Whether you’ve been to Mexico before or you’re planning your first trip, you probably already know how important indigenous cultures are to Mexico and its people. As a society descending from internationally well-known groups like the Mayans and Aztecs, Mexico is very proud of its indigenous roots.
In all of my time living and traveling through Mexico, I have never found a better example of this than at Pueblo del Maiz on the island of Cozumel. Located off of the Caribbean coast, Cozumel is the biggest island in Mexico and is one of the places with the best beaches in Mexico. However, there is a lot more to Cozumel than just great beaches, and Pueblo del Maiz is the perfect example of that. It’s one of the best cultural activities in Cozumel!
Pueblo de Maiz is the Best Place to Learn About Mayan Culture
We stumbled upon Pueblo del Maiz accidentally, and we are so grateful that we did. On a day where things weren’t going to plan and we were looking for something to do, a taxi driver recommended that we check out a cool Mayan culture activity down the road. While I had already learned a lot about Mayan culture while living in Mexico, we had some guests visiting and decided it would be a great opportunity for them to learn about some of the vibrant history and culture of Mexico’s people on their first trip there.
After just 5 minutes, I knew that this experience was going to be worth every penny.
At Pueblo de Maiz You Will Play an Ancient Sport, Make Tamales by Hand, & More!
The tour at Pueblo del Maiz is one of the best things to do in Cozumel, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Cozumel – even cruise ship passengers that only have one day in Cozumel. While I thought I already knew a lot about Mayan culture, I learned much more than I could have imagined – and in a fun way! From learning about the religion, to playing an ancient sport, to watching sacred dance rituals and making chocolate and tamales by hand, this experience absolutely blew me away and offers incredible value for its price. Our guide was so knowledgeable that 6 months later, while on a trip to Chichen Itza with a world-renowned guide, I already knew almost everything he had to say about Mayan culture. That’s how great the staff is at Pueblo del Maiz!
Pueblo de Maiz is Great for Cruises
If you are visiting Cozumel, whether for a day while on a cruise or a longer stay at a hotel, this tour is a must-do. We always love searching for cultural activities when we travel to new places, and Pueblo del Maiz is easily the best Mayan cultural activity in Cozumel.
While there are Mayan ruins in Cozumel, they’re widely considered to be underwhelming.
Pueblo del Maiz is a much better option if you’re looking to learn, explore, and have a lot of fun! If you arrive via taxi, just ask your taxi driver to wait outside for you until you finish. This can usually be arranged for a very cheap price, and it’ll guarantee that you get the most out of your day once you finish your tour.
How to Visit Pueblo de Maiz
If you’re interested in visiting Pueblo del Maiz, I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. This experience was one of the coolest things we did in our year and a half of living in Mexico and is absolutely one of the best things to do in Cozumel. Trust me, I never recommend something that I don’t absolutely love and support. They are located just a 10-to-15-minute drive from the center of town and the cruise ports, and the tour lasts about an hour and a half.
If you decide to visit, you can choose to book your tickets online ahead of time to guarantee your spot, or show up at a time that is convenient for you.
Also, if you mention that you’re a friend of The Present Perspective, you’ll receive 10% off of the entrance price as well as anything you buy in their gift shop.
And yes, everyone reading this post counts as a friend of The Present Perspective!
You can find Pueblo del Maiz on Instagram @pueblodelmaiz or you can also check out their website. If you’re interested in more information, either drop a comment below or send them a message on Instagram!
That’s all we have for you about Pueblo del Maiz, the best cultural experience in Cozumel. If you’re planning a trip to Cozumel, be sure to read the rest of our Cozumel posts, including our Cozumel Travel Guide for tips for your trip. If you decide to visit Pueblo del Maiz, let us know what you think!
Chad
Is this Kun Che?