Tour Reviews

Marla Chiriboga
Orlando, Florida
Chacchoben Ruins
Carnival Miracle

Wonderful tour.

Ivan was our guide for this wonderful tour. We had a small group (maybe 6 people?) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. He is knowledgeable about the ruins, having grown up in the area, and was very informative. We enjoyed walking around and taking lots of photos.

The van ride was also interesting as we learned so much about the culture and the area. Ivan stopped to purchase pineapple with chili powder from a local woman for us to taste. Sounds strange, but very good!

We would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to see and learn about the ruins.

Gayle Horton
Cincinnati, OH
Mayan Experience
HAL Veendam

A first class operation

We were met at the cruise terminal by Ivan and his staff. This is a first class operation. I was impressed as to how easy it was to tour with Native Choice. We were on our way before the cruise ship tours started. I had a party of 9 and we shared our van (in excellant condition) with another lady who was traveling with another party in the van following us. Ivan told us about what was happening to his country and the impact it will be having on his countrymen. For tourists it will be spectacular, but for the "natives" something to be sad for. Ivan took us to Chacchoben Ruins, which is where he grew up. As Ivan took us around the ruins, you can hear in his voice, the feelings he has for this magnificient place. We had plenty of time to spend looking around and taking in the beauty. I ran into a cruise ship tour that was left to roam around by themselves, not ever getting to have the special "small" tour we had. I asked what their arrangements were after the tour, and the reply was they were to be given box lunches. The best part of our tour was yet to begin. We were having lunch in Ivan's Mayan Village, where he still lives. Unbeknowst to us, our tour was at least double in its size and the ladies who prepared the food did not miss a beat in the food quanity or quality. The hospitality and friendliness of the hosting family was amazing. We cannot say enough about the food and how it was prepared. We brought a few gifts for the ladies, and felt we could have done more. This was the best tour our entire trip. Much Luck to you Ivan and David. Thank You for sharing your knowledge and your village with us.
Gayle, MaryLou, MaryEllen, Joyce, Jane, Kim, Elaine, Nellie, and Gordon.

Carole Blank
Montreal, Canada
Mayan Experience
HAL Veendam

A perfect day

As I look out of my window at the falling snow, I think back to last week when my husband and I were in Costa Maya and enjoying "different" weather. Most definitely a perfect day, even tho' we ended up not taking the exact trip we had anticipated. (we had booked the Extreme). We couldn't have been more delighted and greatly appreciated your efforts to get fish meals for us at such late timing. I have already told my travel agent to encourage clients to use your company.

Thank you again and again.... we were delighted, in every aspect of t he day.

Sincerely, Carole and Howard from Montreal, Quebec, Canada
until our next visit....

Roy Rorke
USA
Chacchoben Ruins
RCL Voyager of the Seas

The highlight of our entire cruise

Ivan,

I can not begin to tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. Your passion on the subject absolutely got and kept my interest the entire day. I have purchased the book Popol - Vuh and have already started reading it.

Your tour was the highlight of our entire cruise and if I ever get to Costa Maya again you can be assured I will be in contact with you for more information about the Mayans.

Thank you for sharing your Mother's kitchen and your childhood home with us. I treasure the picture I was able to get.
You tour with your heart and no one can ask for more then that.

Ray Rorke

Ray Rorke
USA
Chacchoben Ruins
RC Explorer of th Seas

Superb!

Ivan,

I can not begin to tell you how much I enjoyed your tour. Your passion on the subject absolutely got and kept my interest the entire day. I have purchased the book Popol - Vuh and have already started reading it.

Your tour was the highlight of our entire cruise and if I ever get to Costa Maya again you can be assured I will be in contact with you for more information about the Mayans.

Thank you for sharing your Mother's kitchen and your childhood home with us. I treasure the picture I was able to get.
You tour with your heart and no one can ask for more then that.

Ray Rorke
Royal Caribbean 2/8/09 to 2/15/09

Lee White & Mindy Phelps
Melbourne, FL
Mayan Experience
Carnival Glory

By far the best cruise excursion we have ever had.

This was by far the best cruise excursion we have ever had. Ivan is a superb guide. He is very knowledgeable about the history of the area (having grown up amongst the ruins) and of the Mayan people, but his love of the culture and his in depth understanding of it added a dimension that most tour guides can only wish to attain. His friendly demeanor and warm smile made us feel welcome and at ease, especially when he accompanied us to the Mayan village of Chacchoben for our special lunch. The ladies there provided us with a feast fit for an honored guest, and we certainly felt that way in their home. We cannot recommend this tour enough, as it was easily the highlight of our cruise.

Mindy Phelps
USA
Mayan Experience
Carnival Glory

The highlight of our cruise.

Ivan

Thank you for the wonderful tour of the Mayan Village. Myself and Lee really enjoyed the native village as well as the food that was prepared for us. We both felt lucky to have such a wonderful experience with the visit. Your tour was the highlight of our cruise.

I will be recommending this program to anyone who is interested in going to Costa Maya. The information you share coupled with the food, the history and the culture made this a very memorable excursion. I am so thankful that we were able to have this experience.

Thank you again for sharing your homeland, your food and your culture with us.

Mindy Phelps

Kenneth & Charlene MacMil
Nova Scotia Canada
Chacchoben Ruins
Carnival Glory

The most remarkable tour we have ever taken.

I would like to thank Ivan for the most remarkable tour we have ever taken. Your personal experience made it truly memorable. I highly reccomend your tour to all who are visiting Costa Maya. Best of luck