San Gervasio Archeological Park

Most important Maya ruins in Cozumel, this place was the Maya sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of love and fertility, an obligatory visit site for mayas once in their lifetime.

The Maya sites of Tulum and Coba are also accessible from the port of Progreso. However, in terms of importance in the Maya culture, Cozumel's San Gervasio ruins are a more significant site than Tulum. Tulum was simply a coastal "watchpost," whereas San Gervasio contains the temple built to honor the Goddess Ixchel. Here you will experience firsthand the mysteries of Maya culture at the largest archeological site on the island.

The Maya archeological site of San Gervasio has an unusually long history, beginning around 100 BC. Located on Cozumel Island, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, it was still a functioning religious site at the time the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. In the heart of the island, in a lush jungle populated with brilliantly colored iguanas and lush flowers and foliage, one can see why no one ever wanted to abandon this beautiful place.

In ancient times, every Maya woman was expected, at least once in her lifetime, to make the journey to Cozumel from the mainland to make offerings to Ixchel for her family's fertility and crop sustenance. Ixchel ("She of the Rainbows") is the deity of midwifery, fertility, medicine, weaving, and rain. Ix Chel,Ix, meaning female, and Ch'el, meaning white or pale face,is a name befitting a moon goddess. She is also identified in the Madrid Codex as "the White Lady."

The bishop of Yucatan, Diego de Landa, wrote in 1549 that the Maya "held Cozumel in the same veneration as we have for pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Rome, and so they used to go to visit and offer presents there, as we do to holy places; and if they did not go themselves, they always sent their offerings."

San Gervasio was the sanctuary of the Goddess Ixchel as well as an important commercial, political and cultural center. Engravings at the site relate to events all over the Maya world.

A graceful arch protects an altar on a sacbe (ancient road) leading into the ceremonial center. Many statues to Ixchel were found here and are still being discovered at the 40+ temples on the island. It is believed that a large ceramic image of Ixchel delivered oracles spoken by a hidden priestess for pilgrims with questions.

Although the archaeological site at San Gervasio has not had a lot of restoration, there are numerous structures and the beautiful natural setting makes a visit there worthwhile. One of the most interesting buildings is the Temple of the Hands. Inside, numerous small red hand prints of unknown significance are painted on the wall, leading more than one tourist to speculate that perhaps this was a day-care center for pilgrim moms!

The Maya ruins at San Gervasio are a welcome retreat for those visiting the busy island of Cozumel. Enjoy the peaceful setting of this fertile jungle shrine dedicated to the Maya goddess Ixchel.

El Cedral Maya Site

Once the hub of Maya life on Cozumel, this was the first site found by Spanish explorers in 1518, and the first mass in Mexico was reportedly celebrated here. These days, there's little evidence of its past glory. It is believed to be hundreds of years old and faint traces of the original paint and stucco are evident. El Cedral is different in shape from the typically small and low structures found on the island, suggesting it was used for major ceremonies. Nearby is a green and white cinderblock church, decorated inside with crosses shrouded in embroidered lace.

During the 1800's, El Cedral was used as a jail. Today, the area is occupied by a small farm settlement. Every May there is a fair held at this location called Festival de Cedral, with several days and nights filled with traditional ceremonies, dancing, music, bullfights and a cattle show.

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BELIZE
Temple of the Masonry Altars
Altun Ha Sacred Maya Site

Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Arrival in Port 8:00 am, Departing 5:00 pm

Altun Ha Sacred Site and Maya Ceremony
Accompanied by Dannion Brinkley

8:00 am to 12:00 noon

Fee: $189

We will be met in Belize at the cruise ship port and escorted to the ancient Maya Ruins of Altun Ha. There will be a fully guided tour of the site with a Licensed Belizean Naturalist and Guide, and fully escorted trip by Maya Archaeologist - Laura J. Howard.

Fully Guided Tour - Altun Ha Maya City State Maya Ceremony, and return transportation to the dock.

Wear hat or visor to shield from sun and walking shoes with socks. Bring rain poncho. Bring and donate a Magazine for two libraries that our guides have built and run in Belize. Link for Belize Library Information: www.beyondtouring.com/Giveback/Library.htm (We now have a new library in San Carlos Village Belize also). Magazines Requested by local residents: National Geographic, Nature Magazines, Children’s magazines about animals or even Highlights, Ranger Rick, Wildlife, Birds and Birding, Tropical Fish, Health, People, Natural Health, Elle, Fashion Magazines and others.

