MEXICAN CARIBBEAN ISLANDS
If your next trip to the Mayan Riviera it’s not really clear yet, let me help you add more pieces to the puzzle. As long as you get to Merida, Cancún, or Playa del Carmen you’ll get the chance to travel around picturesque islands, magic towns, hidden archeological sites, and many historical places.
Let’s take an adventure into the Caribbean Sea to get to know a lot more about those paradisiac islands that everyone is posting about.
COZUMEL
“Cuzaam Luumi” – “Island of Swallows”
source: cruisefever.net
Considered a sacred sanctuary, Cozumel has been the stage for many important Mexican historical moments that lead to the greatness of the actual island.
Nowadays, majestic cruise ships traditionally stop at Cozumel daily, tourists and locals can experience the peaceful Island life by roaming around town in Golf carts, driving on a convertible Jeep to the beach, doing some downtown shopping for traditional crafts, tasting delicious local delicacies, sipping Tiki cocktails, and dancing the night away at any of the hip bars and restaurants Cozumel has to offer.
BITES OF HISTORY
Back in the day, Mayan women travel to the island, to the sanctuary of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, to ask for the blessing of many kids. The Mayan civilization fought for almost 3 centuries against Toltecas, but it wasn’t until the second Spanish expedition to the Island, the remains of the Mayan culture were about to disappear, due to the outbreak of smallpox, a disease that until this moment had not existed in America.
Neither the Pirate invasions nor the violent “Caste War” stopped the Islanders from protecting their hometown, no one could win against Cozumeleños.
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Island of Cozumel is located just off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, right across from Playa Del Carmen, and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport.
To cross from Playa del Carmen, you can catch a 40-minute ferry ride. Ultramar and Winjet, are the only two ferry companies available, offering services to and from the island for a USD 27 round trip. The ferry dock is located next to Founders Park, right across 5th Ave ADO bus station. And although it is kind of small, numerous airlines fly directly into the Cozumel Intl Airport (CZM) including American Airlines, Frontier, and Sun Country.
source: mexicodestinos.com
TOUR ALL OVER THE ISLAND
The West Side
As soon as you hit Cozumels ferry dock, you’ll get a great view of the beach, and the most popular hotels and beach clubs in the area. Playa Plancar, Las Uvas, and Playa Corona are perfect to spend your day eating, relaxing, and getting marveled at the beauty of the island.
El Cielo Beach, is an all-time favorite, besides its clear, swimming waters, it’s possible to admire a big amount of starfish and wildlife while you go on a snorkel Caribbean adventure.
Whether you have never snorkeled in your life or you are a professional diver, Cozumel is a one-of-a-kind scenario to explore the Mayan underwater world decorated with the beauty of the coral and wildlife from the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world.
The East Side
A paradise of remote beaches with fantastic beach bars, usually preferred by locals. A personal favorite is Playa Chen Rio, the last time I was there, Bali (my beloved dog) and I had a blast celebrating my birthday. Surrounded by a rocky area, keeping the heavy waves away, Chen Rio is by far, one of the best beaches for swimming and relaxing. There is a restaurant serving great seafood and Micheladas, plus the staff is quite nice.
On the other hand, if you are an all-time surfer and can’t miss riding Caribbean waters, Punta Morena is a great spot to show your moves or even to get some surfing lessons.
To reconnect with nature and admire the beauty of the flora and fauna of Cozumel, head to Punta Sur, an ecological park located in a natural reserve, where you will find mangroves, a Mayan archaeological vestige, the Celarain Lighthouse, and the famous reefs located off the coast, home to a large number of species like birds, crocodiles, and turtles.
source: Cozumeltravel.online
Bali at Chen Rio
source: Mexicotravelchannel.com.mx
LOCAL TRADITIONAL GASTRONOMY
The culinary traditions of Cozumel are based on The Most Traditional dishes of Yucatecan Cuisine, although they also derive from the cultural exchange that has occurred in this region through centuries.
Once you are on the island, it’s really easy to be able to taste most of the traditional dishes. You could try catching your dinner with any of the experienced captains whiling to take you into Caribbean waters, hitting prime fishing waters.
Although if Restaurant-Hopping is your thing, walk all over town to look for the classic Antojitos served at street stalls or experience the ultimate culinary innovations at any restaurant of your choice.
Among the typical dishes of the island, the most popular include fresh seafood like snails in yellow rice with corn and chaya and the traditional Tikin Xic fish. You can also savor some of The Antojitos Yucatecos such as: panuchos, papadzules, salbutes, tamales, empanadas and cochinita pibil.
ISLA CONTOY
source:playasmexico.mx
Isla Contoy National Park is a protected natural area, a must for every nature lover. To visit the island, you must book an official tour in advance and be one of the lucky visitors, since the park only allows the entrance of 200 people per day. Its only regular inhabitants are biologists and scientists who conduct research to help preserve the species that live there, that is why only a limited number of visitors are allowed, in order to preserve the island in its natural state.
Contoy is the most important seabird refuge in the Mexican Caribbean. Its lagoons, mangroves, and lowland jungles are home to tons of bird species. During winter, more than 10,000 birds concentrate on the island including frigatebirds, boobies, and brown pelicans. Home to four types of endangered sea turtles. During summer, hawksbill, white, and loggerhead turtles come to Contoy’s beaches to lay their eggs.
