Off Road in Cozumel with ATVs, El Cedral Ruins and Cenote

Thinking about adding a little adventure to your Cozumel visit? This tour, offered by Adventours Travel, combines off-road ATV riding, a stroll through historic Mayan ruins, a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear cenote, and concludes with a tequila tasting. It’s a well-rounded experience that promises adrenaline, culture, and relaxation—all for a reasonable price.

What we love about this tour is how it manages to balance exciting physical activity with authentic cultural stops. The guides generally get high marks for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, making the experience feel personal and safe. Plus, the cenote and tequila tasting add a lovely touch of local flavor that makes this more than just an ATV ride.

One thing to keep in mind is the price—the activity has an extra fee of $20 for the ecotax and entrance fees at the cenote, which adds to the base cost. Also, since it involves a good deal of physical movement in warm weather, travelers should be comfortable with some exertion.

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers, history buffs, and those who love natural scenery. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find plenty to enjoy, especially if they’re in the mood for a well-organized, value-packed excursion that keeps the adrenaline going without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Balanced adventure and culture: ATV riding combined with visits to Mayan ruins and a cenote.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Russell and Cesar earn rave reviews for their friendly, informative approach.
• Includes tequila tasting: A fun way to learn about local traditions (for 18+ travelers).
• Good value for the price: At $39, it offers a lot—just remember about the extra fees.
• Physical activity involved: Expect some walking, off-road riding, and warm weather; good fitness helps.
• Flexible options for ATV sharing: Shared ATVs are available for even-numbered groups, with a switch to individual ATVs if needed.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Royal Village Shopping Center, centrally located in Cozumel. This makes it accessible from most accommodations, whether you’re near the port, on the island’s outskirts, or staying elsewhere. The meeting point is convenient, and the tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you a solid taste of the island’s highlights without feeling hurried.

El Cedral Village & Ruins

Your adventure begins with a ride through El Cedral, a historic Mayan village that was once a significant settlement. Here, the focus is on exploring the local history, with a visit to the El Cedral ruins. Several reviews highlight how guides like Claudio and Cesar are friendly and informative, making the history come alive with stories and context. You’ll get to see the remnants of ancient structures and learn about the village’s long-standing significance.

Many travelers appreciate the personalized touch guides provide. As Sandra M. mentions, Claudio “let my husband drive a pink buggy,” which is a small detail but one that adds to the fun and feeling of being spoiled. Expect some rugged terrain and jungle paths that challenge your driving skills but also offer stunning natural scenery.

ATV Jungle Circuit

The core of the experience is the off-road ATV circuit. You’ll ride through dense jungle paths, navigating rugged terrain that offers a thrilling change from typical sightseeing. Reviews point out that the ATV ride is quite long and fun, with some travelers mentioning they’d happily go again. The off-road aspect brings a genuine sense of adventure, especially if you love the sense of freedom that comes with riding through untouched landscapes.

The options include shared ATVs (up to two people per vehicle), but if your group is odd-numbered, the guide automatically switches you to an individual ATV for safety and clarity. This flexibility is helpful, but be aware that sharing might mean less control over the ride.

Jade Cenote: Nature’s Refreshment

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll visit Cenote Jade, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and karst formations. Many reviews mention how crystal-clear waters and natural rock formations make this a highlight. Swimming in the cenote provides a refreshing break from the warm weather—expect to see bat caves and tropical foliage as part of the scenery.

The cenote visit is about an hour, offering enough time to cool off, snap pictures, and just relax in nature’s embrace. Travelers often comment on how beautiful and tranquil the spot is, providing a perfect counterpoint to the high-energy ATV ride.

Tequila Tasting and Cultural Insights

The tour wraps up with a tequila tasting, led by knowledgeable locals. For many, this is a highlight because it offers a taste of authentic Mexican tradition. You’ll learn about the different types of tequila and the history behind Mexico’s iconic spirit. Reviews note that the tequila tasting is enjoyable and adds a cultural layer to the adventure.

