COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
Sunshine, ocean, humidity, tropical temperatures, exploration…all mean one thing to our family! VACATION ADVENTURES! Join us as we explore the MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO with you!
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“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.”
– Trenton Lee Stewart
DISCOVER COZUMEL, MEXICO
Cozumel provides many opportunities for adventure besides the MAYAN RUINS of SAN GERVASIO. This island paradise is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico located off the tip of the YUCATAN PENNINSULA closest to the mainland town of PLAYA del CARMEN and just a bit south of CANCUN.
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When you are planning your next travel adventure or putting together your (click link to start dreaming) TRAVEL BUCKET LIST, try out COZUMEL, MEXICO. Not only for the exploration of the amazing MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO, but also for the exploration of the island paradise of COZUMEL!
“I travel because I’d rather look back at my life, saying ‘I can’t believe I did that’ instead of ‘if only I had’.”
– Florine Bos
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
The MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO are super interesting to explore! The entrance/admission situation is a bit confusing if you are not aware of how it works. There are two different entrance fees that are not explained well, probably due to language barrier, that need to be understood. We did not understand at the time. We had been snorkeling COZUMEL, MEXICO SNORKELING ADVENTURE! for most of the day and stopped here out of curiosity as we were driving by early afternoon without a lot of pre-planning. After parking we noticed a security person in the parking lot. YIKES…should we be concerned leaving our rental jeep?
The admittance fee needed to be paid per person and another government fee must also be collected as well per person. After paying both of these fees, you enter the ruins. Then, you are approached by a tour guide offering you their services for a guided tour (for an additional fee.) At this point you begin to think that surely all of these fees must be a scam.
We declined the tour guide and decided to go it alone. In hindsight this was a mistake! Since then I have purchased a book which I will recommend to you and you can buy through the link below from Amazon for a small fee. It is a walking guide book for these ruins and provides a brief history of the COZUMEL MAYAN people. Very interesting, but a short read. You can even download the electronic book for a few dollars and viola’ you have a reading tour available to you as you walk around. Plan 2-3 hours!
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
There are over thirty-five ancient Mayan sites identified on the island of Cozumel. This particular site named San Gervasio is one of four of the main sites on this island. It covers over 3.25 square kilometers and provides the remains of over 500 structures. It is divided into 6 areas and only 1 of those areas is open to the public.
“You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong”
– Sue Fitzmaurice
The Mayan people would travel from Mayan civilizations near and far to pilgrimage to Cozumel the most remote coastal settlement for fulfillment of their vows to offer their sacrifices to the god of fertility. These people viewed Cozumel in the same way today’s religious culture holds a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Rome. Cozumel was a sacred and holy place to the ancient MAYAN people.
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
The MAYAN’s used rough cut stones to build their structures and then they smoothed the surfaces with limestone mortar. They plastered with burned limestone turned into lime mixed with tree-resins and water to make a white mortar. They would paint onto this surface in bright reds, yellows, and blues and sometimes create murals. Remnants of sea turtle murals have been discovered here on ruins.
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
So, historically the MAYAN people were not a culture to mess around with! While reading about their culture in Guide to the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio authored by Ric Hajovsky, I discovered many interesting facts that I will paraphrase below. They believed in many gods. They would sacrifice their captives to honor them and provide an offering to their gods by cooking them and eating them. They believed in guaranteed entrance to heaven for priests, women who died in childbirth, men who died in war, suicide victims, and people who were sacrificed to the gods.
Their lives were ruled by the will of their gods. Priests revealed the gods will to the people through signs that the priest observed. They believed in pain sacrifices to the gods too. They practiced self-mutilation as a way to appease the gods. They would pierce delicate parts of their bodies with stingray spines to make blood flow onto bark paper to burn in atonement on the many alters their structures provided.
“I love the places that make you realize how small you and your problems are.”
– Anonymous
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
Mayan people had interesting rituals to elongate the heads of their children shortly after birth. Their newborn head would be bound between a pair of wooden boards to deform the shape of the skull as it grew. A high sloping forehead was considered beautiful and upper class, where as, a rounded head was an indication of lower class. Crossed eyes were also considered attractive. A bead on a string was placed between babies eyes so that the eye muscles were trained from infancy to cause crossed-eyes. Noses, ears and lips were routinely pierced in both males and females and stretched with clay disc to create body art and teeth were filed in odd shapes with the additions of adornments of jade, pyrite, or turquoise to enhance beauty. Unmarried young men painted black on their skin to signal that they were unmarried. Later in life, MAYANS, tattooed their bodies and faces. Scarification of their skin was practiced as well for adornment.
