Sacred Mayan Journey 09

Description of the Journey

The voyage will be done in traditional Mayan canoes starting in Polé, today Xcaret, towards the island of Cozumel, as well as the return from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (former Xamanhá part).

25 canoes are handmade prepared on the old traditional Mayan model, and 300 rowers from the communities of Xcaret, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen are train for their navigation.

The Sacred Mayan Journey involves approximately 50 kilometers (total return), representing 6 to 7 hours of  free paddling each way in the Cozumel channel, which is 420 meters deep and a current from south to north 2 to 4 knots, this add to the crossing a level of risk and great physical effort for the rowers.

The project of the Sacred Mayan Journey was founded with the purpose of recovering one of the most significant traditions of the ancient Mayan people of the region: the ritual journey of the Cozumel channel to worship the Ix Chel.Goddess. Beginning in 2007, this recreation is to revive interest in the Mayan culture and strengthen the cultural identity of people of the area.