One of the most incredible, amazing, and awe-striking displays of courage and stamina in the Riviera Maya is the reenactment of an ancient Mayan trade route. 

Travesia Sagrada 

The Sacred Mayan Journey or Travesia Sagrada Maya, is recreated each year and is one of the Riviera Maya's most beloved events.  It is a great honor to be chosen to take part in this beautiful celebration. The lucky men and women chosen as canoeists train for months in anticipation of this test of endurance. At dawn, the boats and the canoeists, dressed in traditional garb, leave Xcaret, once called Ppolé, and make the long and arduous crossing to the island of Cozumel, a trip that takes these small crafts over 6 hours. The following day, the participants paddle back to the ancient port city of Xaman Ha, known today as Playa del Carmen.

For pictures of last year's event --> http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2012/05/20/6th-annual-travesia-sagrada-maya-xcaret.aspx