Dream escape: Cozumel
Sun-kissed sands, dazzling azure waters and spectacular sunsets are what you’ll find on this island oasis
Tucked away in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is the ancient Mayan island of Cozumel. Home to more than a dozen picturesque beaches, historical ruins, vibrant coral reefs and captivating culture, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Plus, this island destination boasts welcoming locals, a plethora of family-owned businesses and a laid-back town square that truly makes its visitors feel at home.
Start your day by basking in the golden sun at Playa Chen Rio, one of the island’s most serene and scenic public beaches. “Unbelievably beautiful beach, with the sweet smell of coconuts and cocktails in the air,” says a reviewer from Maine. “There’s a marvelous restaurant and bar there where we sat under a palapa umbrella at a little table literally 20 feet from the surf line at the ocean.”
To catch a glimpse of the beauty below the water, spend an afternoon snorkeling Palancar Reef off the east coast of the island. Says Terri T on TripAdvisor.com, “We saw rays, nurse sharks, turtles and zillions of fish!”
After you towel off, head to the San Gervasio Mayan archeological site ($10 per person), which houses ruins of an ancient temple and village. Says Raye W on TripAdvisor.com, “Our guide taught us the amazing history of the Mayans who built this village and explained the significance of the number system evident in the way they built the buildings.”
End your day with a relaxing stroll through downtown San Miguel, the island’s largest city. There, you can shop for locally made goods, enjoy treats like mango on a stick and Mexican ice cream and catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset.
Don’t miss:
Mayan Cacao Company Learn about the history of chocolate and the ties to its Mayan creators at The Mayan Cacao Company ($15 per adult, $9 per child). On the site, visitors can watch chocolate-making demonstrations, tour a museum featuring Mexican art and artifacts, shop for a variety of products made from cocoa and even try handmade chocolate bars and chocolate margaritas.
Great day trip:
Playa del Carmen
Take the 45-minute ferry ride ($11 per adult, $6 per child) to this stunning region of Riviera Maya. Once there, relax on one of its many pristine beaches, explore the jungle at Xcaret Park and visit the stores and restaurants on La Quinta Avenida.