An astounding 30 handmade 26-foot canoes will cross the sea to Cozumel in the historic Travesía Sagrada Maya, or Mayan Sacred Journey, an event being held from May 21 to 23. This celebrated three-day reenactment brings to life the ancient, mystical journey taken by the Maya in their quest to pay tribute to the Goddess Ix Chel, whose sanctuary rests on the island.

Sacred Mayan journey.

This year's journey starts in Polé, or Xcaret, on the mainland from where canoes, carefully crafted to match traditional vessels, launch for the seven-hour, 17-mile paddling journey across the channel to Cozumel.

The site of 30 handmade massive canoes approaching the island on the horizon is hard to forget.

Handmade 26-foot canoes.

Once on shore in Cozumel, participants make offerings and perform ceremonies for Ix Chel around the lagoon at Chankanaab Park. They revive ancient practices with rituals, dances and music to provide an enriching experience.

Those within ear shot if the ceremony will hear Mayan myths and heroic legends and learn about the ancient civilizations’ sophisticated trade, numerology and navigation.

Continuing the ceremony into the morning, participants lay down their final offerings to the Goddess of Fertility to ensure they bring her favor with them as they embark on the seven-hour return.

The Mayan Sacred Journey began three years ago and aims to reawaken interest from locals and educate visitors about this ancient culture.

When visiting Cozumel, you are not just vacationing in Mexico; you are laying foot on a land that is home one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Visit our tourist information section for more about Cozumel events.