Cozumel, Mexico - Travel Tips and Things To Do

Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

as of 2014

·         The Plaza “Plaza del Sol” Town Square (shopping along waterfront and around 8 blocks into town, local artisans, restaurants including Hard Rock Café). Close to ferry terminal. Crafts market is behind the Plaza. Use cash. Do not pay with credit cards as credit card theft (false charges) is common.
·         Royal Village Shopping Center (across from the port).
·         Mercado Municipal (open air market for locally grown fruit, meat, fresh fish, & many eateries. The specialty here is the sopas, gorditas chicharrones (gorditas with pork) & Tostadas cubano (Cuban sandwich). Bring mexican pesos). Free wi-fi at restaurants. Beware of fake silver. Close to the main square.
·         Plaza Confetti (shopping near the square).
·         Chocolates Kaokao Factory tour (free tour with 7 samples plus make your own chocolate for $10). 10 minute $10 cab ride each way.
·         Discover Mexico Cozumel Park (miniature Mexican buildings and miniature Mayan ruins with Mayan history, tequila factory tour and tasting).
·         Dolphinaris Cozumel (dolphin show, swim with dolphins, all-inclusive with meals and drinks). No pictures allowed.
·         Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park (private beach with chairs, snack bar, sea lion show, dolphin show, swim with dolphins and manatees, tequila tasting, alligator pond) and Chankanaab Reef (snorkeling and scuba diving), Atlantis Submarines ($99 pp for 45 minute dive). Xtrem Adventure Park (5 ziplines, Zorb). $56 pp for entrance to the park and ziplining. $11 cab ride.
·         San Gervasio Mayan Site (Mayan ruins & iguanas). In the jungle (need bug spray). Paths are hard to walk on.
·         El Caracol Mayan Site (crocs, lighthouse, ruins, iguanas & Papito’s Beach Club). Inside Punta Sur Eco Park.
·         Parque Arqueologico (Mayan sculptures, alligators, and a waterfall). Long drive from the port.
·         Paradise Beach (private beach and bar with free internet, a pool, shade & beach chairs, scuba, kayak, and other non-motorized water craft available for a fee of $15/person) and Paradise “Paraiso” Reef (snorkeling & scuba diving). 15 minute ride from the cruise ship port ($15 cab ride).
·         Nachi Cocom Beach Club & Water Sport Center (For $55 pp you get all you can drink and eat, beach chairs, a tiki hut, swimming pool with swim up bar. Water sports for an added fee.) 20 minute ride from the cruise ship port ($20 cab ride). Bring towel from cruise ship to save $5 on towel rental fee. $5 extra per device for Wi-Fi. You can make a reservation in advance (limited to 100 people).
·         Playa Palancar (beach) & Palancar Reef (snorkeling and scuba diving). 15 miles south of San Miguel. Entrance is free while eating and drinking. $35 for snorkeling tour & boat ride to the reef.
·         Stingray Beach (snorkeling and swim with Stingrays).
·         Isla de Pasion (private beach, water activities such as trampolines and slides). Must arrive by boat (Twister boat recommended).
·         Santa Rosa Wall (snorkeling and scuba diving).
·         Columbia Reef (snorkeling and scuba diving).
·         San Francisco Reef (snorkeling and scuba diving. $10 minimum for food & drink at beach bar to stay & play).
·         Mayatlantis Aquapark (pool, restaurant and snorkeling)
·         Mr. Sanchos (private beach, water inflatables, pool-side bar, buffet lunch & free snorkel gear with the all-inclusive package or you can order off the menu). Can reserve in advance. 20 minute ($20) cab ride each way.
·         Ecoparque Cuzam (snorkeling, zip lines on 3 towers, paint ball, horseback riding, ATVs, bird watching, crocodile lagoon, lighthouse). Cozumel Eco Adventure Jungle park.
·         Playa Uvas (private beach, small pool and snorkeling. $27 for all inclusive. $12 for admission plus a beach chair, 1 drink, and snorkeling gear). $10 minute ($12) cab ride each way. Rocky beach (not white sand).
·         Playa Mia Grand Beach & Water Park (Small waterpark for the kids with 2 larger waterslides, a kiddie waterslide and spray pad, 2 pools, buffet, beach chairs, and inflatable obstacle course. Unlimited drink package available. $57 for waterpark, non-motorized water sports, and unlimited food and drinks).
·         Carlos' n Charlie's Beach Club (private beach with restaurant. Glass bottom boat rides available. $2 to use water trampoline & inflatables. No beach access fee. Free beach chairs & umbrellas). Sometimes loud drunk partiers.
·         Playa Corona/Corona Beach Club (private beach with a restaurant & snorkeling. $5 to access the beach with chairs and umbrellas or free with lunch purchase). Review said very quiet & a little run down. $8 cab ride.
·         Fury's Aqua Park (private beach with kayaks, paddle surf boards, a water trampoline, water mats, Jungle Joe, Rock it and Platinum Aqua Glide Slide).
·         Ocean VIP Beach Club (private beach with parasailing, water toys & inflatables including a trampoline, non-motorized equipment rental, 3 bars, pool, volleyball net, snorkeling tours avail.). All-inclusive available. 2 reviewers strongly urged avoiding due to trash, rocky ground, seaweed, credit card fraud, & $12 admission fee.
·         Free Tequila Tour by Casa Mission (free tastings. Donkey rides for kids).
·         Hacienda Antigua Village Tour. Folklore show with lunch & tequila. Tequila Store (sample different tequilas such as Bailey's Irish cream style, blue curacao style, coffee flavored). Can book online in advance. 5 minute cab ride from port. Jose Cuervo tequila tour also a few minutes away down the street.

