Hiking Expedition to
Villa Maya
- Wild life
- Tropical forest
- Orchid’s & Bromelias
- Geological history
- Mayan vestiges
- Cenote
DESCRIPTION
Join an unforgettable expedition to Villa Maya, a private nature reserve located in the heart of Cozumel. After meeting your specialized guide at the designated point, you’ll be transported to the northeast of the island, where your adventure begins.
Walk along scenic trails through the tropical forest while discovering the island’s rich biodiversity, including unique wildlife and endemic species found only in Cozumel. You will also explore the archaeological remains hidden within the reserve.
The hiking distance ranges from 1.6 km (1 mile) to 6 km (4 miles), depending on the group’s ability and preferences.
For a more intimate and personalized experience, tours are customized and limited to a maximum of 8 participants.
INCLUDING
- Round-trip transportation from the meeting point to Villa Maya (in the center of the island) and back to San Miguel de Cozumel. If you drive your own vehicle, an additional discount applies.
- Access to the archaeological site.
- Access to the Villa Maya Nature Reserve.
- Authentic regional food and refreshing natural fruit drinks.
- Expert guidance on the natural history of the island.
NOT INCLUDE
- Transportation to meeting point.
- Photographs, cameras or binoculars.
MEETING-POINT
MEGA Grosery stor down town Cozumel Av. Rafael Melgar and 11 Av. For hotel guests who are staying in Cozumel, or for people who come from Playa del Carmen or cruise ship passengers.
You will receive your confirmation via e-mail with precise instructions to reach the Meeting Point.
The ancient inhabitants of the Mayan culture designed a unique location system using stone walls arranged in parallel, approximately aligned north–south and east–west. These structures characterize the archaeological remains found at Villa Maya and are associated with the acropolis that once thrived about 2 km west of the site. The walls were used both to plan the succession of crops and to serve as guides for orientation and movement across the area.
DURATION
5 Hrs.
CAPACITY
Minimum 2 people
Maximum 8 people
WHAT TO BRING
Backpack long pants, long sleeves and closed tennis shoes, hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, money for photos, gratuities or other beverages.
ITINERARY
Daily departures.
The departure time is at 7:30 a.m.
The schedule can be flexible, but needs confirmation, contact us via e- mail.
Notes:
i. We recommend paying the remaining balance in cash upon arrival at the meeting point.
For reservations, you may pay the deposit online via bank transfer or PayPal (a 5% fee applies).
ii. Participant requirements:
Maximum weight: 110 kg (240 lbs)
Minimum age: 12 years old
This expedition is not suitable for people with physical disabilities or cardio-pulmonary conditions.
Price per participant: $ 137 USD
Reservations: http://www.expeditionscozumel.com/contact-us-1/
Villa Maya Location: http://www.expeditionscozumel.com/location/
Villa Maya trails map: http://www.expeditionscozumel.com/map/
Code of practices:
1. Carry your ID.
2. Remember you are a guest.
3. Be culturally sensitive and respect local customs.
4. The Mesoamerican Nican-Axcan philosophical concept is promoted.
5. Be culturally sensitive and respect local customs.
When walking on the trails:
6. Avoid separating from the group and never go off the trail.
7. Respect wild fauna and flora, do not disturb wildlife or wildlife habitats.
9. When moving do it slowly and quietly, without making sudden movements.
11. Keep a prudent distance from birds (~10 to 20 m).
12. If you see a nest or burrow, do not disturb.
13. If a native mammal chick or young is found, do not intervene unless in imminent danger.
14. Avoid taking pets on a wildlife viewing outing.
15. Avoid using auditory lures on recreational outings for bird watching or photography.
16. We discourage the use of recordings or imitations to attract birds, but if used, do not exceed four min total per site, playing 20 second pulses, followed by long pauses.
17. Do not use flash and high light intensity lamps at night.
18. Keep your voice low, avoid using speakers, use earphones to listen.
19. Leave the area cleaner than you found it, help keep the environment clean, it is forbidden to disperse solid waste, and if you find any, collaborate by collecting it and disposing of it in the indicated containers.
20. It is forbidden to light any type of flammable material.
21. The extraction of any material found within the reserve, is not allowed.
22. Consider the implications of buying plant and animal products. Find out if they are rare or endangered.
