
Touring the Mayan Ruins of Cozumel
Visiting Cozumel for the sun, beaches and deep sea diving does not mean you should
overlook the historic archeology finds which it is also known for. From 0 A.D. through 800
A.D., the Island of Cozumel was considered a sacred island and during pre Hispanic times
Mayan women canoed across from the mainland to worship the goddess of fertility. There are
some 25 such historic Mayan ruins sites on Cozumel. Some have been restored to previous
conditions of World War II.
El Cedral on the Island of Cozumel
Probably the oldest and largest of the Mayan ruins on Cozumel is also one of the easiest
to reach. It is located about two miles from the main highway. El Cedral
was originally used for major ceremonies. There is a modern church on the site which is
decorated with folk art. Today this is a farming settlement which was used as a jail back
in the 1800s.
San Gervasio of Cozumel
At the end of a dirt road in the center of the island are the most frequented ruins of San
Gervasio. This is the site where 50 skeletons were discovered in one grave. There are
three groups of structures of shrines centered around the Goddess of Fertility. Each of
the ruins are clearly marked and there are plagues in English, Spanish and Maya. San
Gervasio was once the capital of Cozumel and the center of worship. There are gift shops
or stands and cold drinks available.
Chankanaab National Lagoon Park
In what was the first luxury hotel on the island, now houses their museum. This
should be your first stop before visiting the actual Mayan ruins. Here you can get
pamphlets and information on the ruins. There is a restaurant on the second floor terrace.
There are also exhibits covering the history during Colonial times displaying cannons and
maritime articles. The pre Hispanic history of the island is thoroughly explained and well
worth the trip.
In Maya, Chankanaab means "little sea" and this is the original home of "Swim with the
Dolphins". Botanical gardens surround the park and the saltwater lagoon. Swimming in the
lagoon is no longer permitted. The gardens contain some 352 species of plants and the
lagoon contains more than 60 species of marinelife. There are gift shops, a restaurant
specializing in fresh seafood dishes, fresh water showers, dressing rooms and snorkel/dive
gear rentals. This is the perfect setting for a full day on the beach.
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