Mayan ruins port adventures - Cozumel vs. Progreso

[CarolynFH]

We can’t begin to book until October, so I have plenty of time to consider options. Our January cruise on the Magic will visit Cozumel and Progreso, and we’re really only interested in visiting Mayan ruins. We’re not beach people but would consider other included activities besides beach time. What relevant experiences have you had in Progreso and/or Cozumel? TIA!

 

[starvenger]

I've never been to Progresso, but If you're talking something like Chichén Itzá, then I think Progresso is a better choice. Don't forget that Cozumel is an island, and you will have to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen (about 45 min each way) before you even board a bus for a 2.5 hour ride to the ruins. Progresso looks to also be about 2.5 hours, but will probably feel more comfortable without that 90 minutes of ferry travel.

The better option from Cozumel is Tulum. Those ruins are only an hour from Playa del Carmen. Not as spectacular as Chichén Itzá, but I think you will be appropriately whelmed.

 

[Geomom]

I'd do them from Progreso. I'm not sure if Disney is offering any mainland excursions from Cozumel since Covid. (They weren't when we sailed in June 2022.). You can see small ruins (San Gervaiso) ON Cozumel, but no pyramids.

 

[MinnesotaDisneyFan]

We did the ‘Mayapan Ruins, Lazy River Tubing and Cave Swim’ (PG907) from Progresso when we were on the Disney Magic in April.

These ruins are referred to as Little Chichén Itzá. Not as impressive as Chichén Itzá, but still felt worthwhile. An intact pyramid you can climb as well as other structures to explore.

We picked this tour as it was the same length as the Chichén Itzá one, but included the cenote swimming (because Mayapan is a shorter bus ride from the port than Chichén Itzá, giving additional time for a second activity). You get to swim through a partially open air cenote and one that is completely in a cave with illuminated, very deep water you can explore with mask and snorkel. The latter was really a highlight. After the cenote there was not only a light lunch but extra time to explore the area and swim in a man-made pool.

Between the shorter bus ride and multiple activities, as compared to the other Chichén Itzá excursion, I would recommend this excursion. The enclosed cenote was the highlight.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thank you, everyone! Very helpful!