Authentic Maya Ceremonial Experience and Participation with spiritual guide Ernesto Saqui:

Meet and Greet Belize City Port at Carnival Cruise Dock – Transfer to Altun Ha, 1 hour
Procession at entrance with drumming bringing all the gifts to the place of sacrifice
Structure B4: SUN GOD TEMPLE
Preparation of table of sacrifice and purification which follows immediately with a dance 3 times around the table of sacrifice.
Evoking the gods (deities) and presentation of the offerings
BREAK- silence so that the gods be welcomed and take the offerings.
Background with music. Drumming continues.
All return back to the place of sacrifice with the presence of the gods
Maya Priest say a prayer together with the participants which followed by a dance one more time around the place of sacrifice at the main temple.
Cleansing ( those who are interested)
Exit the place of sacrifice with drumming
Closing Procession Entrance - Structure B4: Sun God Temple

Ernesto Saqui

The leader of our sacred ceremony was park director of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary from 1987-1997 and has also served as village council chairman in Maya Center. Saqui is credited with changing local attitudes toward conservation and for building Cockscomb into one of the nation's most popular protected areas and one recognized around the world for its contribution to environmental protection.

Here is how the Maya see the wilderness, as Ernesto described: "The forest is like our mother - we never take more than we need. To us the blood of a tree is like the blood of a human," he said. "When we need something we ask our mother, 'Will you give this to me to supply my family?' We ask the Gods and they grant our wishes."

Ernesto, whose first language is a Maya tongue, said his people have a word, "cuxtalil," that means web of life. "There are powerful things in the forest, things only the Gods understand," he said. "That's why we have so much respect for it. We want to work with the forest, not against it. If you destroy it, unfortunate things will happen you and your family. When the forest is clear cut we hear the mother crying. What will happen when Mother Earth is naked? It would be the death of Mother Earth. It's so important these things are told to the children." Asked if he's angry about what's happened to his former home, Ernesto paused and said, "No, I'm hurt and disappointed. My heart is here in the forest." Then, considering that Belize has set aside about a third of its territory as parks and preserves, he sounded a note of hope. "In 50 or 100 years, the great trees will be back. I won't see it, but I hope my children will."

Altun Ha Maya Ruins

Archeologists believe Rockstone Pond, the literal translation for Altun Ha, was first settled somewhere around 250 BC, with construction of the buildings beginning in 100 AD and continuing throughout the Classic period that ended in the 10th century. Some 10,000 Maya lived in and around Altun Ha, which was a significant trading center as evidenced by the large amounts of jade and obsidian excavated here in the early sixties and seventies.

Spanning a 25 square mile area roughly an hour from Belize City, Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm strewn land (see map here). The larger of the two plazas, Plaza A, is the site of a mysterious tomb discovered beneath one of the temples called Temple of the Green Tomb. Jade, jewelry, flints and skins are among the three hundred remnants that were unearthed here.

The Temple of the Masonry Altars is Altun Ha's largest temple and is thought to have been the focal point of the community's religious activities. A single stairway climbs the temple to an altar perched at the peak. Inside, several tombs were discovered that are believed to have kept the bodies of Altun Ha's high priests. One of these digs yielded a priceless piece of history in the form of a 15-centimeter high, jade head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau.

Though not much else has been excavated, there are also several other areas of interest at the site, notably another temple at the eastern edge that was found to contain artifacts from the great city of Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico.

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Testimonials about our tour Belize guide, who is a member of Sustainable Tourism International (STI):

"We're boring our non-traveling friends to death with all the details of our Belize trip with you. It was one of the greatest experiences of our lives, thank you for all your hard work and generosity!"
~ G. & R. Raab

"My recent trip with you was a grand experience, it was so well organized and had a definite purpose. The community work is great, I thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks a bunch."
~ M. Hardin

"You did your utmost to make our experience fruitful and entertaining. It was truly a wonderful and memorable experience. Please reiterate to each and everyone of the staff, those we saw and those behind the scenes my gratitude. With warm regards."
~ J. Pour

"I wish I could return to Belize soon, I really love it there. You certainly know Belize , thank you!"
~ K. Kirby

"We told many friends and of course family members of the great time we had in Belize. Keep it up."
~ B. Langerstrom

"We loved our... Day Trip, it was so nice to have a private tour and guide and not be with 30 or more other people, we were able to get so much out of it. The ruins are just wonderful, we had hoped for a few more birds but the monkeys were really a neat thing to see. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in the Maya, well worth the time and money and it was very well organized, thank you."
~ L. Rudin

"We enjoyed our experience with you... These are the kind of adventures that keep us 'seniors' going and looking forward to what life has to offer. Learning about the Maya culture and Belize was very memorable. Thank you for your kindness to us and the people of Belize."
~ H. Campbell

"I really want to thank you for a great time in Belize. I can't think of one single thing to complain about for the entire trip. Your community project is a very nice bonus, very rewarding, keep it up!"
~ R. Jenkins

