![]() ![]() When we reached the Ruin, I was happy to see a restroom and about 10 vendors selling goods. He also advised when there would be a period of distance of nothing important so you can sneek in a nap. He was very informative of how Costa Maya began, the surrounding areas, and a few local jokes. His air-conditioned van accomodated 10 passengers comfortably. Ivan was very friendly, courteous, professional, and genuine. ![]() Part of our group was split because they chose the other tour, which David. To my surprise, there were about 8 other couples from our cruise line that also booked with The Native Choice, so I felt a bit at ease. and Ivan arrived on time before the scheduled 9:00 a.m. We arrived at the meeting spot at 8:30 a.m. We chose the Mayan Experience (5.5 hr tour). I was skeptical about planning an excursion outside of what the Cruise Line offered based on safety issues, but I read the reviews on Tripadviser and thought that we'd take a chance based upon the feedback, price, and description of the tour. If visiting the area be sure to book with Native Choice - they are the best!! The highlight of our vacation!! On the return trip to the pier, Ivan continued to discuss the culture of the area and the life of the villagers. This was the best meal we had on the entire cruise!!! It was an adventure we will never forget. I was even taught how to make tortillas, not very successfully. We were privileged to meet the family, tour their home and gardens, be their guests for a home cooked meal of their native foods. We were taken to a private home in a small village. It as made extra special since we were the only two who had chosen this tour. We had chosen a trip to a Mayan home, an adventure that we will always treasure. Our group then split up to do various other tours. The tour takes on special meaning when being presented by Ivan who is extremely knowledgeable and has lived most of his life in the area. Our small group of 10 were taken by van to the Chacchoben ruins for an extremely informative tour with adequate time to wander and explore on your own. Met by Ivan and Katherine at the pier, our tour guides. Other passengers were jealous when we told them about our day! or is how to contact him. There isn't alot to do yet in Costa Maya, tho sadly, this is changing and the resorts are coming in, so IF you go, do not book from the cruise (we were with NCL) but book with Ivan because it's the best experience you will have. If it stayed on, then the relationship looked promising) and one of the the ladies performed this for us. Ivan also arranged in his home town, to have us visit a home where the women, in full Mayan dress (they spoke no English, it was the real deal!) showed us how to make tortillas, prepared a meal that was to die for, and when Ivan told us of the courting rituals and dance (a woman would dance with a bottle on her head for a suitor. Ivan was born in Santo Tomas, educated (he speaks FOUR languages!) in Mexico City and returned to his father's land (his father discovered one of the ruin sites years ago) and gave us FASCINATING history. He took about 9 0r 10 of us in a small minivan whereas ship excursions herded 30 or more people in a big bus. RIGHT NOW, go to and book your excursion with Ivan. ![]()
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