Michael Powell's Blog, page 96
December 16, 2013
The Volkswagen Beetles Of Cozumel
The Volkswagen Beetle was discontinued in its native Germany in 1978, but production continued in Mexico for an additional 25 years. And so one of Germany’s most famous automotive designs has become, in effect, a Mexican icon. The low-cost Beetles were a smash hit here for decades, and you still see a fair share puttering down the roads. Especially, it seems, in Cozumel.
-Secret Hotwire Cozumel Hotel Deals
Cozumel’s Punta Sur
The Faro Cerlain Eco Park is the official name of the reserve which extends across the southern point of Cozumel, but most people just refer to it as the Punta Sur. Here, you’ll find one of the island’s best beaches, a lighthouse offering a tremendous view over the Caribbean, and a natural mangrove lagoon in which crocodiles dwell. We visited toward the end of our week in Cozumel.
The first (and last) thing you’re going to notice about the park is the horrifically pot-holed road which leads in...
December 15, 2013
Eating in Cozumel, Part 2
During our stay in Cozumel, we adhered to a strict regimen of breakfast, lunch and dinner, every single day, always at a new place. It was fun, but by the end of the week, with our bellies beginning to squeeze through the buttons of our shirts, we were happy to be done with all the eating. Still, the meals we enjoyed in Cozumel were among the highlights of our trip.
El Muellecito
Loud music, rock-n-roll decor, and a young crowd hungry for both food and fun are the highl...
December 14, 2013
Cozumel’s Museo de la Isla
When preparing to explore Cozumel, a logical place to begin is the Museum of the Island, found near the ferry pier. I know, I know: the weather is great, the water crystal blue, the nature gorgeous and the amount of things to do outdoors overwhelming. Who wants to spend time in a museum? But the overview of Cozumel’s history, geography and ecology is brief and well-presented, and afterwards you can reward yourself with an excellent breakfast in the museum’s restaurant.
The Museo de la Isla is...
December 13, 2013
San Gervasio – Cozumel’s Maya Ruins
The lack of awe-inspiring temples on Cozumel belies its true importance to the Maya civilization. Home to the goddess Ixchel, the island served as a sacred place of pilgrimage and was a major center of commerce. We took a tour of Cozumel’s main cluster of ruins at San Gervasio, in the center of the island, and learned more about the beliefs of this fascinating people.
Though disappointing to modern tourists, the absence of towering Maya pyramids on Cozumel is actually proof of their practical...
Eating in Cozumel, Part 1
During our week in Cozumel, we were invited to a number of restaurants. From chic to rustic, modern to traditional, breakfast, lunch and dinner, we sampled a little of everything the island has to offer. It was an intense culinary program and there were times when, regardless of how delicious the shrimp ceviche or grilled snapper was, I almost couldn’t take another bite. But I did… all for you! Please respect my sacrifice! Here were some of our favorite finds.
The Intercontinental
Immediately u...
December 12, 2013
El Cedral and Cozumel’s Eastern Coast
The eastern coast of Cozumel is completely different to the west. It has none of the calm, crystal blue water, nor anywhere near the tourism. After stopping in at Cozumel’s original town, El Cedral, we took a short drive up the coast and ended at a rollicking bar named Coconuts.
To most visitors, Cozumel feels small. Its true size is obscured by the fact that almost all the sights and services are concentrated in and around San Miguel. But once you take the time to venture out of the city, Coz...
December 11, 2013
Say Hola to the Xolo
Walking home after lunch in Mérida, we encountered a funny old dog nervously guarding the doorway to an antiques store. It was skinny, small and completely bald, save a few whiskers sprouting from its head, and I wondered aloud how old it must be. “A year and a half”, came the answer from inside the store. Wait a second, this bald old thing was a puppy? Indeed, as I took a knee, it bounded over to me full of playful, puppy energy. I reached out tentatively and touched my first Xoloituzcuintle...
Rancho Buenavista – On Horseback Through Cozumel
Cozumel is most famous for its crystalline waters and amazing coral formations, but after about an hour of bouncing on horseback through a thick, humid forest and exploring forgotten Maya ruins, I began to realize how diverse the island can be.
We were guests at Rancho Buenavista, a horse ranch found on the eastern side of the island. The ranch is gigantic, occupying a significant portion of Cozumel’s entire area, and has been in the same family for generations. Among archaeology buffs, Buenav...
An Underwater Paradise Off Cozumel
With iridescently blue waters and one of Earth’s best reefs just offshore, it was no coincidence that we choose to spend a week on Cozumel immediately after obtaining our scuba certifications. The Caribbean island has long been regarded as one of the world’s premiere diving destinations.
There’s an almost unlimited variety of diving possibilities at Cozumel, with spots along the reef that are suitable for any skill level. Although we had been invited to join an advanced dive, descending to 30...
