Cozumel, Mexico — Since 2007, more than 4,000 canoeists have embarked from Xcaret to the island of Cozumel in a round-trip voyage aimed at reviving, promoting, and preserving one of the most significant traditions of Mayan culture. This is no ordinary journey—it is the culmination of six months of rigorous preparation to cross the Caribbean Sea in traditional paddle canoes. The feat pays tribute to Ixchel, the goddess of the Moon, fertility, and gestation, just as their ancestors did over 500 years ago.
This year, the event—known today as the Sacred Mayan Journey—celebrates its 17th edition on May 16 and 17. Nearly 300 canoeists will lead the maritime procession to continue the legacy of the Maya.
What Is the Sacred Mayan Journey?
The revival of this centuries-abandoned tradition is an initiative by Grupo Xcaret, in collaboration with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and researchers from the Center for Mayan Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), ensuring historical accuracy and respect in its recreation.
In ancient times, inhabitants would make a pilgrimage from the commercial port of Polé (now Xcaret Park) to the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel on the island of Cozumel to pray for health, fertility, and bountiful harvests. Participants in the Sacred Mayan Journey traverse approximately 54 kilometers round-trip in open waters using canoes and paddles designed to replicate those of antiquity.
The crossing to Cozumel can take between six and eight hours, depending on weather conditions. The return trip occurs the following day and typically lasts four to five hours.
During the journey, canoeists face the challenges of the sea: strong currents, heavy waves, and prolonged sun exposure. Physical exhaustion from hours of paddling adds to the difficulty. However, modern participants are not alone—they are accompanied by a support team from Xcaret Park and the Mexican Navy.
How Do Participants Prepare?
The Sacred Mayan Journey is a true feat, requiring months of physical and emotional preparation for success. Teamwork is essential, with helmsmen guiding their crews through shifting currents and unpredictable waves.
Participants train for six months across four locations: Playa del Carmen (Xcaret Park), Cancún (Hotel Zone), Tulum (Xel-Há Park), and Cozumel (Playa Casitas). They practice three times a week to build endurance, muscle coordination, and oxygenation capacity. The program includes five long paddling sessions between February and April.
Training extends beyond physical conditioning. Workshops focus on teamwork, leadership, and cultural awareness, with sessions on Mayan history and the significance of the tradition.
Eligibility and Selection
Canoeists volunteer for the journey. Registration is free, and selection criteria include:
- Age between 18 and 65
- Residency near a training site
- Intermediate or advanced open-water swimming skills
- Passing a medical evaluation and a timed 200-meter swim test
Grupo Xcaret emphasizes that the journey is not a competition but a personal and communal experience reinforcing the cultural identity of the Riviera Maya. Participants are chosen for their commitment and respect for the tradition.
The Ritual Before the Journey
The Sacred Mayan Journey begins with a pre-ceremony at dawn. This year’s edition, titled Conjuro al Cielo (Conjuring the Sky), starts at 5:00 a.m. on May 16.
The ceremony features a theatrical performance by children, youth, and elders from Solidaridad and Cozumel, recreating ancient dances and offerings made to honor rain and lunar deities.
How to Witness the Journey
The Sacred Mayan Journey can be experienced through four key moments:
- The Conjuro al Cielo ceremony
- The canoeists’ departure from Xcaret
- Their arrival in Cozumel
- Their return
The event is free for spectators in public spaces (such as Cozumel). However, the full experience at Xcaret Park requires an admission ticket.
Visitor Information
Route:
- Departure: Xcaret to Chankanaab Natural Park, Cozumel
- Return: Same route
Ticket Prices for Xcaret Park:
- Ages 12+: $2,945 pesos (pre-purchase discount: $2,651)
- Children 5–11: $2,209 pesos (pre-purchase discount: $1,988)
- Free for children under 5
Cozumel Experience:
- Welcome ceremony: May 16, 11:00 a.m. at Chankanaab Natural Park
- Farewell: May 17, 8:00 a.m. at the same location
- Free entry with a wristband (requested through the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation)
For more details, visit:
The Sacred Mayan Journey stands as a powerful testament to the endurance and cultural pride of the Maya, bridging ancient traditions with modern reverence.
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