Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

by ferry, van/minibus & on foot

Cozumel is an island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, southeastern Mexico. This experience takes you across to the Mexican mainland for a visit to some of the most famous ruins in the country – Chichen Itza.

Following a hearty breakfast on board, your day begins with a short walk to the embarkation point of the chartered ferry that will take you across to Playa del Carmen. Guests from multiple destination experiences will be sharing the same ferry, so once everyone has embarked, the ferry will set sail for the approximately 45-minute crossing.

Once ashore in Playa del Carmen, settle on to your minibus for your drive to Chichen Itza which will take approximately 2h45min including a short comfort stop. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a sacred site that was one of the great Mayan centres on the Yucatan Peninsula. Chichen Itza had enormous importance as a religious, ceremonial, and astronomical centre. Excavations have unearthed several significant structures.

Upon arrival, you will be provided with a tablet so you can see the Mayan Ruins using virtual and augmented technology, providing you with a better understanding of the history of Mayan Civilization. You will be transported back in time and witness how the Mayan temples looked centuries ago, full of colour. The most iconic, is the pyramid-like Temple of Kulkulcan which has 365 steps, one for each day of the year and is oriented to mark the solstices and equinoxes, displaying the Mayan’s advance skills as astronomers. While the architecture is Mayan, you will also be able to see that it is heavily influenced by the Toltec warriors who migrated to the Yucatan in the 10th century.

Whilst you wander about the excavated grounds, you will also see the largest ancient ball court in the Americas. The acoustics are amazing even by today’s standards, as a whisper at one end can be heard at the other, more than 150m (500ft) away. The Temple of the Warriors is another highlight, flanked by hundreds of columns with carved figures of Toltec warriors. There is a gift shop at the entrance of the site should you wish to purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Following the approximately 90-minute visit to Chichen Itza, rejoin your minibus for the return drive to Playa del Carmen. Here, you will embark the chartered ferry along with guests from other vans and destination experiences, then once all are present, set sail for the approximately 45-minute crossing back to Cozumel.

During the experience, you will be provided with a sandwich, a granola bar and a bottle of water.