My Experience in Costa Maya with David and Ivan

[professorandmom]

Before my trip, I read many posts describing the excursion with David and Ivan to see the Chacchoben ruins. I debated and finally decided to book with them on the 7/22 double dip. I thought it would be helpful to share my experience with DISers who have helped me so much!

Our visit went far beyond my expectations! There is a very unique opportunty to experience the cuture of the area. Ivan was our guide and his stories brought history to life. It is difficult to describe the perspective he brings but perhaps a good example includes his description of playing hide and seek amoung the mounds (the ruins weren't "discovered" until 1994) as a child. My kids (boys 12 - video game junkies) were following him closely as he explained the functioning of the community in relation to the ruins. Don't hesitate to book this tour. It is, in my opinion, an wonderful opportunity to meet an extraordinary individual. I have posted a picture of Ivan from our trip.

Of course, your mileage may vary. This is just my opinion.

Oh, one other thought, the shopping area at the ruins was very nice and easy to enjoy - the people were friendly and not very pushy. We got some lovely things at great prices. Much better (and, of course, very different) than shopping in "town" (it is a small fishing village) and Cozumel.

http://www.chacchobenruins.com/
http://www.iupui.edu/~bmet/temp/ivan.jpg

 

[lbgraves]

Thanks for sharing! We have booked a group tour for the DISers directly with them and will have David as our guide. Everything being reported has been so positive. We can't wait!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Can you tell us how many people were on this tour? We're doing it in November and there are just over 60 people booked (that we know of). Many of us were kind of expecting a smaller group (from early reviews on the DIS)....even after splitting those 60 folks into a group with David and a group with Ivan. Do you think 30 people will be able to hear/see well enough?

Thanks for your input.

 

[professorandmom]

David had a larger group, maybe 20 or 25, our group was just 8 although it was supposed to be larger because one group (of 4 I think) didn't show. There are huge 60 person groups that come with other tour companies so David and Ivan compare much better.
Enjoy the trip
Barb

 

[GrayFal]

David had a larger group, maybe 20 or 25, our group was just 8 although it was supposed to be larger because one group (of 4 I think) didn't show. There are huge 60 person groups that come with other tour companies so David and Ivan compare much better.
Enjoy the trip
Barb

Our group has now grown to 60????
We are with David and Ivan - I hope our experience in November is as great as yours.

 

[Vanvmom]

Yes Pat, our group is up to 60 (from our meets thread). We're not sure if there are others not on our thread that have booked it as well...

 

[PrincessJasmine53]

David had a larger group, maybe 20 or 25, our group was just 8 although it was supposed to be larger because one group (of 4 I think) didn't show. There are huge 60 person groups that come with other tour companies so David and Ivan compare much better.
Enjoy the trip
Barb

We were with David's group that day - I can't tell you how everyone raved about the tour. It wasn't too bad with the bigger group. You could hear everything he said. David went into great detail - explaining everything about the area - even the plants and leaves from various trees and what they were used for. We were the first group at the ruins - we waited awhile at the little market area. I think he was waiting for Ivan to come - he asked a few people to join his group. Anyway, I would recommend this tour to anyone - it's done early in the morning, so there's no chance of missing the ship. He even took us on a ride through his neighborhood on the way back to the port. At the end of the tour you were able to get out in the town, or back at the port. They have a cooler of bottled water, soda & juice on the bus. Sure was nice after being in the heat! You will truely enjoy it. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

 

[discruiselovers97]

We didn't do David and Ivan but a different tour and are not getting off there again. We might try them but otherwise we won't be getting off the ship.

 

[slindamood]

Barb, Thanks for posting. We are so looking forward to this part of the trip on our December double dip, and glad hear the good report.

 

[eye R.N.]

Thank you Thank you Thank you

I've booked with them for 10/14 and was happy to hear your thoughts.

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the report. We're heading out with David and Ivan on the 9/16 Western. Just a question- do you recommend wearing long pants due to bugs, etc, or are shorts okay out there?

Thanks,
Julie

 

[Dizzyworld]

A couple of things.....we had a small group tour arranged 8-12, but at the port they grouped us with a larger group from the Magic. He did decrease the price from $50 to $45 since we were picked up at the port. So don't be surprised if this happens to you. We still had a good time.

I didn't feel the need to wear long pants. But do cover yourself in bug spray. We used a sun/ bug spray combo.

We took school supplies but didn't get a chance to deliver in person. School was starting the next day. We left them with David.

Bring a small roll of toilet paper for the toilet on the bus. You'll be glad you did.

And don't forget to tip David/Ivan and a small tip for the bus driver.

They supplied water both ways and soda on the way home.

My kids enjoyed this site very much. They are 11 and 13. It was a perfect amount of time.

Enjoy!!

 

[skoi]

Thanks for the info.

Julie