If ancient culture and history of the Mayan people interests you, like their traditional games, religious rituals, tools used for cooking and crafting, original recipes, historical facts, stories, and more, Kun Che Park is a perfect place to experience real Cozumel Mayan Culture.
| TOTAL PRICE |
BOOK NOW WITH 20 USD PER PERSON AND PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR YOUR TOUR. |
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive 15 min before your tour start time |
| DURATION TOUR | Approximately 3 hrs |
| INCLUDED |
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| BRING |
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Restrictions
- Guests must be able to step in and out of the transportation.
- Kun Che Park is a natural reserve in Cozumel jungle, however, most of the paths are paved and are wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchairs are available upon request with advanced notice. Please add a note on your order when you book.
You will meet your guide at a convenient location outside of your Cozumel cruise ship pier or your Hotel. Then you will take a comfortable ride to Kun Che Park, located in the oldest settlement on the island known as “El Cedral”. You will receive a guided visit of the Park, where you can check out and participate in the activities. Kun Che Park is the only place in Cozumel where you will be able to experience true, authentic Mayan activities and enjoy watching a sacred pre-hispanic ball game, Pok-Ta Pok. This is something you wont want to miss.
With its origin in the Mexican Mayan dynasty, Pok-Ta-Pok was part of their sacred rituals. It was played to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to ask for protection. It was played in every Maya city with 2 teams of 1-4 players each. The basic object was to keep the ball in motion using only legs, hips, and heads, and to get the ball through a ring located on each side of the stadium and as high as 20 feet off the ground! Body pads were often used to protect the players as the ball was made of a local rubber and morning glory sap, weighing up to 9lbs (4 kilos). Over the years and Maya regions, the rules changed. One of the more unusual twists and an ultimate honor to the Mayan Gods of the Underworld, was that often the winning team was sacrificed! The game could go on for days as well. Other cultures such as the Aztecs adapted the game too.
The ball game is just one of the Mayan traditions you will experience. Cozumel is an island rich in Mayan history as the sacred place of the goddess of fertility – Ixchel. Every Mayan woman was expected to travel to the island in a wooden canoe at least once in their lifetime. You will also see a traditional and authentic Mayan purification ritual. To add to your educational adventure, you will experience the way the Mayans lived and learn the process of making handmade corn tortillas and tamales. You will even be able to participate in the production of organic artisan local cacao chocolate.
But the enjoyment does not end here! After all that you have learned, you will be treated to a Mexican fiesta, including folkloric ballet and regional dances from the Yucatan Peninsula with all performers in elaborate traditional costumes. As you watch the show, you will enjoy an authentic Mexican lunch. The buffet includes a variety of Yucatecan dishes (salbutes, panuchos, and a chicken dish that varies daily), a fruit and salad bar, as well as unlimited jamaica (a refreshing, delicious drink made with red hibiscus flowers) and horchata (a rice-based beverage). If you would like, you can also purchase alcoholic beverages (beer or cocktails), bottled water, and soft drinks.
With your mental and gastronomic appetites thoroughly satisfied, your transportation will take you back to your meeting point outside your Cozumel cruise ship pier or resort.
