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Today, as you enter walk on the ancient road called a sacbe, under the graceful arch and into the
site, you see the excavated limestone plazas, temples, stepped platforms, stelae
and bias-reliefs.
Covering three square kilometers, San Gervasio is divided
into four main groups: the "Las Manitas" and "Chichan Nah," the Central Plaza structures,
the "Murciélagos"
structure, and “El Ramonal, which is closed to the public. The other three
groups are open.
One must-see temple is "Las Manitas" or The
Temple of the Hands. With small red handprints all over its alter, one can’t
help but wonder what the meaning of the handprints is. In the central plaza are
the important temples -- a cluster of nine buildings forming an enclosed patio.
The “Murciélagos” or Round House is unusual due to its two rounded platforms,
rounded altar and location in the middle of the ruins. As with most of the
structures within San Gervasio, plaques clearly describe each structure in Maya,
Spanish, and English.
While visiting San Gervasio, bring with
you, besides your curiosity and sense of adventure, sunscreen, a hat, and either
a poncho, rain jacket or umbrella as it can rain anytime while in the tropics.
On site there are bilingual guides for hire, a snack bar, bookstore, handicraft
stores, parking and bathrooms. Cold water can be purchased at the snack
bar.
While visiting Cozumel, take time to enjoy peaceful lush jungle setting
dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel – she of the rainbows. Don’t step on the
iguanas!
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