Recently we visited the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island, Mexico. It was well worth the visit and I’d like to share a few facts, personal opinions, and photos with you.
The site is impeccably clean (free from litter) and kept extremely neat, this was my first impression, and very appreciatively this impression stuck throughout the archaeological site.
On entry as you park your vehicle and friendly gentleman is there to welcome you and to give a few tips and instructions. He graciously holds your door open as you exit the vehicle and is there when you return – be sure to tip him he is worth it.
There are two entrances to the site grounds. A guide will tell you that this is because the Mayan Ruins belongs to both the Federal and the municipal, so who gets the entrance fees? Both since you have to pay for each at two different entries. You cannot enter the ruins without paying both. The fees are not expensive. At the time of writing this, it was $4.50 for the first entrance which is the municipal and then $5 for the next entrance which is the Federal entrance. You can have a tour guide for about $20 per group.
Between the two entrances is a small shopping market and two Macaws that you can hold, but if you have your photo taken with them, you will be asked to pay $5.
We chose to walk through the site at our own pace. At every ruin or point of interest, there are plaques stating all the relevant information pertaining to the archaeology ruin. There is a short trail that takes about twenty minutes, and you will only get to see the ruins closest to the main entrance. The other trail which I highly recommend takes approximately an hour (depending on how long you stay at each ruin) and this will take you to two separate large ruins.
Along the pathways, you will constantly encounter Iguanas, countless graceful butterflies and of course the ever present mosquitoes. There are remnants of cenotes everywhere on the site (on the entire Island actually).
If you find yourselves lucky enough to be on Cozumel Island take the 11km trip from the town center and visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins; you won’t be sorry. Remember, please, to take lots of water or buy some at the kiosks as it does get exceptionally hot, don’t forget your sunscreen either.
To view all the photos from our trip to the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, please visit my Facebook album;
https://www.facebook.com/pg/AliandAileenMissions/photos/?tab=album&album_id=473261916367642