- 1,034Excursions
- 77,963Reviews
- Help Center
Looking for something different that does not involve the water or beach? Want something interesting, educational, tasty and easy paced? Immerse yourself in the Mexican culture on this day at Discover Mexico Park. Hands-on chocolate and Alebrije workshops, tasting at a Margarita and Tortilla Demo, and enjoy a delicious taco buffet lunch. Exclusive offer only with Shore Excursioneer!
You’ll meet your guide directly at the entrance to the Discover Mexico Park. Taxis are readily available outside your cruise ship pier and the trip is only a few minutes (allow yourself at least 10 minutes). Note that your return trip back is included. You will check-in at the front desk and be greeted by your group guide. Please note that there is only one departure time.
You will start your day of discovery inside the air-conditioned facility where you’ll be treated to a four-screen video collage of the cultural variety in Mexico. This is the culmination of two years of travel and filming. Vibrant images from all over México will take you from the Riviera Maya through Oaxaca to Chihuahua. You will get a nice overview of the different regions and a variety of traditions.
At the Arts Museum, your guide will lead you through the small exhibits where you will view art made by renowned artists from all over Mexico. Enjoy the paintings, carvings, sculptures and much more. See the famous “Barro negro” pottery, known for its color, sheen and unique designs. Intricate Huichol beaded figurines and the colorful iconic "Alebrijes", brightly colored painted, wooden Mexican folk art figurines originating from the state of Oaxaca. Take a close look and get inspiration as you will be creating your own alebrije on this excursion!
The tempting aroma will greet you first on your next stop inside the Discover Mexico facilities. Cacao Chocolate! Your guide will take you through the full process. You learn about the tools used to grind and roast the cacao beans, and the steps involved turning it into various chocolate products. Learn the difference between cocoa and cacao. You will have a hands-on lesson and make your own chocolate disc before trying some other varieties of chocolate samples (including "mole"). You can also try a heavenly Cacao Chocolate Liquor.
Next up for you is a margarita and tortilla demonstrations. You’ll find out that there are many different flavors possible in making delicious margaritas and will have an opportunity to taste. Next, you’ll see how tortillas are prepared by hand from the making of the dough known as masa to the final product. Sample one fresh from the griddle!
On your way to the next activity, you’ll pass through the Diorama Garden area. Represented here are scale sized replicas of some of Mexico’s most famous ruins like the pyramids at Chichen Itza plus those of Aztec, Mayan and Totonac eras. See famous cathedrals and the Paseo de la Reforma, the boulevard that runs across Mexico City that was modeled after great European boulevards. Your guide will give you explanations along the way.
Now it is time to sit and get creative at your Alebrije Workshop. You will be greeted at the door by your workshop instructor and choose a hand-carved wooden figurine. Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk-art figurines typically of mythical, fantasy creatures such as winged donkeys, a rooster with horns, or lizards with a lions head but can be many other subjects. You can choose your own figurine and your instructor will help you with ideas and answer questions. Let your imagination go wild with colors, or keep it simple and mild. At the end of your mini-workshop, your alebrije will be packaged up so you can safely take it back home with you.
You will wrap up your cultural immersion with a delicious taco buffet. Here you can try a variety of tacos (options variety slightly daily but typically include rajas with cream, cochinita which is similar to pulled pork, chicken tinga, and others), mild to hot salsa, delicious handmade corn tortilla (flour tortillas available on request), side dishes of rice and beans.
Located next to the taco buffet you might be able to catch the Voladores de Papantla or Papantla Flyers. This is a traditional show from the state of Veracruz. The flyers are a group of 5 men, 4 flyers and one known as the caporal who stays at the top without ropes or net and plays a small drum and flute. The 4 flyers then are suspended by ropes tied their ankle and twirle around the tall pole, descending to the ground. It is amazing to watch! You are welcome to stay at the Park at your leisure depending on your ship's departure time.
At the end of this entertaining and interesting day, your guide will get a taxi for you to return to your Cozumel cruise terminal. The taxi ride back is included on your excursion.
NOTE: The order of activities may vary depending on the number of guests at the park. This excursion is not suitable for all ships arriving in Cozumel due to start time.
Only available with Shore Excursioneer! Experience traditional Mexican tastes and traditions with this hands-on excursion. Cacao chocolate workshop, margarita demo and taste, tortillas and lunch, alebrije wooden animal crafting and more at Discover Mexico Park. Fun, tasty, and interesting!