What is your favorite tourist activity in Cozumel, Mexico

1. 87

   GinnyLeeposted 12 years ago

   What is your favorite tourist activity in Cozumel, Mexico
   
   I am visiting soon and looking for some recommended places to visit and explore.

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2. 61

   SOKCGOLDposted 12 years ago

   Are you a scuba diver? If so, you've got no worries. It's one of my favorite places, as you can see from the Hubs I've written about it.  If not, you are a bit more limited. I would definitely recommend doing some snorkeling. Even though you are looking down on the fish from above, instead of swimming amongst them, it's still pretty fantastic. Although it's been a couple of years since I've been there, during our last visit the Mayan ruins actually on the island were inaccessible. Over the years, hurricanes have destroyed the access roads and they haven't been rebuilt. But if that sort of thing interests you, a quick ferry ride across the strait will take you to Playa del Carmen on the mainland, which is a good jumping off point for tours on the Yucatan Peninsula. Actually, now that I think of it, a trip over to the Playa del Carmen is a pretty fun way to spend a day in and of itself. Otherwise, cruise ships stop in every week and there are a variety of touristy type things to separate the cruisers from their money.
   
   If you speak Spanish, I would also spend some time just walking around. It's a relatively safe place, since they know that all they've got going for them is tourism. They don't tolerate anyone preying on the tourists. And once you get 3 or 4 blocks off the shore, you get into a little more traditional areas where the locals hang out. But be advised - you aren't going to get "traditional Mexico" here as it is geared for tourism and is pretty modernized.

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3. 80

   JSParkerposted 12 years ago

   Cokcgold, you did a such a great job answering this question, I voted you "up" and have only to add: while you're on the mainland in Playa, go ahead and take a bus tour to the fairly close by Tulum ruins (Pre-Columbian Mayan walled city) or venture further to the massive Chichen Itza ruins. Happy Trails!

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4. 75

   Janis Goadposted 12 years ago

   It's worth a daytrip to the ruins at Tulum--the stairs are high and steep, but the view from the top across the scrubland is wide.  Mexico is such an interesting place to visit because it has such varied physical and cultural geography.  On the way back from Tulum ask your driver to stop at the cenotes--underground pools eroded from the limestone rock.  They were sacred places to the Mayans, who believed they were entrances to the spirit world and the sacred origins of life.  There is a powerful energy feel in their presence, and the water is very clear and icy cold.  Near by there are villages where some of the women artisans sell hand embroidered tablecloths and clothing out of their homes--tell your guide you are interested, and maybe the guide knows one who will sell directly to you, and keep all the price, rather than losing it to a marketing agent.  The tourist dollars make a huge difference to the lives of the locals.
   
   It's a beautiful part of Mexico--enjoy your vacation!!

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