Things to do
ATTRACTIONS
Chankanaab Park
Just south of the town of San Miguel, is located within Isla Cozumel's Reefs National Marine Park and features the only inland coral reef formation in the world. Chankanaab Park includes Dolphin Discovery, where visitors can swim with the dolphins or simply enjoy the 45-minute dolphin encounter. 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. In addition Snuba and Sea Trek are two exciting activities that provide opportunities for 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.
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.
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel
Located in downtown San Miguel 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.
ARCHEOLOGY
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 Ix 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.
Entrance fee: $5.50 per adult
Free for children under 8 years old.
Open daily from 7 am to 4pm.
Carretera Transversal Km. 7.5
Tel 011(52) 987 8 72 29 40
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
Castillo Real (Royal Castle)
A Maya site on the eastern coast, near the northern tip of the island.
The castillo (castle) comprises a lookout tower, the base of a pyramid, and a temple with two chambers capped by a false arch. The waters here harbor several shipwrecks and it's a fine spot for snorkeling because there are few visitors to disturb the fish.
La Palma and Castillo Real ruins - Beautiful coastal scenery leading to La Palma, an 800 year old Maya ruin and Castillo Real, an inspiring ruin overlooking the Caribbean sea that is 1200 years old.
El Caracol
El Caracol is a well-preserve ancient structure built between 1200 and 1400 A.D. used by the Mayans to signal the approach of hurricane. In essence El Caracol is a whistle propelled by winds funneled through a seashell to warn navigator to take refuge from impending bad weather
The ruins are now part of the Parque Punta Sur Ecological reserve. The USD10 entrance fee includes a guided tour to the ruin.
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...shops and boutiques have the best selection and value on the Island.
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.
If you shop carefully, you will find that prices on jewelry fashioned with Mexican silver and turquoise are exceptionally good. When buying sterling silver, always make sure you see "925" stamped on the item. Gold items should be stamped with a set of two numbers and two letters (in any combination) 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.
Leather goods, including shoes, boots, belts, purses and luggage reflect Mexico's proud tradition of a fine craftsmanship and its high quality.
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.
Be sure to check out the vast selection of pottery in Cozumel's stores. Pottery art includes everything from unglazed clay pieces to beautiful stoneware crockery.
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
Forum Shops offers a new experience known as the Caribbean Shopping Style, where the customer will be able to save 50% from what is customary in the United States and Canada for exclusive items as those found in the fine jewelry shops, clothes and designer accessories, perfumes and many more. Forum's Plaza biggest attraction is the interactive jewelry workshop where the tourist can watch while jewelry is being crafted into an exquisite piece.
For people who love to enjoy Cozumel's most beautiful scenery, visit Havana Club simply indulging a great a cocktail or authentic havanos from the House of the Havano.
There is also an Auditorium at the mall, where tourists enjoy the Mexican ballet, which is also available for special events. The two-story shopping center is conveniently air-conditioned and has an electrical staircase.
PUNTA LANGOSTA
Located in the heart of the island, on the main street Rafael E. Melgar. It offers a unique shopping area, walking and entertainment, offers a wide range of articles in prestigious stores like Diamonds International, Tanya Moss, Pama, Pineda Covalin, Los Cinco Soles, Duty Free, Watch my Watch, Sunglasses, Squalo, Fast Food, Mexican and International restaurants as Carlos'n Charlies, Burger King and Panchos Backyard, the atmosphere in Sr. Frogs and Hard Rock Cafe, and the best place to enjoy a Starbucks coffee in the evening.
Delight your entertainment at noon Monday through Saturday, where you'll find dance from all regions of the country, human statues, Mayan dances and our incomparable Mariachi music.
It has all the services like bathrooms, escalators, elevators, parking and security.
JEWELRIES
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.
Dining in Cozumel
With more than 90 different palate-pleasing restaurants and cafés to choose from, visitors to Cozumel are sure to find something to their liking. They can sample some authentic Mayan and Mexican dishes or choose from a number of restaurants serving international fare.
Some dinning establishments such as Cinco Soles, Guidos,Wet wendys, La Perlita, The Money Bar, Hard Rock Café, La Quinta and La Conchita also offer music or other nighttime entertainment, as do a number of discos, sports bars, karaoke bars and dance clubs.
People on the go, on a budget or traveling with children will be happy to know that Cozumel also has it share of familiar fast food hamburger and pizza restaurants.
