Kohunlich Mayan Ruins Tour

Kohunlich Mayan Ruins and Rainforest Tour History in Costa Maya
Excursion Highlights:
  • Experience the spectacular Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, a vast pre-Columbian site nestled in a dense sub-tropical rain forest
  • Delve into ancient history with over 170 unexcavated mounds and relics dating back to 200 BC
  • Discover the enigmatic Pyramid of the Masks, built in honor of the Mayan sun god
  • Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour, learning about the Mayan social, political, and religious organization
  • Benefit from our industry-leading return-to-ship and satisfaction guarantees
Price: $89.00
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Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Small
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration 6 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? An approximately 15 minute walk from the cruise ship pier.
Food/Beverage Provided Beverages
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 Minimum age to participate is 3 years old. Guests must be able to walk over packed dirt, grass and gravel. Walking is approximately two miles over two hours with stops for explanations from the guide. Steps are required as there are stone steps and large roots along the trails. Please be aware that the tour operates in the wilderness, hours away from medical facilities. Although staff do have general first aid training, this tour is not recommended for guests with serious medical conditions or small children.

Kohunlich Mayan Ruins Tour

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.

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, not overrun with large touring buses.

Your 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.

Your 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 passed out at the beginning of the tour.