"I want to let you know how much Heydon has enjoyed Belize. It was such a lifetime opportunity! I knew the trip to Belize would be wonderful, but I didn't realize it would make such a strong impression on Heydon. She came back a different person. She has not quit talking about the experiences....not only that she learned the names of so many species of animals, loved snorkeling, appreciated the ruins, enjoyed learning about the Belizean life style and meeting the people. She now realizes how fortunate we are here in America , while understanding how the quality of life in Belize has so many advantages over our fast-paced lifestyle here. Thank you for this!! It is education at its best!"
~ R. Hatcher

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About Your Belize Day Trip:

 ~ Belize's environment is tropical; this means there is a fair amount of humidity in the air and it can be hot, there is also more diversity and abundance of insects and reptiles.  Please take precautions on trails, stay on the main trail and be careful about where you step, what you pick up, touch, or look under.  Also, be sure to drink a lot of water (the warm climate & humidity causes more sweating then normal, I suggest drinking as much water as you can the few days prior to departure and to also increase your intake of potassium (bananas), sweating depletes potassium and causes cramping).

~ Belize is a developing nation, their infrastructure is not on par with the US, this means phones, email, roads, vehicles, and other such items will not always function properly.  Please be flexible, one encouraging thing is that Belizeans are very very helpful and care greatly about visitors to their country. There are always bound to be little hiccups when traveling in other countries ... as you may know from previous travel ("best laid plans...") and being flexible enough to roll with whatever comes really helps.

~  Please keep valuables safe, and it also helps to not leave them directly in view, although theft and problems like this are very minimal, almost non-existent, it still helps to take the standard precautions (not carrying passports on activities, not having large amounts of cash, and keeping cameras and binoculars near by).

Items you may find useful:

Rain poncho
Camera (extra memory/batteries/film)
Hat
Sun block
Bug Repellant
Water bottle
Day Pack
Field Guides (birds, mammals, plants)
Site Map
Handi-Wipes
Snacks (nuts, granola bars)
Sunglasses
Zip-lock bags
Sturdy running shoes
Cotton shorts, shirts
Some small bill cash to purchase gifts
Bring magazines to donate

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GRAND CAYMAN
Dolphin Swim

Thursday, October 11, 2012
Arrival in Port 10:00 am, Departing 6:00 pm

Dolphin Swim and Stingray City

SOLD OUT. SORRY!
Alternate excursions:
www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/Articles.asp?ID=143&Click=61028

12:00 noon to 4:30 pm

Minimum age: 5 years old

Accompanied by Sean David Morton

This excursion combines two (2) of the most fascinating experiences Grand Cayman has to offer. We offer swimming with Bottlenose Dolphins and a trip to The World Famous Stingray City Sandbar. Reservations must be made in advance, while space is still available. This will sell out, so reserve as soon as registration becomes available. For the dolphin swim, no sunscreen or jewelry is allowed.

Perfect entertainment: Up-Close and Underwater!

If swimming with dolphins is one of your greatest dreams, now is the time to make it real! In the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea you will be able to live an adventure that you will remember forever.

From the pier, you'll take a short drive in air-conditioned comfort to Dolphin Cove. Here you'll stroll along a walkway where you'll see a variety of tropical birds that rule the roost. Once you reach the cove, there'll be a brief orientation about these enchanting dolphins. Then in the water you go. Pet and kiss a dolphin. Shake a fin. Hear them sing to you and perform tricks. But for real fun, hang on for a belly ride. A dolphin is half submerged on its back and you grab on to his flippers for an awesome belly ride through the water. You'll be amazed by the strength, flexibility and agility of these mammals.

After your dolphin encounter, you'll board a boat and cruise to Grand Cayman Island's famous Stingray City, a 12-foot dive site with an adjacent sand bar. Your tour guide will provide interesting facts about the local family of Southern Stingrays when you enter the shallow water on the sandbar. In just three feet of water, you can interact with more than a dozen stingrays as they glide by you. These gentle creatures will allow you to handle them. They like to be fed and have their bellies rubbed. You'll be amazed when you touch them. Their skin feels a lot like velvet.

Upon leaving Stingray City, you'll enjoy the return cruise back to Dolphin Cove where you can relax before boarding a motor coach to George Town. There will be time for shopping at the many duty-free stores within walking distance from the cruise terminal. You'll find bargains on such luxury goods as watches, china, crystal, perfume and fine jewelry.

Instead of shopping, you have the option of being taken to world-famous Seven Mile Beach where you can enjoy the wide stretch of white sand beach, tropical breezes and swimming and snorkeling in the clear Caribbean Sea.

So for two amazing experiences in Grand Cayman Island that you'll never forget, book the Dolphin Swim & Stingray City shore excursion now. It's an unforgettable way to add fun ashore to your fun afloat.

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HOLY COW ! Take the leap and Register NOW for your shore excursions!

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