San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site

San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site

San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site
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Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Although not as popular as Chichén Itzá, these ancient Mayan ruins are noteworthy in their own right, as this is the site where Mayan women paid tribute to the goddess of love and fertility.
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  • Ma290Mo
    Rio de Janeiro, RJ116 contributions
    Interesting archaeological site
    Interesting archaeological site in Cozumel, it's medium-sized actually, and ruins can be followed in a certain order due to the marked paths leading to them. Entrance fee price is quite affordable, probably $5 or $6 dollars, and there's many places to shadow under trees, as well as lots of seating areas for those willing to freshen up from the heat. It's possible to stay inside the site as long as one wishes, and all ruins have visible sign stops with more details and context on their historic importance. To get to this site, you should either join a tour or hire your own transportation (car, scooter, golf cart). The site has a large parking lot, and it also has a small outdoor shopping area with varied kind of shops, including a juice and tacos kiosk.
    Visited January 2020
    Written March 3, 2020
  • Lisa P
    Oahu, Hawaii25 contributions
    Interesting Mayan site
    We stopped here on our private tour and it was interesting and educational to learn about the Mayan culture. Entrance fees were about $11, as there are 2 gates you need to enter through, which were well worth the cost. We hired an English speaking guide at the site who gave us an excellent educational tour that brought learning history to life. When looking for a history lesson in Cozumel, go to this archaeological site!
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 22, 2020
  • AlyBeau
    Columbia, Missouri70 contributions
    San Gervasio Mayan Ruins are a must visit!!
    I'm SO happy we made a visit to San Gervasio! Get there and get yourself a tour guide to hear stories about this amazing historical site!!! We were so very fortunate to have Louie tell us about the things we saw. His story-telling is so passionate and extensive and it gave me the goosebumps a couple of times. I felt deeply connected through the story-telling and history. This place is incredible!!! If you are staying on Cozumel and torn about leaving the island to go to other Mayan sites, know that this space is well worth the visit if you want to stay on Cozumel!!
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 1, 2020
  • Steve S
    Chicago, Illinois10 contributions
    Walking with Luz and the Mayans
    This was my 1st time visit to a Mayan archaeological site and was lucky enough to tour through it with a passionate and competent tour guide and employee, Luz. She introduced and brought to life basic Mayan beliefs and accomplishments, explaining the importance of numbers, hence mathematics, enhancing their precise calendars, noting original hand fingerprints still amazingly visible on one of the walls, pointing upwards indicating eastward or sunrise. We learn this Mayan favorite site was built to primarily focus on Ix Chel, a major Goddess of the moon and fertility, Luz expertly links the 2 and this important sanctuary is studied and documented today. Luz taps the walkway, repeatedly pointing out ‘obsidian, obsidian, as we step along our path explaining how Mayans cleverly mixed obsidian with limestone and sand to cement their walkways and constructions while also polishing thin slices of obsidian to look through and study the glorious sun! Mayan ancestors must be smiling down on Luz as she illuminates their discoveries. We are privileged to make this pilgrimage with her, thanks for the info Luz, I want to return and do this again.
    Visited April 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written April 30, 2022
  • Ananda
    2 contributions
    Americans treated differently
    Beautiful ruins but treated unfairly, we had a bottle of water with us and was told we were not allowed to bring it in, but the family that was behind us was speaking Spanish and allowed them to bring in bottles then another American couple was complaining about it as well. As we were leaving another Hispanic couple came in an they allowed them to bring in their water bottles in. You paid $6 usd to get in where the shops were and then $4 usd to see the ruins. It definitely made me not want to spend money in their shops.
    Visited August 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 8, 2021
  • Mayya
    8 contributions
    Learn about Pre-Columbian Mayan society
    While you won't find large ruins here like those at Chichen Itza or Tulum, this was a major pilgrimage site for the Mayan people as it contained numerous temples to the goddess Ixchel. I strongly recommend hiring a guide, as you will be supporting their livelihood and the local economy, and will understand a lot more than you would by wandering around yourself. Our knowledgeable guide Nico shared a lot of interesting information and helped us to imagine what the site looked like in its heyday. A highlight is the Templo Nohoch Nah, a pyramid that is a 10 minute walk from the central ruins. The site is located in the middle of the forest, and the surroundings are very quiet and peaceful. We spotted numerous butterflies, birds, and even a collared peccary. It can get quite hot so visit in the early morning if possible.
