Kira

Hello,<BR> We are going on Western Caribbean Grand Princess Cruise in February. We are would like to see the best Mayan Ruins that we can get to either from Cozumel or from Costa Maya.Something that looks really grand. Is it Tulum, Che-Chen-Itza or something else? <BR>Is it possible to arrange it from the pier with private guide or we have to do it tieh the cruise company. By 'have to' I mean it's safer in terms of getting back to the ship in time, etc.

Paul Therault

Hi Kira,<BR><BR>You can hire a driver/guide in Costa Maya but I doubt it will save you that much money unless you are traveling with a few that could fill a taxi. I also do not know if Princess offers lunch which would be a plus for any tour. <BR><BR>Chichen Itza is a very long ride from either Playa del Carmen (where the ferry pier is from the Island of Cozumel) or Costa Maya. I would be concerned about getting back to the ship on time. Chichen Itza is the largest Mayan site and I believe is more spectacular than Tulum.<BR><BR>Tulum is, of course, very interesting and historical. It is very popular with cruise passengers. You can also swim at the botom of the cliff (no facilities).<BR><BR>If you are planning to go from Cozumel I would be concerned about the ferry times. Also Costa Maya does not have hundreds of taxis waiting for you such as in Playa del Carmen.<BR><BR>My advice, unless you know what you are doing, is to take the ship's tour.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR>

Kira

Paul,<BR>thank you for your reply.<BR>Is Chechen-Itza closer to Cozumel or Costa Maya? I wanted to spend time in Cozumel going to one of the parks and go to Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya where not much to do. Tulum or Chechen-Itza - are they closer to Costa Maya or Cozumel?

Cathy

Chichen Itza is definitely &quot;closer&quot; to Cozumel but it is inland Yucutan Pen. The trip to Chichen Itza is long by road. It is one of the top Mayan ruins in the area. There are some cruise lines that offer a flight to Chichen Itza, but it is quite expensive per person. <BR><BR>If you want to see a Mayan Ruin, best go to Tulum. It is interesting, has a pyramid. It is a long day but doable and your ship will have an excursion that goes there. This is one of the few trips that I will advise on taking on a ship excursion and not on your own.

Paul Therault

Hi Kira,<BR><BR>Cathy is correct. The time from Cancun to Chichen Itza is almost 3 hours and you still have to get to Cancun from Cozumel with all the traffic and the ferry.<BR><BR>Best to go to Tulum this time and on your next cruise, choose a ship that ports at Progreso.<BR><BR>Paul

nina

We are porting in Progreso on the Mercury in February. What is the best/least expensive way to get to Chichen Itza from Progreso? We are 3 adults and 3 children. Can a private van be hired? Don't want to do a ship excursion as they are notoriously overpriced. Thanks.

Paul Therault

Hi Nina,<BR><BR>You can hire a driver and car/van to take you to either Chichen Itza the largest Mayan site or Uxmal which is the most beautiful. <BR><BR>You can also rent a car at the pier but keep in mind these sites are fairly far away. Therefore you must plan to get back to the ship at least 2 hours before sailing. This will cut down on your time at the sites. <BR><BR>Paul

nina

Thanks again Paul! I'm not sure that I want to undertake a long car ride with 3 kids, so we'll either just go to a beach or try for closer ruins. Have you heard of a place called Dzibilchaltun? From what I can surmise it is also a ruin, much closer to where the ship docks and it sounds as though it is next to a cenote which is wonderful for swimming. Have you heard anything about this? Thanks, I do appreciate the help.

Paul Therault

Hi Nina,<BR><BR>A couple of years ago I had a driver take me around to the local ruins and Dzibilchaltun is only partially restored I believe by the National Geographic Society and a couple of Mexican organizations. It is one of the largest of the Mexican archeological sites with thousands of structures BUT it is mostly mounds of structures. There is a very nice museum. Swimming is allowed at cenote. There are quite a few interesting looking birds near the water. I believe I had to pay an admission fee. I forgot how much.<BR><BR>Paul

nina

Thanks again Paul. Did you find the driver waiting at the pier? If so, did you just negotiate a rate with him?

Peter

Just a thought - I believe the Norway does the Western also and you wouldn't even have to leave the ship to see the ruins!

nina

Touche Peter, Maybe next time, but I was so hoping for a legitimate answer to my query!

Paul Therault

Yes Nina, there are tons of cabs to take you where you wish to go. They have set rates for sites and hours. Write down on a piece of paper where you wish to go and what time you wish to return.<BR><BR>Paul