“I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”
– Diane Ackerman
COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
The de-population of Cozumel by the MAYAN people was triggered by the spread of small-pox in the early 1500s by Hispaniola soldiers from the Spanish Court that spread the virus when they landed in Cozumel and built a small outpost. They left a small garrison of soldiers that inadvertently spread this virus amongst the island’s inhabitants.
By the mid 1500s the once 20,000 MAYANS had dwindled due to spread of disease by foreigners to approximately 3000 working and fishing the seas of Cozumel. From there the Catholics moved in and persecuted many remaining MAYANS for worshipping their many gods. By the 1570s, from a census taken by a priest that was documented, 186 MAYAN men and 172 MAYAN women remained in the two main villages of present day San Miguel and present day Cedral.
Thereafter Belizean log cutters, seasonal fishermen, and the occasional fugitives lived there with the very few remaining MAYAN families.
The walking tour was very hot with little to no air movement while we were there exploring through the ruins. I recommend plenty of water and cool clothing to keep comfortable. It was a fascinating place to explore. Several of these structures had cap stones covering tombs built into their floors. At the time that we walked around learning about San Gervasio, I was not aware of this. I learned this through reading afterwards.
The ruins are set in a very beautiful, peaceful location and a sense of quiet shrouds this place. After reading about their history and practices, I now know why I felt a kind of darkness about this place. It was like walking through a beautiful cemetery reading headstones and imagining the people that once were in abundance there. It made me very curious to learn more about these very interesting people that had walked right where I was walking today.
OTHER ADVENTURES ON COZUMEL TO EXPLORE
“One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.”
– Ella Maillart
Snorkeling in Cozumel is equally interesting! The ocean bottom is more granular sand and the ocean bottom near shore was more rocky. The beaches are all fine powdery sand though. We have snorkeled here on two separate occasions and enjoyed the same area both times. CRUISING HAS BEEN A GREAT WAY TO EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN. Click this link to read about 10 reasons to cruise on your next vacation.
Cozumel waters are calm on one side of the island and rough on the other depending on how the wind is blowing. The side of the island closest to the mainland is obviously calmer and more accessible to travelers.
Cozumel’s west coast (the side facing Playa del Carmen) has calmer beaches and better snorkeling (the coral is protected from the waves, so it can thrive). The beaches on the east coast of the island facing the open sea are often more scenic and sandy with a completely different habitat vibe with less foliage growing, but usually have rougher waves and stronger currents not the best for snorkeling. I am interested in upgrading to a full face snorkel mask like this one for my next snorkel adventure.
We’ve watched kite surfing and windy, wavy, water sports from this great restaurant for lunch here on this side of the island.
Daily while traveling and exploring each new adventure snorkeling, God’s amazing presence reveals itself to us in unexpected ways. A moment of tranquility watching a beautiful fish zigzag along the ocean floor, or observing a sea turtle soaring through the ocean waters, or sitting quietly on a sandy beach with your eyes closed just listening to the surrounding sounds filling your senses with many new wonders all at the same time.
The MAYANS were polytheistic. We are not. We believe in the one true God and the salvation Jesus Christ provides. It was interesting to learn about this ancient culture and their beliefs. I am so glad of my relationship with Christ and the salvation that can be found through Him!
How about capturing a sunrise early morning with the promise of a new day laid out before you? However you find God’s inspiration each day, allow it to serve as a reminder that He is in control. Trust in Him, fear not, and replace any doubts you have in Him with prayer, asking Him to teach you to trust more and more each day. The God that created the heavens and the earth and the oceans and the sun will watch over, protect, and guide you each day if you only ask for Him to be a part of your life. Grow in your faith and trust in Him. He awaits you. He is willing to walk beside you through all of your life adventures…even snorkeling or exploring ancient cultural ruins!
We hope this has inspired you to discover new adventures exploring ruins or snorkeling as we have discovered. I am interested if you have favorite ruins that you have explored or snorkel locations to share. Please leave a comment below to recommend an adventure exploring ruins or a snorkel adventure that you’d like for us to try out on our next Inspirational Travel Adventure!! I am so excited to hear from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
ABOUT ME:
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS OF SAN GERVASIO
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TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
67 Comments
Linda Egeler
We took our nephews on a Disney cruise a few years back, and one of our favorite excursions was snorkeling at Cozumel. It was an incredible experience! We’re always talking about goin back to explore the island. If we do, we’ll be sure to check out the Mayan Ruins! Such fascinating history.
