Next Stop: Cozumel, Mexico
Whether it's your first visit or you've been here several times before, Cozumel is the perfect destination forgetting about your problems and spending a carefree week relaxing under the sun. But, there’s so much to do on this easygoing island. From the ancient past to its colorful culture, don't forget to include these sights and experiences on your to-do list.
Unless you're here to dive—and the island's offshore coral reefs offer some of the world's most spectacular dive settings—you're probably on a cruise vacation. In that case, do some shopping and spend an hour of your shore leave hanging out at Plaza Principal. The plaza is especially pretty in spring when royal poinciana trees are covered with vivid orange and red blooms. The streets a block north, east, and south of the plaza are pedestrian-only, making them conducive to strolling.
It sometimes rains in paradise, so if your beach plans prove a washout (and you're searching for things to do with kids), head to the Museum of the Island of Cozumel. You'll learn about the island's ecosystems, its Mayan and Spanish colonial history, the days when pirate attacks were a regular occurrence, and today's contemporary cultural scene.
Spend a day at Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. You can swim and snorkel at the beach, observe colorful tropical fish at the park's saltwater lagoon or snooze the afternoon away in a hammock to the sound of rustling palm fronds. For a taste of Cozumel's wilder side go to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, at the island's southern tip. It's a “do your own thing” kind of place with few amenities but lots of adventure travel opportunities, from swimming and snorkeling to exploring an old lighthouse.
If you enjoy Mexican folk art and archeological artifacts (replicas, but high-quality replicas), take one of the guided travel tours through Discover Mexico Park. The tour guide provides lots of historical context.
Although not nearly as impressive as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal or Tulum, Cozumel does have a major archeological site, the ruins of San Gervasio. The excavated remains of temple structures stand in ancient isolation in a scrub jungle setting complete with lots of resident iguanas. The easiest way to do this day trip is to hire a taxi driver.
For those who aren't experienced divers, an alternate—and less strenuous—way to view the amazing variety of marine life inhabiting Chankanaab Reef is to board the Atlantis Submarine for an underwater tour. It's a pricey excursion, but older kids will love it (children under age 4 aren't permitted).
The legions of avid divers who come here don't need anything but a bed; they're here for the reefs. You, on the other hand, are probably going to want a bit more in the way of amenities. Located at the La Caleta Yacht Basin, the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa is a lovely resort with beautifully landscaped grounds, a private beach, a dive shop on the premises, lots of sun-and-fun recreational activities, and a staff that provides terrific service. Oceanfront rooms cost more, but the views are worth it.
Cozumel restaurants range from super casual to suitable for a special occasion. Some of the best places to eat are local joints where you can sample Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil (marinated, slow-roasted pork) and papadzules (warm tortillas filled with chopped hard-boiled egg and topped with a pumpkin seed sauce). At La Choza Restaurant you can dine under an open-air palapa while feasting on chicken mole and freshly made guacamole.
In the center of San Miguel right on Avenida Rafael Melgar, Pepe's Grill Seafood and Steakhouse is a local food place serving up exactly what the name suggests. Caesar salad and bananas Foster are just two of the menu items assembled with a flourish right at your table.
If you're in the mood for a more upscale dining experience, make reservations at Alfredo di Roma. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a beautiful Caribbean backdrop for Italian specialties like mushroom risotto or the restaurant's namesake fettuccine, prepared tableside.
Vacationers who frequent beach resorts are no doubt familiar with Mexican chain Senor Frog's. The food is standard wings, burgers, and fajitas; the atmosphere is best appreciated if you go with a group in order to observe—or participate in—antics like conga lines of diners imbibing tequila shots. There's a good reason it's a favorite thing to do with the cruise ship crowd.
To get started on planning your vacation to Mexico or other destination, contact your local AAA Travel agent at 1-800-222-1469, visit AAA.com/Travel, or stop by your AAA office.
Editorial provided by AAA Travel Guides