    Visited April 2021
    Written April 20, 2021
  • JLbrickey78
    Houston, Texas25 contributions
    The site itself is cool, but sorta a tourist trap due to the workers there
    We stumbled upon this and decided to drive the 4 miles into the site. Once we got there, we were greeted by the security guard who was already selling us on the tickets. Then you get to the ticket spot and they’re selling you on the tour. We decided against the tour, so they decided to sell us again on the tour. We did not do the tour. Then you have to pay the federal ticket price, and more people ask you to buy stuff from their store. Once you finally get past all of the tourist trap stuff, you can enter into the archaeological site. That itself was nice to see, and you can follow along with signs that are printed in English. In total we spent about 45 minutes there, but 20 of it was trying to get past all the people that work there. If we had done a guided tour, that would have taken us about 90 minutes. Just beware if you come here— the site is nice to admire but don’t feel like you need to be trapped into a guided tour.
    Visited July 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written July 13, 2021
  • Suellen T
    Perth, Australia788 contributions
    Take advantage of the mosquito spray service — and don’t let the mozzies scare you off!
    First time visiting a historic Mayan site and really enjoyed it. It was peaceful, picturesque and informative. We were on a Eshowe excursion and the tour guide was excellent. We learned a lot about the people and the place as well as tidbits on current culture and history. Take the locals advice — pay the $1 for bug spray if you don’t have your own otherwise the massive mosquitos will carry you away! I also got some black coral from here at a very reasonable price. Check out the rules Re video cameras etc before you go — note that you may have to pay an additional fee in some circumstances (although I was fine with my zoom lens). Definitely worth a visit.
    Visited December 2019
    Traveled solo
    Written January 6, 2020
  • Cctravelbug
    Huntsville, Alabama1,049 contributions
    Lots of iguanas
    These ruins have been partially demolished and are not as amazing looking as the pics I’ve seen of Tulum but we had an extraordinary guide that explained in careful detail exactly what we were seeing and the amazing detail the Mayans had in everything they built. I don’t know that the park offers guides. Ours was an excursion booked off our cruise ship and he was exceptionally thorough. We went in February and it was pretty hot but we had no trouble with bugs. We did see several iguanas and the flora and fauna were beautiful and the ruins were very interesting.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 17, 2020
  • CatherineD425
    17 contributions
    Ancient Mayan community revealed in the heart of the jungle is worth a visit.
    Hidden deep in the jungle, we were amazed at the remains of ancient Mayan civilization. While it isn’t like the massive temples on the mainland, the interpretation and overall site info are well presented. The staff onsite are friendly and helpful. There are a few breezes, however it is warm, bring a water bottle. Bug spray may be necessary and closed toe shoes are best (runners or sneakers) as the terrain is at times uneven. At the end, they have foot wash area. Don’t miss the gift shops before leaving for quality pieces at reasonable prices, do ask for the discount though.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 10, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,753 reviews
Excellent
682
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675
Average
308
Poor
59
Terrible
29

Steve S
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
This was my 1st time visit to a Mayan archaeological site and was lucky enough to tour through it with a passionate and competent tour guide and employee, Luz. She introduced and brought to life basic Mayan beliefs and accomplishments, explaining the importance of numbers, hence mathematics, enhancing their precise calendars, noting original hand fingerprints still amazingly visible on one of the walls, pointing upwards indicating eastward or sunrise. We learn this Mayan favorite site was built to primarily focus on Ix Chel, a major Goddess of the moon and fertility, Luz expertly links the 2 and this important sanctuary is studied and documented today. Luz taps the walkway, repeatedly pointing out ‘obsidian, obsidian, as we step along our path explaining how Mayans cleverly mixed obsidian with limestone and sand to cement their walkways and constructions while also polishing thin slices of obsidian to look through and study the glorious sun! Mayan ancestors must be smiling down on Luz as she illuminates their discoveries. We are privileged to make this pilgrimage with her, thanks for the info Luz, I want to return and do this again.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ananda
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Beautiful ruins but treated unfairly, we had a bottle of water with us and was told we were not allowed to bring it in, but the family that was behind us was speaking Spanish and allowed them to bring in bottles then another American couple was complaining about it as well. As we were leaving another Hispanic couple came in an they allowed them to bring in their water bottles in. You paid $6 usd to get in where the shops were and then $4 usd to see the ruins. It definitely made me not want to spend money in their shops.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mayya
8 contributions
Apr 2021