Of the 98 plant species identified, especially the mangroves that cover 70% of the island’s surface have been preserved intact, and are home to many species of reptiles, crustaceans, and fish.
BITES OF HISTORY
The discovery of shells, snails, and ceramic works suggests that the island was occupied even before the Mayan culture was consolidated. During colonial times, the surrounding waters of the island were the scene of naval battles between galleons and pirate ships and shipwrecks, but it was not until 1961 that Isla Contoy was considered a protected natural area and was declared a National Park in 1998.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Located north of Isla Mujeres, where the waters of the Caribbean Sea meet those of the Gulf of Mexico. The Ixlaché reef, south of Contoy, marks the beginning of the second-longest barrier reef in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Reef.
Sightseeing tours to Isla Contoy are only available through an official boat tour company, as there is no way to get to the island on your own. Most tours include a visit to the Ixlaché reef and Isla Mujeres.
IMMERSE IN THE NATURE
For about 3 hours, you can walk around the island, enjoy delicious traditional food, enjoy unique landscapes plus a variety of activities.
Snorkeling is one of the main attractions since you will be able to watch the coral reef and all the diversity of marine life. It is essential that you know how to swim because if you step on the reef, you could destroy it completely. Always be careful where you step because there is also a large number of crabs just chilling around.
Closely experience the flight of the birds such as the pelican and the silver gull and if you need more, head to the local museum to learn the history, the pre-Hispanic legacy of the island, and all about the flora and fauna.
(THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IN CONTOY: sunscreen is not allowed. Since the chemicals they contain are extremely polluting for marine fauna and flora. Try looking for sunscreen brands that seek to minimize the negative impact on the planet.)
source: islacontoyexperience.com
ISLA MUJERES
source:hotelmiareefislamujeres.com
Once you landed in Mayan territories, we recommend saving up at least two days to visit this small island and get the most out of your trip. Without a doubt, Isla Mujeres is one of the best-kept secrets in the Mexican Caribbean. If you are looking for a place to relax, swim in natural pools, take a nap in the hammocks, and experience breathtaking sunsets, this is the place to be.
Isla Mujeres is a paradise outlined by a beautiful coast of clear sand bathed by the Caribbean Sea, with vernacular houses painted in bright colors houses, bringing together Mayan culture, impressive beaches, and a wonderful natural environment.
During pre-Hispanic times, the island was devoted to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of the Moon, love, and fertility, Ixchel received offerings in female forms that believers deposited on its beaches, that’s why when the Spanish conquerors arrived and observed the figures, they baptized it as Isla Mujeres (Island of the Women).
HOW TO GET THERE?
To get to Isla Mujeres, you have to take a ferry from Cancun. The trip takes from 20 to 30 minutes. The piers are located at the Hotel Zone at Playa Tortuga or the Gran Puerto located in Puerto Juarez. is recommended to go online and check for official schedules and prices that suit your visit. The round trip per person costs approximately $400 pesos. Remember you can always book a tour in advance to get a shuttle from your hotel or other pick-up places.
TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND
To roam around Isla Mujeres the best way is either walking, riding a bicycle or a motorcycle, or a golf cart. For golf carts, you can rent them downtown or at hotels that offer this service. This is the most comfortable, safest, and fastest way to move around the town plus is the best option if you are traveling with more people. Take your time wandering around the island to admire dozens of urban art with maritime motifs that decorate the streets.
Hands down, the best beach at Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte, chosen as one of the 10 best beaches in the world. Characterized by its calm waves, and crystal-clear waters. The cherry on top of the beach is that from this end of the island, you can enjoy the most impressive sunsets in the Caribbean. Garrafon Park is an unmissable visit at Isla Mujeres. A place with a shallow reef ideal for swimming and snorkeling while watching beautiful corals and colorful fishes from up close. Within Garrafon Park, there is a unique Sculpture Park where natural landscapes and works of art by contemporary sculptors, both Mexican and foreign, coexist in harmony, interpreting the legendary spirit of the Mayan civilization.
Another impressive spot at Isla Mujeres is Punta Sur, a cliff that rises 20 meters above sea level, the house of the ancient Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of the moon. The best time to visit Punta Sur is before sunrise, as this is one of the first places in Mexico where the sun rises (the other is Cozumel). For anyone who enjoys pirates and a good love story with a twist, the place to be is the Hacienda Mundaca. Built by the pirate Fermin Antonio Mundaca during the second half of the nineteenth century to win the love of the woman he loved, however, she decided to marry another guy and this brave pirate died with a sad heart. Nowadays, the hacienda is open for tourists to admire the stone wells, arches, and colorful gardens.
source: caribemexicano.travel
Visiting archeological sites is a must-do activity in the state of Quintana Roo, and Isla Mujeres wasn’t left behind. El Meco ruins are located on the coast, and they probably played an important role in the Mayan navigation route. From the top of the tallest building in the area, known as El Castillo, you have a privileged view of Cancun and its surroundings.
Last but not least, you might want to add to your to-do-list, the Underwater Museum of Art, known as MUSA is in the area surrounding Cancun and Isla Mujeres and has over 500 life-size sculptures located at a depth of 8 meters made with a special concrete that facilitates the creation of corals.
source: aquawold.con.mx
No doubt about the Maya RIviera being the best spot to spend your next vacation. There is always something unique to do for every adventurous visitor.
You can always count on me, and our blog to show you around!
Until your next visit!
– Abbey.
