Costa Maya Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins Excursion S1205

Description

• Round-trip transportation from your Costa Maya cruise ship terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• English-speaking certified excursion guide!
• Site entrance fees at both Dzibanche and Kinichna ruins!
• Guided excursion at the ruins!
• Cold drinks!
• Return to port or optional drop off at Costa Maya village!

Note there is a minimum of participants needed for this excursion Please contact us to check if you have less in your party This is your opportunity to see Mayan ruins ... Read More

Note there is a minimum of 4 participants needed for this excursion. Please contact us to check if you have less in your party.

This is your opportunity to see 2 Mayan ruins in one day - one of the largest and most spectacular Mayan ruins in the area. Your air-conditioned transportation and English-speaking shore excursion guide will meet you outside of the pier and get you on the way for your day of exploration at both Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins. Your friendly guide will be giving you lots of information that is both educational and entertaining about Mexico, the Mayan civilization, and the history of the area.

Dzibanche is one of the largest ruins in the state of Quintana Roo. It is situated on sloping hills and does not have any rivers or cenotes which most ruins do have. It covers about 40 square miles and is a marvel in both architecture and the intricately carved wooden lintels found there. Dzibanche means "writing on wood" in Mayan.

The city was settled sometime before 200 A.D. but most of the larger structures date between 300 and 800 A.D. Upon arrival, it does not seem like much there. With lots of thick vegetation, this is one of the best places to spot tropical birds. As you walk through the trees, the trail opens up to reveal the structures.

There are several courtyards surrounded by large pyramidal temple platforms, and a fine pyramid and temple similar in style to the ones in Tikal. Although discovered in 1927, much of the area remains unexcavated. To date, this is one of the very few sights where visitors are still allowed to climb the structures.

Kinichna is located just 5 miles away. Although there is just one temple structure, it is massive in size. It is the size of 3 structures in one building. The architecture here is the same as found in Dzibanche which leads archeologists and historians to believe the two ruins were once part of the same city with roads connecting them. An interesting find at the site was the tomb of 2 people with the richest jade offerings ever found in Mayan ruins. There is also an effigy of the sun god giving Kinichna its name "house of the sun".

Your guide and transportation will take you back to your Costa Maya pier at the end of this Costa Maya shore excursion.