While you won't find large ruins here like those at Chichen Itza or Tulum, this was a major pilgrimage site for the Mayan people as it contained numerous temples to the goddess Ixchel. I strongly recommend hiring a guide, as you will be supporting their livelihood and the local economy, and will understand a lot more than you would by wandering around yourself. Our knowledgeable guide Nico shared a lot of interesting information and helped us to imagine what the site looked like in its heyday. A highlight is the Templo Nohoch Nah, a pyramid that is a 10 minute walk from the central ruins. The site is located in the middle of the forest, and the surroundings are very quiet and peaceful. We spotted numerous butterflies, birds, and even a collared peccary. It can get quite hot so visit in the early morning if possible.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JLbrickey78
Houston, TX25 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We stumbled upon this and decided to drive the 4 miles into the site. Once we got there, we were greeted by the security guard who was already selling us on the tickets. Then you get to the ticket spot and they’re selling you on the tour. We decided against the tour, so they decided to sell us again on the tour. We did not do the tour. Then you have to pay the federal ticket price, and more people ask you to buy stuff from their store. Once you finally get past all of the tourist trap stuff, you can enter into the archaeological site. That itself was nice to see, and you can follow along with signs that are printed in English. In total we spent about 45 minutes there, but 20 of it was trying to get past all the people that work there. If we had done a guided tour, that would have taken us about 90 minutes. Just beware if you come here— the site is nice to admire but don’t feel like you need to be trapped into a guided tour.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Suellen T
Perth, Australia788 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
First time visiting a historic Mayan site and really enjoyed it. It was peaceful, picturesque and informative. We were on a Eshowe excursion and the tour guide was excellent. We learned a lot about the people and the place as well as tidbits on current culture and history. Take the locals advice — pay the $1 for bug spray if you don’t have your own otherwise the massive mosquitos will carry you away! I also got some black coral from here at a very reasonable price. Check out the rules Re video cameras etc before you go — note that you may have to pay an additional fee in some circumstances (although I was fine with my zoom lens). Definitely worth a visit.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cctravelbug
Huntsville, AL1,049 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
These ruins have been partially demolished and are not as amazing looking as the pics I’ve seen of Tulum but we had an extraordinary guide that explained in careful detail exactly what we were seeing and the amazing detail the Mayans had in everything they built. I don’t know that the park offers guides. Ours was an excursion booked off our cruise ship and he was exceptionally thorough. We went in February and it was pretty hot but we had no trouble with bugs. We did see several iguanas and the flora and fauna were beautiful and the ruins were very interesting.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CatherineD425
Moncton, Canada17 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Hidden deep in the jungle, we were amazed at the remains of ancient Mayan civilization. While it isn’t like the massive temples on the mainland, the interpretation and overall site info are well presented. The staff onsite are friendly and helpful.
There are a few breezes, however it is warm, bring a water bottle. Bug spray may be necessary and closed toe shoes are best (runners or sneakers) as the terrain is at times uneven. At the end, they have foot wash area.
Don’t miss the gift shops before leaving for quality pieces at reasonable prices, do ask for the discount though.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leonard
Centurion, South Africa74 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
We cruised in on the Carnival Conquest ship. Chose a 4 hour guided tour package on a tour bus of the island to the Mayan ruins followed by Techila and chocolate tasting, which included a taco style lunch. The tour guide option is well worth it. Cost of $89/person. Lots of history here. Island is totally dependent on tourism.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Josette K
Finlayson, Minnesota, United States126 contributions
Mar 2020
This was our first trip to Cozumel & whenever we visit Mexico, we like to include historical sites and indigenous food. I was surprised that San Gervasio still had as many structures as it still does. We happened to pay for a guide so could learn about each building and their functions vs. just looking at old buildings; I would highly recommend other visitor to do likewise. This was also a nice stop before going onward to Coconuts outdoor bar and Punta Sur Ecobeach. Plan on a 1 hour stop if you’re with a guide.
Written April 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mazma5
Georgia431 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We visited as part of a tour with Royal Caribbean. This was one of three stops. We paid $65 per person. You could rent a car or motorcycle as others on our ship did. We enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. Be sure to take bug spray and water. Our tour guide had us buy water there wish I am sure is something they have arranged. We were rushed at the end and only had time to visit the 2 shops at the exit which is probably also arranged. You can negotiate what you are willing to pay as they start out a little high. I felt bad for the other shops as they which as they didn’t have an opportunity to sell things if you are with a tour group as we only had 5-10 minutes to shop.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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