A pre-Columbia Maya civilazation (and the only island in central america that the Mayans built temples on because it was on the trade route). San Gervasio was a hub of worship of the goddess IX CHEL, a goddess of the moon,childbirth and fertility. Pre-Columbian women would try to travel to San Gervasi and make offerings once in their lives( this took up to 8 months to reach for women from Guatemala!!). The island was discovered by Juan de Grijalva in 1518 but no gold was found. Later Panfilio de Narvaez expedition arrived in 1520 bringing the smallpox to the natives and wiping out more than half of the tribe.

After our ruins tour we found the fish resort- a fish foot spa with 30-40 tiny fish picking at your feet( they disinfect your feet before placing them in and it really tickles FYI) also unfortunately Pierce was sick 😦 incase you were wondering where he was in all the photos.

-Uma