Cozumel - Mayan Sites

More than 30 small Mayan sites have been found on the island, of which only a handful have been investigated and still fewer have undergone any restoration. Although most of the unexplored ruins are of no great architectural interest, some are delightfully situated, hidden away in the jungle. The most important of the sites is San Gervasio, about 16km/10mi from San Miguel de Cozumel and accessible by vehicle. Its temple of Ix-chel was the chief focus of the island's religious life and the centre to which pilgrims were drawn. Near by are more ruins at Santa Rita. Other sites include Santa Pilar in the north and Castillo Real to the north-east, the latter boasting Cozumel's largest Mayan structure. There are also Mayan remains in the south-east of the island at Buenavista and in the south at El Caracol, near the lighthouse.