OR Take the ferry in to visit Playa Del Carmen or see the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

Happy travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
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Cancun, Mexico - Travel Tips and Things To Do

The last time we went to Cancun, we stayed at the Great Parnassus Resort, which was a great experience. The pool area was amazing (with an infinity pool), the beach was sandy, the waves were moderate, the entertainment was good, and the restaurants were fantastic. It looked like a beached cruise ship. We took a tour to Chichen Itza Mayan Temple Ruins that also stopped in a few authentic Mayan towns and a cenote (sink hole) for swimming. Here is the information I gathered for that trip. 

Cancun, Mexico travel tips:
as of 2015

Local information:

·         Time Zone – Central (same as Winnipeg), but no daylight savings time.
·         Currency – most stores accept US dollars or Mexican pesos.  Current exchange rate is 12 pesos per Canadian dollar and 13.25 pesos per US dollar (as of 2020, it is 14.5 pesos per Canadian dollar).
·         Electricity supply is 110 volts. Many hotels do not accept polarized or three-prong plugs so bring adaptor.
·         Buses are the cheapest way to get around Cancun and you can get from the Hotel Zone to almost anywhere for only 8.5 pesos (Mexican coins only).
o    Bus One (a white bus), the only bus with air conditioning travelling in the Hotel Zone, costs 11 pesos.
o    R1 – R2 – R15 – R27 travel within the Hotel Zone. Only half of them go as far as Wet n’ Wild (ask driver).
o    R2 – R15 go to Walmart and the Market 28 in Downtown Cancun.
o    R1 takes you to Puerto Juarez where you can catch the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Magaña Express Service from Puerto Juarez takes 20 minutes and costs 35 pesos ($3) per person each way (leaves every hour on the hour). UltraMar Service from Gran Puerto (part of Pureto Juarez) and travels a little faster with better air conditioning for 70 pesos per person each way (leaves every 30 minutes).
o    R27 takes you to Plaza Las Americas.
o    To get a bus to another town, go to the bus station on Avenida Tulum. The ADO bus service is comfortable and reliable if you are planning a long trip. Round trip to Chichen Iza (departing at 8:30 AM - takes 3 hours - and returning at 4:30 PM) costs 472 pesos ($40) pp. Round trip to Tulum (departing at 8 AM - takes 2 hours - and returning at 5:10 PM) costs 238 pesos ($20) pp. Round trip to Playa del Carman (leaves every 20 minutes - takes 1 hour and 20 minutes) costs 116 pesos ($10) pp. Round trip to Xcaret (departing at 8:15 AM – takes 1 hour and 30 minutes - and returning at 8:45 PM) costs $212 pesos ($18) pp.
·         Taxi cabs – look at rates in hotel and agree on price before leaving to ensure you don’t get overcharged.

Things to do:

