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Costa Maya Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins Excursion

Costa Maya, Mexico (Excursion ID S1205)

Excursion
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  • Duration
    6 hours 30 min
  • Activity Level
    Low
  • Minimum Age
    All Ages
  • Languages
    EN | ES | FR

Description


  • Round-trip transportation from your Costa Maya cruise ship terminal!
  • Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
  • English-speaking certified excursion guide!
  • Site entrance fees at both Dzibanche and Kinichna ruins!
  • Guided excursion at the ruins!
  • Cold drinks!
  • Return to port or optional drop off at Costa Maya village!

Note there is a minimum of 4 participants needed for this excursion. Please contact us to check if you have less in your party.

This is your opportunity to see 2 Mayan ruins in one day - one of the largest and most spectacular Mayan ruins in the area. Your air-conditioned transportation and English-speaking shore excursion guide will meet you outside of the pier and get you on the way for your day of exploration at both Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins. Your friendly guide will be giving you lots of information that is both educational and entertaining about Mexico, the Mayan civilization, and the history of the area.

Dzibanche is one of the largest ruins in the state of Quintana Roo. It is situated on sloping hills and does not have any rivers or cenotes which most ruins do have. It covers about 40 square miles and is a marvel in both architecture and the intricately carved wooden lintels found there. Dzibanche means "writing on wood" in Mayan.

The city was settled sometime before 200 A.D. but most of the larger structures date between 300 and 800 A.D. Upon arrival, it does not seem like much there. With lots of thick vegetation, this is one of the best places to spot tropical birds. As you walk through the trees, the trail opens up to reveal the structures.

There are several courtyards surrounded by large pyramidal temple platforms, and a fine pyramid and temple similar in style to the ones in Tikal. Although discovered in 1927, much of the area remains unexcavated. To date, this is one of the very few sights where visitors are still allowed to climb the structures.

Kinichna is located just 5 miles away. Although there is just one temple structure, it is massive in size. It is the size of 3 structures in one building. The architecture here is the same as found in Dzibanche which leads archeologists and historians to believe the two ruins were once part of the same city with roads connecting them. An interesting find at the site was the tomb of 2 people with the richest jade offerings ever found in Mayan ruins. There is also an effigy of the sun god giving Kinichna its name "house of the sun".

Your guide and transportation will take you back to your Costa Maya pier at the end of this Costa Maya shore excursion.

Excursion out of stock

Important: This excursion is temporarily not available.

Costa Maya Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins Excursion Experiences

This excursion is available to everybody and specially designed to accommodate passengers of the following cruise lines


Similar Costa Maya Excursions

Costa Maya Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins Excursion Reviews

See 2 Mayan Ruins sites in one excursion. Uncrowded and truly spectacular. Explore and see some of the Mayan civilizations in Costa Maya!

5.0/5

8 Reviews

Orlando, FL
Traveler
     5/5  (Visited on February 2020)
19
Our group thoroughly enjoyed our time with guide. He was so knowledgeable about the ruins and the local culture. Although we didn't have time to see both sites ,we did visit some local eateries and fruit stands, which made us all very happy. We will definitely book again to focus on Kinichna. Dzibanche is an incredible site and we were left speechless more than once.
Costa Maya Dzibanche and Kinichna Mayan Ruins Excursion TravelerShow Management Response

Toledo, OH
Love it!
     5/5  (Visited on September 2019)
19
We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide explained a lot on our way and he did his best to keep us as entertained. We highly recommend this tour to everybody interested in Mayan Culture, there is a lot to learn about it.
Show Management Response

Ulen, MN
Impressive Ruins
     5/5  (Visited on July 2019)
17
This tour worth every penny. This turned out to be a perfect day. We were back in plenty of time. The ruins were unbelievable and huge. And the best part was our tour guide, a very knowledgable young man. He knew almost everything you ever wanted to know about the Mayan culture.
Show Management Response

History and culture well worth the trip.
     5/5  (Visited on April 2019)
25
We took this day trip with the local ShoreExcursioneer (operator). I will say first that the description on line accurate. It’s 2 hours out and 2 back. That said, it was worth every minute. Casa Maya is pretty backwards area no where near as developed as Conzumel, Cancun or Riveria Maya so there’s not a lot to see around the ship. This trip allowed us to see two Mayan temple sites that were in very good condition. Both sites, especially Dzibanche, were fantastic. While at many Mayan sites you’re no longer allowed to climb the temples steps you can at both and the views were great. Our (driver) was fantastic. He is a walking book of Mayan culture and history. He was super friendly and so engaged wanting to make sure that we got everything we wanted from the trip. He was a very careful driver and at both sites made sure that we got the maximum amount of time. One note, BE CAREFULL once you walk off the pier. The shopping center just outside the pier is INTENTIONALLY setup as a maze and difficult to navigate a way out. I speak Spanish and had to ask 4 people for directions, two of which gave me the wrong directions. The local goverment should not do this, it’s wrong and should put up signs to show people how to get out into the town. Regardless I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.
Show Management Response

Orlando
Love, love, love
     5/5  (Visited on June 2018)
110
This tour was amazing and very private!! We booked a couple of days prior to our trip and when we got there (tour operator) - eliseo was our tour guide! They were very easy to find. I was extremely impressed and we loved the site and history he shared with us over the 6 1/2 hours!!! He is so descriptive and personable. He took his time and climbed the ruins with us while providing historical information about the mayans. The views were amazing and it wasn't flooded with cruise ships tour buses. You will not be disappointed in this tour! We loved the local food we stopped and had as well as all the information he told us about!!!
Show Management Response

Phenix City
Interesting tour. Worth it.
     5/5  (Visited on August 2017)
94
A great way to show respect when visiting a new place is by visiting historic sites. Really enjoyed exploring the ancient ruins and the stories behind these structures are very interesting and worth investigating.
Show Management Response

USA
Exciting
     5/5  (Visited on January 2017)
110
We were really excited we were going to participate on this tour. Once we arrived to Costa Maya our guide was punctual and waiting for us. He was very informative and professional. The ruin sites are indescribable and full of history. The mayans did an excellent job building them and it's impressive to witness them in real life.
Show Management Response

TWO THUMBS UP
     5/5  (Visited on August 2013)
110
WE BOTH REALLY LIKED THIS TOUR. WE HAD ANOTHER COUPLE WITH US. THESE RUINS ARE LESS DEVELOPED AND LESS COMMERCIAL FEELING THAN SOME OTHERS. 2 THUMBS UP
Show Management Response
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