Enjoy a unique, cultural combo, drive-yourself on this sightseeing excursion of the island with stops at "El Mirador", a beach break at San Martin Beach, Cedral Town, and Kun Che Park. Learn about the fascinating history of the Mayans plus enjoy a delicious lunch served at "El Mirador" restaurant.
You'll meet your guide at a convenient location close to your Cozumel cruise terminal. After checking in, the guide will lead your group to the parking area where your island-style Jeeps or Buggys are waiting. You'll have the option to book automatic or manual transmission Jeeps (must add a note while booking) or automatic Buggys. Each vehicle is shared; if you want the vehicle to yourself you will need to book all 4 seats (the extra spaces at the adult rate). Please note that the guide will not be able to drive you. If you do not add a note to the booking, Jeeps will be manual stick shift transmission.
As soon as everyone is situated in their buggy or jeep excursion vehicle, you will follow your Cozumel shore excursion guide out caravan style on the paved roads crossing the island to the south side. Your first stop is at "El Cedral". This little town is located in the jungle and was the first settlement on the island. It has a rich history mixed with mystery. Here you will be able to visit the small Mayan ruin that survived the Spanish conquerors, and also you'll see the Catholic Church that the "Mestizos" built next to it.
Then you will head to Kun-Che Park located within El Cedral. You will receive a guided visit to the Park, view, and participate in the activities. Kun-Che Park is the only place in Cozumel where you will be able to experience true, authentic Mayan activities and enjoy watching a sacred pre-Hispanic ball game, Pok-Ta Pok. With its origin in the Mexican Mayan dynasty, Pok-Ta-Pok was part of their sacred rituals. It was played to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to ask for protection. It was played in every Maya city with 2 teams of 1-4 players each. The basic object was to keep the ball in motion using only legs, hips, and heads either the rules about bounces in between plays or getting the ball through a ring located on each side of the stadium and as high as 20 feet off the ground! Body pads were often used to protect the players as the ball was made of a local rubber and morning glory sap and weighed up to 9 lbs (4 kilos). Over the years and in Maya regions, the rules changed. One of the more unusual twists and as the ultimate honor to the Mayan Gods of the Underworld was that often the winning team was sacrificed! The game could go on for days as well. Other cultures such as the Aztecs adopted the game too.
Take in the rugged natural beauty of Cozumel's east coast at the "El Mirador" lookout, where the sea has carved an arch into the rock. Don't forget your camera, "El Mirador" offers awesome photo opportunities. Guests may not get in the water here.
Then, we will go to the restaurant to enjoy the sea breeze and our delicious food and then get back in your vehicle and enjoy a panoramic tour of the shore of the island with a view of the sea, until the next stop on the beach " San Martin", located on the east coast. You will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful beach that does NOT have big tourist crowds. The beach offers a large area with fine white sand, where you can simply drop your towel and relax on the sand or if you prefer swim in the turquoise water offered by the Caribbean Sea. You will have approximately one hour to two hours to enjoy the sun. With your mental and gastronomic appetites thoroughly satisfied, it's time to head back to your meeting point close to your Cozumel cruise ship pier.
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