Experts' Choice Award Zona Arqueologica San Gervasio
What the experts agree on
Cozumel's largest surviving Mayan ruins, San Gervasio was once a pilgrimage site for the fertility goddess Ixchel. Structures are modest and weathered compared to grander mainland sites, but historically significant.
“Small temples are scattered around the island, with the largest concentration at San Gervasio, midway between central Cozumel and its east coast. ”
– Concierge
Fodor's "Rising from the jungle, these temples make up Cozumel's largest remaining Mayan and Toltec site. " Full review
i
Be sure to see the temple "Las Manitas," with red handprints all over its altar.
Travel + Leisure "Modest compared with those on the." Full review
Afar Magazine "Located on Cozumel, it was important to Maya women because the site was where the worship of Ixchel, goddess of fertility and childbirth, was centered. Many would make pilgrimages to ask her favor." Full review
i
Many women, in fact, would make pilgrimages to San Gervasio to pay tribute to Ixchel and ask for her favor.
Frommer's "This small Maya site (100 b.c.–a.d. 1600) was once an important ceremonial center." Full review
Lonely Planet "Its structures are small and crude, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards." Full review