The only caveat is that tequila tasting is reserved for travelers 18 and older, so families with minors should keep that in mind. Bottled water is also included throughout the tour, helping you stay hydrated during the most active parts.

What the Reviews Say

The reviews are quite positive, with many travelers praising the friendly guides and the variety of experiences packed into a short tour. Sarah C. mentions that Russell was “outstanding,” and Danna G. highlights the long, enjoyable ATV ride, swimming in the cenote, and tequila tasting as key parts of her trip. The balance of adventure and cultural insights is what makes this tour stand out.

Some constructive feedback includes concerns about extra charges, such as the $20 ecotax and cenote entrance fee, and a few reports of unexpected additional costs at pickup. It’s wise to confirm the total cost beforehand and be prepared for this small extra expense.

A few reviewers also mention that some experiences felt short, but most agree that the value for money remains good, especially considering the variety of activities.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Duration, Price, and Group Size

For $39 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to enjoy multiple highlights in Cozumel. The total experience lasts about 2.5 hours, which is sufficient for a meaningful taste of the island’s terrain and culture without becoming overwhelming.

The group size is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring the experience remains manageable and personalized. Smaller groups tend to get more attention from guides and more freedom to explore at their own pace.

Transportation and Accessibility

The meeting point at Royal Village Shopping Center is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Since the tour is shared, transportation is included in the pickup arrangement, but if you’re coming from a different location, it’s best to confirm specifics with the provider.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are the jungle ATV circuit, fuel for ATVs, visits to El Cedral, the cenote, tequila tasting, and bottled water. However, the $20 additional fee for Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax is not included, so budget accordingly.

The tour does involve physical activity, so being comfortable in hot weather and able to walk and ride comfortably improves the experience. Guides emphasize safety and provide necessary equipment, but a basic level of fitness is helpful.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For those seeking a thrilling adventure with a taste of local history and nature, this tour hits many marks. You get to drive your own ATV through jungle scenery, explore iconic Mayan ruins, cool off in a pristine cenote, and finish with a cultural experience—all for a very reasonable price.

The guides seem to genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge and making travelers feel at ease, which is a significant plus. The mix of adrenaline and relaxation makes this an appealing option for a half-day excursion that keeps everyone engaged.

However, if you’re sensitive to extra fees, prefer longer or more leisurely tours, or aren’t comfortable with physical exertion or hot weather, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is perfect for adventure-loving travelers who want a quick but diverse taste of Cozumel’s natural and cultural highlights. Families with older children, couples, and solo adventurers alike will find it engaging. It’s especially ideal if you enjoy active outdoor pursuits and are curious about Mayan history.

Those looking for a luxurious, relaxing day might prefer a more sedate beach or boat tour. But if your idea of fun involves off-road riding, exploring ruins, and swimming in beautiful cenotes, this tour delivers.

FAQs

• What is the meeting point for the tour?
  The tour begins at the Royal Village Shopping Center in Cozumel, a centrally located spot accessible by public transportation.

• How long does the tour last?
  Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and activities.

• What’s included in the price?
  The ATV jungle circuit, fuel, visit to El Cedral town and ruins, Cenote Jade swimming, tequila tasting (for 18+), and bottled water.

• Are there any extra fees?
  Yes, a $20 fee for Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax. This is payable on-site.

• Can I share an ATV with someone else?
  Yes, shared ATVs are available for groups with an even number of travelers. If your group is odd, you’ll be assigned an individual ATV automatically.

• Is this tour suitable for children?
  The tour involves physical activity and off-road riding, so it’s best for older children and teens comfortable with adventure sports.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable clothes suitable for riding and walking, along with closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

• How physically demanding is the tour?
  Moderate; some walking, riding, and exposure to warm weather. Good fitness helps but isn’t mandatory.

• Is transportation included?
  Transport is arranged from the meeting point; confirm with the provider if you need pickup from a different location.

• Can I cancel if I change my mind?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.

In the end, this tour offers a lively mix of adventure, culture, and refreshment at a fair price. It’s a great choice for those eager to see a different side of Cozumel—off the beaten path and full of surprises.