Island of Cozumel
The Chankanaab Park
Just south of the town of San Miguel, Chankanaab park is located within Isla Cozumel’s Reefs National Marine Park and features the only inland coral reef formation in the world. The park is home to the world renowned eco-system and natural aquarium, Chankanaab Lagoon, with more than 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans and corals and the only botanical garden on the island, featuring the most diverse species of tropical plants.
Popular park sites and excursions include Dolphin Discovery, where visitors can swim with the dolphins or simply enjoy the 45-minute dolphin encounter. The Sea Lion Show, a display of stunts and other performances featuring the talents of these lovely mammals. The Maya Zone, a modern-day reproduction of a Maya village, in which visitors can learn about the ancient culture’s building and farming practices. The Botanical Gardens, a forest cut by trails, in which visitors can identify 350 different plant species, watch exotic birds, or simply lay in the sun. In addition Snuba and Sea Trek are two exciting activities that provide opportunities for nondiving visitors to view the reefs located near the shore. Colorful tropical fish fill these waters for the delight of swimmers who can almost touch them.
The Museum of Cozumel
Located in downtown San Miguel, the museum showcases the island’s history and natural environment; its origins, wildlife migration patterns, reefs, archeology, galleons and pirates. Four exhibit halls, dioramas, sculptures, charts, traveling exhibits and interactive demonstrations, complete with guides who speak English, Spanish and Maya, bring the museum to life.
The museum also has a casual restaurant, located on the second-floor terrace, that offers breakfast and sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
Punta Sur Light House
Ecological park and nature reserve is a breathtaking environment of mangrove jungles, white sand beaches and reef formations at the south end of the island. The park extends over more than 247 acres of land harboring a varied wildlife, including crocodiles, which visitors can watch from a safe distance in a look-out tower, 220 species of birds, iguanas, and giant turtles, which come to shore between June and August to lay their eggs. Among the park’s most interesting structures is an old lighthouse and navigation museum displaying the evolution of seamanship and navigation from the time of the Maya to modern times. Here, visitors can also learn about life in Cozumel during the first part of the 20th century through photos and other articles belonging to several generations of lighthouse keepers and their families. Near the lighthouse, El Caracol is a well-preserved ancient structure, used by the Mayas to signal the approach of a hurricane.
San Gervasio
At the biggest archaeological site on the island you can be part of the Mayan culture and its mysteries. San Gervasio was a strategic point for the commercial and political development of its era and also a sacred Mayan center. Inhabited from 200 A.D. until the Spanish conquest, San Gervasio was a sanctuary of the Goddess X’chel, the fertility goddess, drawing pilgrims from the entire Mayan world to worship her . It is divided into four historical districts:MANITAS, the first visible area of the archeological site ;CENTRAL PLAZA, featuring civic buildings and temples; MURCIELAGOS, an observatory building; and RAMONAL, the oldest district.San Gervacio served as a strategic point for the commercial and political development of its era, and its centuries-old structures were used as altar and shrines, as well as for a gathering of government officials. Services: bilingual guides, snack bar, bookstore, handcrafts & souvenir stores, restrooms and parking.
El Cedral
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. Every May the town comes alive with a festival which includes a fair, dancing, bullfights and stock show. Take the main highway south to Km 17.5, there is a large arched entry, take a left, then drive 3 Km (2 miles) inland to the site.
Shopping
When you are ready for a break from the sun and surf, stroll through the shops in town. Great buys can be found on Mexican items. Walking the streets and shopping centers are a delightful experience. From a custom made t-shirt to one-of-a-kind silver jewelry collection. You will also find a number of shops specializing in resort wear. And you’ll see a wide array of imported items, including duty-free perfumes and cosmetics, china and crystal, watches and cameras. Textiles are another important product and show Mexico’s geographic and cultural diversity. Traditional Mayan dresses (huipiles) and shawls (rebozos), as well as men’s embroidered cotton shirts (guayaberas) and tightly woven Panama hats, are representative of the States in the Yucatan peninsula, including the State of Quintana Roo. Hammocks are also an essential part of life in the region and are available in a wide array of color combinations and fabrics.
Mexican handicrafts are among the most sought-after items here, and you’ll be able to choose from a large assortment of works by artisans from nearly everywhere in the Country. Reproductions of ancient native handicrafts, including jewelry, stone carvings; wooden masks and semiprecious-stone sculptures make wonderful souvenirs. You’ll also find colonial-style items such as filigree jewelry, lacework and wood furniture. Interesting objects crafted from onyx, one of Mexico’s major exports, are widely available as well. If you’re looking for a souvenir T-shirt, you will have plenty of shops to choose from and with such a wide selection, you are sure to find the perfect one. The major stores are usually open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, Cozumel observes the traditional Mexican custom of the afternoon siesta: many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon. When a cruise ship is in port, more stores tend to remain open during the siesta period. Most stores accept credit cards, U.S. dollars and traveler’s checks. On the water front avenue Rafael E. Melgar, just in front of Punta Langosta pier. This shopping mall has a wide variety of fast food restaurants like Burger King and Subway also well known restaurants as T.G.I Friday’s, Sr. Frog’s, Carlos’n Charlie’s Also many fashion stores, jewelry, tobacco shop and the wonderful DUTY FREE shops.
FORUM PLAZA
Cozumel has so many jewelry stores that adding them together is not an
easy thing to, given that Cozumel is one of the world’s busiest cities
for retail jewelry sales and your best buys are far from only Mexican
crafted silver. Waterfront jewelries not only have exotic stones but
also the finest diamonds; most jewelry stores are duty free.
Do not hesitate to email us if you have any questions or need assistance.