El Cedral

Description:

• At one time this tiny village and ruins comprised the largest Maya site of Cozumel. Although El Cedral's temple is small and not enormously impressive, major ceremonies were probably held at this site. El Cedral is the oldest Maya structure and still bears a few traces of paint and stucco applied by the original Maya artist. These days, there is little archaeological evidence of El Cedral's past glory because the conquistadors tore down much of the temple. By the turn of the last century, the site was uninhabited. Numerous small ruins can be found in the surrounding heavy growth with the help of a tour guide. After exploring the ruins, make sure to see the rustic, modern-era stucco church painted vivid green. Inside, a number of crosses are shrouded in embroidered lace.