Santa arrived in our Cabin last night while we were at dinner and left two Viking 2023/2024 World Cruise Jackets. There were also two Viking beach/tote bags that contained a 2023/2024 world cruise cap, a leather wallet to carry our key cards, and a 2023/2024 World Cruise Lapel pin.
Most everyone that has been on a Western Caribbean cruise has probably been to Cozumel as it’s the largest or most visited cruise port in the Western Caribbean. The port averages eight cruise ships per day during the winter months hosting over three million cruise passengers every year. This is the ultimate tourist trap. Yet, having said that, it is a beautiful port to visit.
Cozumel is an island located approximately 11 miles off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula straight across from Playa del Carmen. The island has a rich Mayan and Toltec past. The focus our excursion today is of the Mayan past as we visit The Ruins of San Gervasio.
The San Gervasio Ruins is an archeological site of the Mayan Civilization with ruins dating as far back as the second century AD. It is believed the area was abandoned between 1520 and 1600. The Mayan name for the site was “Tantun Cuzamil”, meaning Flat Rock in the place of the Swallows.
The ruins served as the hub for of worship to the goddess Ix Chel a deity of childbirth, fertility, medicine and weaving. The early Mayan women would travel to Tantun at least once in their lives to make offerings to the goddess. According to Spanish historians the pilgrims came in fulfillment of their vows to offer their sacrifices, to ask for help for their needs, and to the mistake adoration of their false gods. Also, the Myan ruler for Cozumel resided on these grounds where numerous ceremonies were held including weddings for upper class Myans.
“El Arco” The Arch at the Main Entrance
The Central Plaza originally consisting of 6 buildings arranged in a square around a central alter platform. All were public buildings including temples, oratories, alters, and visitors quarters.
The park is also a wildlife refuge with birds, lizards, Brown Nosed Coati’s (Mexican Raccoons) and other critters freely roaming the grounds.
This was a Viking included tour that lasted approximately 3 hours and included the option of being dropped off in downtown Cozumel. We along with several others did get off in downtown, it was about a 15-minute walk back to the ship. If you are interested in the Mayan culture, I recommend you take this tour.
Don & Kully's World Cruise on Viking Neptune 