El Caracol
El Caracol
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This ancient ruin was used as a religious gathering place.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.0
37 reviews
Excellent
14
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12
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Haden L
Houston, TX436 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Most people don't realize that the Mayan people are very smart!
At El Caracol, it shows!
On the top of this structure, if you look and listen, you'll see and hear something amazing!
There are four Conch shell that are cut in different lengths and placed perfectly North, East, South and West.
When the wind blows in different directions, the Conchs play different sound.
You can listen and hear which way the wind is blowing!
At El Caracol, it shows!
On the top of this structure, if you look and listen, you'll see and hear something amazing!
There are four Conch shell that are cut in different lengths and placed perfectly North, East, South and West.
When the wind blows in different directions, the Conchs play different sound.
You can listen and hear which way the wind is blowing!
Written 22 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James M
Rocky Mountain House, Canada32 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
We decided to take a tour of Cozumel Island, one of the best choices we made during our 14 day stay in Playa Del Carmen. It started off with a ferry ride to Cozumel, the ride was good as the sea was calm (approximately 35 min) and our guide Pablo made sure all of our concerns were addressed. Once we arrived we were taken to our modified tour bus. water and beverages were served as it was very warm and humid. Our first stop along the way was Zona Arqueológica El Caracol were we could see the untouched beauty of the area and it's wildlife. We were also able to see what would have been an early lighthouse. only the top of it is exposed as it is believed to be buried up to 50' due to the influence of the sea and time. then it was off to Punta Sur Beach for a lunch buffet and a swim, the food was excellent. Our last stop before heading back to the port in Cozumel was Faro Celarain, the South Point Lighthouse. I took the opportunity to climb the 133 stairs to the top and was rewarded with spectacular views for pictures. There is also a history museum there to see the past lighthouses that stood there and the history of the area. Finally, it was back to Cozumel for snorkeling and tequila tasting.... yum yum. The shop keeper was very pleasant and created many flavorful shots for us to try, we loved the chocolate and peanut mix as it tasted like Reese's Pieces.... so we bought a bottle of each for back at home this Christmas. Back to the ferry we went for a smooth ride back to the mainland that we were grateful for considering how much tequila we drank. Our guide Pablo was very informative, polite and friendly. If we are ever back this way again, we will return to the Island for another day of adventure.
Written 12 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ErinKate25
Atlanta, GA98 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
While I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to find this ruin, it was roadside while traveling in to the Faro Celarian Eco Park. Our taxi driver, Mario, pulled over to tell us a bit of its history: It was originally used as a lighthouse by the Mayans, helping guide the pilgrims who were coming across to offer their tributes at San Gervasio. The ruins were also covered in shells, which whistled when the wind hit it, serving as a weather station and hurricane alert system.
The only way to access this site is by paying the entrance fee to the Faro Celarian Eco Park (about $14 per person), so unless you are visiting the lighthouse, beach, and/or crocodiles, do not make a special trip.
The only way to access this site is by paying the entrance fee to the Faro Celarian Eco Park (about $14 per person), so unless you are visiting the lighthouse, beach, and/or crocodiles, do not make a special trip.
Written 27 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hunter T
Houston, TX228 contributions
Jun 2015
We have visited this little 'temple' for many years. You can crawl inside, it is well-visited. The opening is only about three feet high, so the ancient Mayans were very small people. The whole structure is only about 7-8 feet high, perhaps 15 feet wide, so this is a tiny structure, but in pretty fine condition for being hundreds of years old! A good photo-op, on the very bumpy and dusty road to the old southern point lighthouse. They do sell cold Cokes and hot tacos there, and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse tower... all for a little "tip" - but is is kinda fun.
Written 13 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tmackandj
Spokane Valley, WA22 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
The story behind this ruin is there are conch shells built into the top of this structure that catch the wind in severe weather and send out a warning signal. We stopped here on a jeep tour that included the lighthouse and we visited here on the way out.
Written 7 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernie W
Raleigh, NC301 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
As part of a jeep tour this is well worth seeing. No climbing or long walk to enjoy authentic Mayan ruins! Close to lagoon where crocs are normally around and an historical lighthouse. Lear the history of this ruin and you will be impressed!
Written 29 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rossinjackson
Sutton, Canada151 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
Just part of Punta Sur where you stop to look at crocs. I love the ruins so a nicesurprise it was there
Written 15 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haden L
Houston, TX436 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This small pyramid on Cozumel Island is very unique!
The Mayans would built this pyramid used three each conch shells positioned perfectly North, South, East and West with each set of threes broke off the tops so when the wind blows, it makes different noises for each direction!
The Mayans would built this pyramid used three each conch shells positioned perfectly North, South, East and West with each set of threes broke off the tops so when the wind blows, it makes different noises for each direction!
Written 10 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doc Scott
Purvis, MS172 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Located in the ecological reserve of Punta Sur, which is managed by the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation is "El Caracol" also known as the "shell tomb". To get there, you will travel to the south and then you must take a small dirt road that leads to the Punta Celerain lighthouse. It is located at the southern end of Cozumel Island. This small mayan ruin is interesting to see, but is rather unimpressive by itself. Definitely worth a stop on the way to the lighthouse.
It owes its name to the shells that crown the dome of the temple, decorated with four rows of natural shells embedded in the stucco. It is also known as Caracol Tomb, because of its small size and shape that resembles a burial mound. From this place, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the sea of Punta Sur.
It owes its name to the shells that crown the dome of the temple, decorated with four rows of natural shells embedded in the stucco. It is also known as Caracol Tomb, because of its small size and shape that resembles a burial mound. From this place, you can enjoy an exceptional view of the sea of Punta Sur.
Written 1 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
msexplores
London, UK128 contributions
Oct 2016
If you're into history and ruins, this is an interesting place to check out.
Involves walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Involves walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Written 7 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was just wondering if anyone knows what the difference is between the "Jeep Adventure to Punta Sur National Park" excursion and the "Adventure at Punta Sur Eco Park" excursion (besides the fact that the Jeep adventure includes driving your own jeep instead of riding in a van/bus). There is a pretty significant price difference (for 4 people) but I don't really see much of a difference in the activities. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
Written 14 November 2021
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