Few of us will have forgotten all the fuss and media frenzy of late last year, when it seemed some were determined to cast an apocalyptic and rather permanent shadow over the festive period with the reminder that the world was set to end on December 21.

There was a mix of doom, gloom and derision but luxury cruise line SeaDream Yacht Club at least took the news in good humour, launching their ‘End of the World Promotion’ on a number of Amazon voyages. 21/12/12 was of course was when the Mayan calendar was said to finish, prompting many to speculate that the ancient civilisation had predicted the end of the world and indeed, if you hadn’t heard of the Mayans before last year, you probably started this one with at least a basic grasp of who they were.

The Mayans were the peoples of the Maya civilisation, which was established as far back as 200BC and responsible for developing the only known written language from pre-Columbian American times. They were known for their eye-catching art, astronomical observations and of course, architecture, a lot of which survives today in hundreds of locations throughout what was once known as southern Mesoamerica, and which is now the nations of Guatemala, Belize, parts of El Salvador and Honduras and a number of southern Mexican states.

The enduring appeal of this fascinating civilisation’s history means that a large number of these sites are established tourist destinations, not least for cruise passengers. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the ancient Mayan sites you can visit on your Six Star Cruise.

Mexico
Chichen Itza
You’ll find the ruins of this Mayan city in Tinum, found inland, in the state of Yucatan. It was one of the civilisations largest cities and is one of the most popular sites to visit and today attracts an average of 1.2 million visitors a year. Pyramids, sculptures, pillars and temples – they’re all here.
Visited by: Silversea

Las Ruinas del Rey
This relatively small coastal archaeological site is a popular stop-off for those visiting Cancun’s Hotel Zone and is home to well over 40 structures dating back to around 900AD. The site’s home to hundreds of iguanas, too.
Visited by: Silversea

Chacchoben
It’s estimated that this site was a settlement as far back as 200BC, though its structures date from a sprightly 700AD. It’s name means ‘Place of Red Corn’ though today it’s known for its pyramids and staircases, which visitors explore by way of a circular path.
Visited by: Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises

Kohunlich
This large site covers around 21 acres and was once a sprawling Mayan city. You’ll find around 200 mounds there, many of which remain unexcavated, though the biggest draw is the Temple of the Masks, a classic pyramid which is one of the sights oldest structures. And you’re right, there are masks.
Visited by: Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises

San Gervasio
Found in the north of the island of the popular Mexican island of Cozumel, it’s name was original Flat rock in the place of swallows and there are a large number of ancient ruins here which date back to the early classic Mayan period.
Visited by: Silversea

Guatemala
Tikal
A popular excursion from the port of Puerto Quetzal, Tikal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest urban Mayan sites you’ll find. It was once the capital of one of the civilisation’s most powerful states and is home to a large number of structures, including many temple pyramids.
Visited by: Seabourn, Azamara Club Cruises

Belize
Altun Ha
This ancient city lies 30 miles outside the modern day Belize City and covers around five square miles. A depiction of its Temple of the Masonry Altars features on the country’s top beer, Belikin.
Visited by: Seabourn, Oceania Cruises

Lamanai
To be found in the country’s Orange Walk District, this was once a Mayan city and most of it was only excavated in the 1970s. Among its most famous structures are the decorated Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, with its 13-foot mask and the High Temple, which, true to its name, offers a spectacular view from the top.
Visited by: Oceania Cruises

Xunantunich
Close to the Guatemalan border lies this Mayan civic ceremonial centre, the central city area of which boasts six plazas and more than 25 palaces and temples. It’s famous El Castillo temple is the second-tallest structure to be found in Belize.
Visited by: Oceania Cruises

By Simon Brotherton
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