Barbara Robinson
I know. I was were intrigued as well, and to walk in the same spot as that ancient culture on the same rocks in the same stone buildings…eerie! If the walls could speak…what would they say of all they witnessed?
Alicia
Sounds like a lot fun! Thanks for the information. We’ll be headed to Mexico in January.
Holly B
The Cozumal ruins have been on my must-go list for a long time! So beautiful and historic! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog
That water is gorgeous! Your pictures and words had us right there with you! Thank you for sharing!!
Megan
I love seeing ancient ruins when I travel. I’ve seen a few over on mainland-Mexico, but hadn’t even heard of these on Cozumel! Very cool!
Barbara Robinson
My understanding is that theses are the only “coastal” ruins of the MAYANS on an island.
Alice
As I was reading about the way they worshipped their gods I am so thankful of the freedom we have in Christ. Thanks for the tour.
MissKorang
This Cozumel place looks amazingly beautiful. And I can only imagine the history those Mayan ruins are hiding in them. This is so neat! Thanks for sharing.
Tiffany
I love learning about other cultures and histories. Even better when you can explore sites firsthand!
Barbara Robinson
Agree!
Alice
Interesting reading about the Mayans. I am so glad of salvation through Christ Jesus and not have to practice a religion like they did.
Barbara Robinson
DITTO! 🙂
Elaina
Visiting these historical sites help bring me back in time somewhat. Fascinating to get a glimpse into how they lived and all they were able to build with limited resources.
Lisa Manderino
Wow, the Mayan culure was very interesting. I loved reading all the facts about it!
Barbara Robinson
The book was truly interesting and went into way greater depth with actual stories documented by explorers from the time of Columbus, etc. If truly interested, I encourage you to read the yellow book listed.
Danielle Ardizzone
I’ve always wanted to make it to Cozumel one day to check out the ruins and go snorkeling.
Marianne
My family hasn’t beent o Mexico before, but the Mayan ruins definitely look like quite the stop. Will have to add it to the list!
Sabrina DeWalt
Thank you for the great background information on how the Mayans lived. I can only imagine the reverent feeling that must surround the ruins.
Christina Furnival
I love Cozumel! Takes me back to my college spring break cruise adventure!
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
When I’ve been to this part of the world, it’s been all about the beach. Thanks for opening my eyes to other things to see in the area!
Keirsten
I love walking around old ruins and learning about the ancient cultures. I went to a beautiful place in Tulum and really enjoyed it.
Terra Booth
I love the Cozumel area and have travelled there many times! I did not realize this was there so thank you for pointing out this hidden gem! I will definitely look to check it out on my next vacation to the area!
Alexis Farmer
Awesome pictures! I would LOVE to visit the Mayan ruins.
Chelsea
No matter where I travel, if they have ruins, I want to see them. And Mayan ruins would be at the top of my list if I ever get out to see them. Your photos are awesome and really make we want to visit lol!
Angela
I have been to Cozumel only a cruise – this helps for the next time we visit.
Sandra Whitmore
I have been to these ruins. I recognize them! I do remember being very hot. Many of our cruises stop in Cozumel and I have always enjoyed it.
Carolyn
We’ve explored the ruins at Chichen Itza and Coba in our trips to Mexico. Cozumel is next on our list!
Darby
Ah!! I’ve been snorkeling in Cozumel + what an amazing experience it was! I can’t wait to go back!
Emily
I lived in Mexico for a time, but I have never been to Cozumel! Looks amazing
Amanda
This is one of the places of my travel bucket list! I greatly enjoy learning about the ancient civilizations. Fascinating!
Elizabeth
I love Cozumel! I’ve never been to the mayan ruins though, it looks amazing. I’ll need to add it to my list of places to visit.
Cindy
Cozumel is now on my bucket list!
Tiffany
Mexico sounds great right now…I could use some sun!
Kristen W Allred
The Cozumel ruins look amazing. You look like you had a great time visiting.
Kristin
Wow, such rich history! And the snorkeling looked awesome! I’ve never done a trip like this!
