Kohunlich Mayan Ruins Tour

Kohunlich Mayan Ruins and Rainforest Tour History in Costa Maya

Excursion Highlights:

 

 

Price: $163.00

Costa Maya Port Book [Add $6.00]

 

Shore Excursion Size Small

 

Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Historical

 

Shore Excursion Duration 7 Hours

 

Activity Level Difficult

 

Shore Excursion Leaves From An approximately 15-minute walk from the cruise ship pier is required to reach your departure location. Full details will be provided in your electronic ticket upon confirmation.

 

Food/Beverage Provided Beverages and snacks will be provided.

 

Recommended Dress Comfortable long sleeved shirts and long pants that "breathe" is suggested. The Mexican sun can be very strong and there is always the potential for insects within the jungle. Flat soled, closed toe sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses, sunscreen are suggested.

 

Restrictions This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests should be in good physical condition, as the tour involves approximately two miles of walking over about two hours. Guests must be able to walk on terrain that includes packed dirt, grass, gravel, stone steps, and exposed roots. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Due to the remote wilderness setting and limited access to medical facilities, this tour is not recommended for guests with serious medical conditions or for young children.

 

Embark on an exclusive, small-group adventure to the enigmatic Mayan city of Kohunlich.

 

Kohunlich is a large pre-Columbian Mayan site that covers approximately 21 acres. The site at this Costa Maya excursion is surrounded by dense sub-tropical rainforest, and it contains more than 170 mounds that remain largely unexcavated. The city was elaborately planned and engineered, with raised platform pyramids, citadels, courtyards, and plazas. The area has relics dating back to 200 B.C., but most of the structures were built in the Early Classic period from about 250 to 600 A.D. Led by expert guides, you'll delve into the rich history of Kohunlich, exploring its majestic pyramids, intricate carvings, and stunning stucco masks.

 

Departing from Costa Maya, the drive is approximately 2 hours each way over the paved highway. The last few miles are over an unpaved road that can be bumpy after a strong rain, but at the same time, it is not overrun with large touring buses. Enjoy the convenience of air-conditioned transportation and complimentary refreshments.

 

The tour guide will lead you on an approximately two-mile walk through the complex, starting with an enormous central plaza ringed by pyramids and temple platforms. To the north, there is a massive, raised acropolis with a palace complex. Further east, there is the Pyramid of the Masks, built in honor of their sun god, with six gigantic stucco masks flanking its central staircase. You will see intricate decoration consisting of stucco masks that are part of a symbolic decoration system loaded with cosmic elements that reflect the importance of the cosmos for the ancient Mayan people.

 

The guide will explain the Mayan social, political, and religious organization, which will help you envision the glorious days of this old Mayan city.

 

Please note: Although the site has been excavated in more depth than other nearby sites such as Dzibanche, it does not have the facilities found at the large sites in the Yucatan. There are restrooms available, but there is no shopping (film, souvenirs) or food and drink available for purchase. Guests with dietary requirements may want to bring a snack along. A bottle of water will be given out at the beginning of the tour.