you give me more info/details about the ruins and island tour you booked at the dock?

 

Thanks

T

[black manta]

hi everyone,

newbie here..i went to cozumel last sept., did more shopping than looking. i'd like to do 3-4 tour also. post up where you caught the tour. thanks! gg

[Tom Servo]

Fern, the only Mayan Ruins (commercially offered) near Cozumel other than Tulum are the San Gervasion Ruis in Cozumel, about in the middle of the island and ca. 30-40 minutes away from downtown Cozumel. Do not expect the extend or size of Tulum, Coba or Chichen Itza, although there are various ruins spread across a big area, the ruins are smaller but believe me, very interesting if you have a good guide. IT is the only excavated Mayan site on Cozumel and it is believed it was the center..Good luck!

 

Are the San Gervasion ruins easily accessable by car without a tour guide?

[kenf333]

Are the San Gervasion ruins easily accessable by car without a tour guide?

 

Tom,

By looking at the map yes. If you are renting as many suggest get full coverage on the vehicle. Check out cozumelinsider.com they have maps and other info.

[snowbirds2]

We were at San Gervasio a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed the relaxed environment to explore the spread out site at our leisure. No crowds (lots of iguanas!) and a very well informed taxi driver/guide made the trip very interesting. Admission was $5.50 pp. Snack bar, and craft/gift shops and washrooms.

We hired a taxi/mini van at the pier terminal (Jorge Basto - van 017) for $35.00 pp. for 4.5 - 5 hrs. There were 9 passengers. Did a tour of the Island with some photo stops and souvenir shopping. The San Gervasio stop was about 45 - 60 minutes which was plenty of time to see the main structures - but there are many others. He dropped us off downtown afterwards. We could have stayed longer if we wanted to make our own way back to the ship but not being big shoppers we opted for a 45 minute browse around town and took the van back to the pier.

Very friendly informative driver - we've been in email contact with him since and he has sent us some more pictures of the Island.

 

But it would be easy to self drive as well. I think you can hire tour guides at the ruins if you wish. When we were there they were doing a lot of work on the road into San Gervasio which meant driving around branches marking the pot holes in the road like a pylon obstacle course!

 

From Fodors:

 

 

 

San Gervasio

Archaeological Site, Cozumel

Surrounded by a forest, these temples comprise Cozumel's largest remaining Maya and Toltec site. San Gervasio was once the island's capital and ceremonial center, dedicated to the fertility goddess Ixchel. The Classic- and Postclassic-style buildings were continuously occupied from AD 300 to 1500. Typical architectural features include limestone plazas and arches atop stepped platforms, as well as stelae and bas-reliefs. Be sure to see the "Las Manitas" temple with red handprints all over its altar. Plaques clearly describe each structure in Maya, Spanish, and English. At the entrance there are crafts shops and a snack bar. COST: $5.50. OPEN: Daily 7-4.

Address: From San Miguel, take the cross-island road (follow signs to the airport) east to San Gervasio access road; turn left and follow road for 7 km (4½ mi), Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico