Caribbean Cruise News: Mayan Ruin Excursions Compared

If you're planning a cruise in the Western Caribbean, there are a host of opportunities for you to commune with history. There are any number of excursions offered privately and by the various cruise lines that will take you into the heart of what remains of the once mighty Mayan civilization. You'll have the opportunity to visit ancient castles, climb steep pyramids, and see carved masks that will take your breath away. But with so many options, how can a traveler know which excursion to pick? Here's a brief survey of some of the most common Mayan Ruin excursions offered:

Chichen Itza. If you've got a port in Cancun, and there's only one Mayan Ruins you can see, choose Chichen Itza. It's the most impressive Mayan Ruin excursion on the peninsula, and will make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Drawbacks are that the Mayan ruins are largely roped off and that Chichen Itza enjoys large crowds with little shade. Also, if your cruise is going to make port in Cozumel, you're likely too far away to make an enjoyable excursion to Chichen Itza and still make it back to your ship on time.

Coba. Coba is the road less traveled when it comes to Mayan ruin excursions, and with its overgrown jungle paths, Coba is sure to make visitors feel like they are Indiana Jones. The jungle has not been cleared, and the ruins are still in a state of excavation, but thousands of Mayans were thought to have lived in this ancient city and some say you can still feel their presence. Coba not only has the second tallest pyramid on the peninsula, but you can climb it.

San Gerviaso. This is the largest Mayan ruin site on Cozumel, but it is very small compared to those on the mainland. Because Cozumel was considered a sacred island by the Mayans, these ruins were once a ceremonial center for worship. This is a very accessible Mayan ruin excursion for travelers whose cruise ship finds port in Cozumel, and because it's also a short excursion, it may be ideal for those with children.