Excursion Kohunlich & dzibanche mayan ruins tour at Costa Maya

Experience two of the most magnificent and exciting Mayan archaeological sites ever discovered during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion to Dzibanche and Kohunlich.

Costa Maya, Dzibanche Archaeological Site, Plazas, Temples of the Lintels, Owls and Captives

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.25-hour drive towards the Belizean border en route to the Dzibanche Archaeological Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of its ancient dwellings, pyramids, plazas and temples. Renowned for its beautiful pottery and splendid temples hidden within the jungle, this once-ruling city is sure to captivate your imagination. The most important complex at Dzibanche is comprised of several plazas surrounded by palaces, and platforms from which temples decorated with Peten-style crests rise. During your visit, see the Temple of the Lintels, and take an opportunity to climb the tallest temple for a wonderful view of the Temple of the Owls and Temple of the Captives.

Kohunlich Archaeological Site, Temple of the 27 Steps, Buildings, Courtyards, Patios, Acropolis

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to Kohunlich, a city with beautiful forest walks filled with toucans, monkeys and flowers. Upon arrival, proceed to the recently-excavated Kohunlich Archaeological Site, which is named after the giant cahoon palm trees that inhabit this immense site. One of the major structures of particular interest at Kohunlich is the Temple of the 27 Steps. The ceremonial centre occupies a large space on which several residential complexes, public buildings, temples, courtyards, patios, and Acropolis are distributed.

Temple of the Masks, Enormous, Sculpted Masks, Lunch

Guests who are up to the challenge can climb the towering Temple of the Masks, built in honour of the sun god. Along the way, view an impressive and unique collection of enormous, sculpted masks that reach approximately eight feet (about 2.4 metres) in height and flank the front stairway of the temple. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a Mexican lunch at either the Bacalar or Lagoon restaurants. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 70-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Costa Maya, Dzibanche and Kohunlich Archaeological Sites, Plazas, Temples of the Lintels, Owls, Captives, Masks, and 27 Steps, Public Buildings, Acropolis

Note

Please note: The driving distance between the pier and the ruins visited is approximately 2.5 hours in each direction. This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.1 miles (about 1.8 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel and grassy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and stairs at the ruins. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking or sport shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship; sandals and high heels are prohibited. Guests must be at least twelve years old to participate on this tour. The weight of each guests may not exceed 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms) to participate on this tour. Tripods and professional cameras and video cameras are prohibited. A US$5-US$8 fee is charged to guests taking video in any format (video cameras, cell phones, tablets, etc.) at either site.