Kendra
Wow! Very cool! We’ll have to check out the Ruins next time we go to Cozumel!
Suzan
I have such fond memories of my days diving in Cozumel. Ohhh, the visibility. 100′ was consider a “shallow” dive down there 😂
Karen
We’ve been to Cozumel several times but haven’t been to San Gervasio. I find the Mayan culture and history so fascinating.
Stacey Billingsley
I haven’t been to Mexico yet, but I’d love to go. These ruins are exactly the type of thing I’d like to see. I love historic places, and my family would love to explore this area. You have a lot of great info and tips here!
Cindy
I would love to visit Cozumel! The ruins would be fascinating to explore. I wondered if there’s interesting energy there.
Natalie
I love exploring ancient archeological sites! Will definitely check this one out next time I’m in Mexico. The only Mayan site I’ve visited so far was Chitzen Itza, but I know there’s a lot more to see!
Peggy Zipperer
Very cool ruins! I have been to Cozumel once and admit that i only left the resort once (to swim with dolphins), next time I would love to check this out
Cathy
I am blown away by the amount of information you share in your posts….obviously you do a ton of research!
I hope to visit Cozumel in future. I highly recommend Tulum not far south onland and Isla Mujeres.
Thanks for the fun read,
Cathy
Jennifer
I’d like to visit Cozumel and wander around the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio. It’s interesting to learn about their culture and see the ruins.
Cathy Welch
Thanks for all the helpful information on this post! My husband and I visited Tulum a few years ago. We stayed at Dreams Tulum which was amazing and visited the Mayan Ruins on the Beach in Tulum…the only Mayan ruins on the beach. Here is one of my first blogposts on the trip: https://utcwithapaddle.com/2018/02/27/tulum-place-of-the-dawning-sun/
So glad I revisited this as I need to add a ton of pics as you so do!
We’ve stayed on Isla Mujeres in the Palace Hotel there — a great, small place that was so peaceful. The ruin on the southern tip of the island was a small structure that looked like a barbecue, but the view from that point is stunning!
Thanks for sharing your adventures and your love of Christ!
Cathy
Melissa Jones
What a beautiful place! I love visiting ruins when we are in Mexico! We have visited several locations, but the pyramids of the sun and moon are my favorite because these were the first archeological areas I ever had a chance to see in person!
Julie Ann
I’ve always wanted to visit the Mayan ruins.
Alicia
I didn’t realize Cozumel was a sacred place to the Mayans! Very interesting!
Debbie
Looks like a fun time in Cozumel. I haven’t visited the ruins!
Sabrina
Sunshine, ocean, humidity, tropical temperatures, exploration sounds like a vacation to me too! This looks like a great place to vacation. Cozumel Mayan ruins are now on my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie
I love doing things like visiting ancient ruins. It’s such a great way to get to know an area and the history behind it. Looks like a great trip!
Cecile Leger
Wow what a great adventure. I’d love to visit the Mayan ruins.
Suzan
This makes me want to return to Cozumel! It’s been years since I last visited.
Sandi Barrett
Wow looks like lots of fun in the sun!
Melissa Jones
Beautiful! I have been there before and can’t wait to go back again in the future! I so miss international travel!
Jay Hall
I have added Cozumel to my list. Fabulous photos and looking forward to seeing the ruins. The water looks amazing.
Barbara Robinson
That’s great!
Misskorang
Cozumel is now on my bucket list. Ancient ruins are so fascinating to me.
Barbara Robinson
YES! The stories and rich history of the people that lived there oozes from the stones begging to be discovered!
Cindy
The Mayan ruins look very interesting!
Larissa Li
Ruins have a dual impression upon me. They are calling and scary:)
Barbara Robinson
AGREE!
Suzan
One of my favorite Yucatan locations! Drift diving is the best, well, that and the laziest, of diving options 😅 With over 100 feet visibility (they call that a “shallow” dive) it’s the absolute best. Thanks for bringing back so many lovely memories. Oh, and the ruins are amazing aren’t they?
Tiffany Gunther
This looks like a great trip with so much history. That’s amazing that you were able to sense God’s presence through your adventures in Cozumel. We have an amazing God!
Jay
I commented before but took another look today. The history alone at the Mayan ruins is simply amazing. Your photos are fabulous and definitely enticing. The first ocean shot made me want to run right in. Again, a great and informative post.
Barbara Robinson
Thanks Jay! I found it fascinating!