A true highlight of countless cruisers’ Western Caribbean vacations is a visit to one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s majestic Mayan ruins. There are hundreds of significant archeological sites throughout the region, and more than 4,000 smaller sites. Fortunately, some of the best Mayan ruins lie just a short distance from several of the Western Caribbean’s most visited cruise ports, thus making shore excursions to these haunting and historic sites as easy as chatting with a booking agent. Read on to learn about just a few of the sites cruisers enjoy visiting.
Port of Call – Cozumel
Several Mayan ruins grace the Mexican coast near the popular island destination of Cozumel. The most famous complex of ruins is Chichen Itza. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this large, well-developed site offers some of the most iconic views of Mayan temples anywhere in the region. The ancient city of Coba is nestled deep in the jungle, and its great temple— the tallest in Yucatan at nearly 140 feet high—offers amazing panoramic views of neighboring buildings peeking above the treetops. An ancient coastal site, Tulum, sits right on the beach, thereby allowing visitors to take a dip in the turquoise waters after exploring the ruins.
Port of Call – Costa Maya
Mysterious Cacchoben is a pleasant, hour-long bus ride from the port of Costa Maya, Mexico. These ruins are relatively undeveloped, so visitors to the site get a glimpse of how the temple buildings appeared when they were discovered: overgrown with lush vegetation and surrounded by jungle wildlife.
Port of Call – Belize City
The country of Belize also hosts a number of famous Mayan archeological sites. Lamanai is one of the few ancient cities in the region that has retained its original Mayan name, which means “submerged crocodile.” Its largest structures have been restored, though countless others remain hidden in the surrounding jungle foliage. A relatively small site, Altun Ha is very well developed and convenient to Belize City. The site is especially notable for a beautiful Sun God head carved of jade.
