In the heart of the tropical paradise of Cozumel, you will find the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. Today, San Gervasio is federal and state park, and is a popular tourist destination where visitors travel to learn more about the history and culture of the Mayans, and to view the ruins. Hundreds of years ago, however, when Cozumel was home to a thriving Mayan community, San Gervasio was a temple dedicated to the worship of the Mayan Fertility Goddess, Ix Chel.
With a visit to
San Gervasio today, you will find the ruins standing amidst overgrown tropical vegetation in the heart of a dense jungle, and it is not uncommon to see wild iguanas up to four feet in length sunning themselves along the road and walkways or hiding under some of the brush from the surrounding rain forest. These iguanas are fairly harmless and have become accustomed to human visitors. There are a number of ruins standing less than four feet tall with stone walls. It is believed that these structures were once wood or straw-roofed huts. Other structures found here include the Manita Structure, the Chi Chan Nah, the Kana Nah Structure, El Arco, the Nohoch Nah, the Murcielagos, and the
Plaza Central. Most of the structures found at
San Gervasio date back to 300 to 600 A.D. It is believed that the temple was abandoned around the time Christianity was introduced to the area, and the Mayan's religious views shifted.
With its rich history, beautiful archaeological ruins, and amazing tropical ecosystem all on display,
San Gervasio is a “must see” for your trip to Cozumel!
