Like this post? Please share!
Spring-breakers, cruise ship stop-overs, and beach bums are at the top of the list of those who visit the Mexican island of Cozumel. But, there’s so much more to do on this island than sipping margaritas or lounging in your bikini. Traditional beach activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and dolphin swimming are all available. But, you can also mix up your tropical vacation with a stop at some of these cultural and historical sites that make Cozumel a destination for all types of vacation seekers.
Chocolates Kaokao
What could be better than seeing traditional Mayan chocolate making up close and personal? This family owned business celebrates this favorite treat. Cacao is sacred to the Mayan people and the owners of this establishment take quality seriously. Visitors can take a tour of the chocolate factory and enjoy the fruit of the labors. An onsite gift shop allows for a chocolate-y souvenir to make its way home with you.
Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve
While you’ll need a car or scooter to access this park it’s well worth the extra effort. A historic lighthouse is at the edge of the island and Mayan ruins dating back as far as the seventh century can be found inside the reserve. You can rent a catamaran inside the park to glide along the mangrove ecosystem that is also a sea turtle sanctuary during summer months.
San Gervasio
There are 14 Mayan archeological sites on Cozumel but one of the best preserved is San Gervasio. It was a sacred site for Mayan women and includes a temple to the goddess Ix Chel (goddess of fertility and rain). The site was inhabited from 100 BC until the Spanish conquest of the island in the 16th century. The ruins here have not been restored aside from minor alterations to retain the structure. Aside from actually seeing the ruins there isn’t anything else to do at this site but for anyone interested in the history of the region it’s easy to reach and inexpensive (adults are $8). This is also the only archeological site on the island that is open to visitors.
Cozumel Cooking Class
If spending a few days on the island, taking a cooking class promises to be an experience you won’t forget. Josefina’s Cocina con Alma offers a three hour cooking class that includes a trip to the local market to purchase supplies, followed by preparing an authentic Mexican meal. Customized meals are available for those with allergies or food preferances. There’s no tex-mex here, it’s all authentic foods like handmade tortillas, tingas, and nopales.
If you are planning an upcoming cruise, be sure to download our free Cruise Scavenger Hunt Printable. Suitable for families, this easy to download printable provides entertainment for your entire family aboard their 1st day on a cruise ship. If you are interested in other printable, you can visit my friend Ashley for all your party printable needs. What a perfect way to familiarize yourself with with the cruise ship and entertain your little ones. For more information on my upcoming Brandcation: Seas the Day experience you can follow the hashtag: #SeastheDay on any social media networking site.
Are you planning an upcoming cruise? Have you experienced the cultural side of Cozumel, Mexico?
Like this post? Please share!
Comments
Trackbacks
-
[…] locations, and airfare is decently priced. A better option, however, might be taking a cruise. Cruise Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises offer discounts on all-inclusive packages and […]
-
[…] Tips: Where To Find WiFi in Mexico #BayouTravel To Shore Excursion or Not? Beyond Bikinis & Margaritas: Cultural Cozumel Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home Are You Ready To Set Sail? Carnival Conquest “Fun Ship […]
-
[…] personal favorite is travel destination is Mexico but maybe I’m a little biased! Either way, our Elf on the Shelf clearly has his sunscreen […]
-
[…] in Mexico. Last April I went on a cruise with several blogger pals which included a port stop in Cozumel Mexico. Several of us decided to book our excursion at Mr. […]
oh how i wish i could travel… the photos i could take. alas i must live vicariously through other people and be jealous xD
I would love to take a cruise with my family before my son gets too much older. I can’t wait to hear all about your brandcation cruise (and see the pics)!
OMG WE SHOULD DO THIS ON BRANDCATION!!!!!!!! I love that printable! How fun!
I have one just like this that I’m going to share on my next cruise/Mexico post. It’s more adult themed but the same overall look. Has the hashtag too!
I have never been on a cruise. I would LOVE to go on one some day!
What a neat idea. I love the ISpy idea!
I dream of the day I can travel and not just soak up the sun but also take in the culture and area. One day I will! One day.
San Gervasio sound amazing but my hubby would love the cooking classes!
This sounds like an awesome idea! I cannot wait until we have more time to travel.
I always thought this sounded like a great place to visit. Taking a cooking class in another country would be so cool!
Thanks for the info! I’ll be in Cozumel soon. Can’t wait!
Looks like a wonderful trip. Never been there, would love to visit sometime.
I have never been to Mexico but it’s on my bucket list.
Cozumel is definitely a place that I would love to visit. The cooking class would be a fun way to learn some authentic dishes!
Oh I’d love to see Mayan chocolate making in person! How cool!
Love Cozumel! I wish I’d have thought to take a cooking class while I was there! There’s always next time. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never been but have heard it’s great. I’d love to see the view from that pier in person!
My parents have cruised to Cozumel but I’ve never been, I’ve never even been on a cruise before. Hopefully someday!
We spent a day in Cozumel during a cruise. I loved it! I wish we had more time though to see everything the island had to offer.
I am so ready to cruise in 3 weeks!
Sounds like my kind of trip!
I would love to take a cooking class there!