·         Xcaret - Chetumal-Puerto Juarez Federal Highway, Km. 282. Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico. 60km south of Cancún (75 minute drive - $100 by taxi). See flamingoes, macaws, jaguars, turtles, & crocodiles.  Butterfly pavilion. Orchids Greenhouse. Aquarium. Swim with dolphins. Show at night, with 300 actors re-enacting the history of Mexico since pre-Hispanic times with all the colourful costumes, folklore music and dancing as well as the recreation of a pre-Hispanic ball game.
·         Xplor – Federal Highway 307 km. 282 Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, México. 56 km south of Cancún (70 minute drive - $100 by taxi). Swim and raft underground in a sea of stalactites and stalagmites, 14 ziplines through the jungle, and drive an amphibious vehicle.
·         Chichen Itza – 117 miles west of Cancun. Site open from 9 AM – 5 PM. Admission is 111 pesos ($10) pp, including the light and sound show every night at 7pm during fall and winter & at 8pm during spring and summer . One of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Temple of Kukulcan (also known as El Castillo). The stepped pyramid has a staircase on each side and at sunrise and sunset during both the Spring and Autumn equinoxes visitors gather from all over the world to observe an unprecedented archaeo-astronomical phenomenon. The corner of the pyramid casts a shadow of a plumed serpent – Kukulcan- and as the sun moves, the shadow of the serpent slithers down the side of the pyramid to fertilize the earth (arrive early). Thousand columns. The Great Ball Court is the largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica. The Temple of the Warriors is a large stepped pyramid with a row of carved columns at the front depicting the ancient warriors. The Cenote Sagrado is 60 meters in diameter with sheer cliffs dropping down 27 meters to the water below. Ikil cenote is also close by.  Bring bathing suit. We can fly from Cancun (US$350 pp+). Some bus tours (ex. Viator) are as low as US$40-65 pp (pickup 7-8 AM). Arrive early before it gets too crowded & hot. Bring lots of water. Tuesday & Saturday are the best days to go.
·         Tulum - 82 miles south of Cancun. Tulum sits on the edge of a cliff facing looking out over the vast turquoise ocean. Tulum is also the ancient Maya word for ‘wall’. This is apt because the walls surrounding the site allowed the fort in Tulum to be used as a defense against invasion. Tulum was protected on one side by steep sea cliffs and on the other by a wall that averaged about three to five meters in height. El Castillo (the castle) stands 7.5 meters tall and has a small shrine which appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes.
·         Isla Mujeres – known for beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, coral reef, and El Garrafón (nature park). Get there by ferry from Puerto Juarez (takes 20 minutes).
·         Playa del Carman – Mayan ruins on Quinta Avenida, between Calles 12 and 14, another one inside the gates of the budget hostel/camping ground La Ruina on Calle 2 by the beach. Stroll down 5th Avenue, La Quinta for many shops and restaurants. Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church, 15th Ave & 12th St. Cenote Chaak Tun is nearby (but expensive). Take ferry to Cozumel (biggest island in Mexico and known for snorkeling in coral reef).
·         Wet ‘n Wild - Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25 Hotel Zone Cancun. US$50 PP admission (50% discount plus free dolphin show if purchased online in advance). Price includes free food and drinks.
·         Local markets: Market 28 with 100 stores and many banks (best for deals and bartering) (Sm. 28 Downtown), Ki Huic (Av. Tulum #17, Downtown), Coral Negro with 50 stores (Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 9).
·         Malls: Plaza Caracol with over 200 stores and the Canadian Consulate (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 8.5), Plaza Forum by the Sea Mall with 70 stores (Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 9), Flamingo Plaza with 100 stores (Blvd. Kukulcán Km.11.5), La Isla Shopping Village with 150 stores (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 12.5), Kukulcan Plaza with 170 stores & free internet (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 13), Luxury Avenue with 25 stores (Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 13), Plaza Las Americas with 230 stores (Av. Tulum 260, Downtown).
·         COCOBONGO - Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 9 Forum by the sea mall. Acrobats similar to Cirque du Soleil, impersonators (Madonna, Michael Jackson & Britney Spears), and the best DJ’s in Cancun. 18+.
·         Senior Frog’s - Blvd. Kukulcán Km. 9.5, in front of Chac Mool beach. live music, DJs, contests and karaoke. 18+.
·         Chac Chi Marina - BLVD KUKULCAN, HOTEL ZONE, KM 3.2 LOTE D-1 (NEXT TO Q-BAY HOTEL). Deep sea fishing excursions. Catamaran cruise. Snorkeling tours. Wave runner rentals.
·         Swim with dolphins at Delphinus (Km. 9.5 Cancun Hotel Zone in the Dreams Cancun Hotel), Dolphin Discovery (Marina Aquatours, Blvd. Kukulcán, km. 6.5), or Dolphinaris (Blvd. Kukulcan km.23 Zona Hotelera, Cancun)
·         Interactive Aquarium Cancun - La Isla Shopping Mall. Blvd. Kukulcan, Km. 12.5 Zona Hotelera. Swim with dolphins and meet sharks face to face in total safety. Dolphin show at 6 PM nightly.

Happy travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
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Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - Things to do & places to go (including best beaches)

Things to do & places to go in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (including best beaches near Puerto Vallarta):

We are going to Riviera Nayarit, Mexico in April 2020 and will take lots of great pictures and videos to share with you. For now, I am sharing what my research has found regarding places to go and things to do there. 

Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile stretch of coastline on the Pacific coast of Mexico that prides itself on maintaining a unique, authentic Mexican culture and ambiance. Further north has less development and people. 

Banderas Bay

      - 68 kilometers of coastline from Punta Mita in the north to Cabo Corrientes in the south.

Bucerias (just north of Nuevo Vallarta)
      - A beach town with a town square with restaurants, art galleries, a beach & a water park.
      - Bucerias Art Walk
      - Santuario de Cocodrilos El Cora
      - El Buzo de Bucerias (Town Square)
      - Mercado de Bucerias
      - Mega Comercial Mexicana – Like a Mexican Wal-Mart supermarket that accepts Visa
      - Los Arroyos Verdes is a resort that sells day passes to non-guests
      - Wibit Mex - The best ocean water park in Mexico. Diving cliffs, inflatable mountains to climb, swings, ropes, bounce launch pads, spinner, & huge trampoline.
      - Incanto Casino
      - La Takeria - Try the tacos, hot sauce, horchata (almond milk), and chocolate flan

Cabo Corrientes
      - Vallarta Botanical Gardens
      - Playa Las Animas beach and adventure park (with rope course and zip-lining)

Chacala
      - Altavista Petroglyph Complex
      - Playa Chacala

El Cora
      - Salto del Cora Waterfall

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
      - Huge marina.
      - La Cruz Market (artisan market, farmer’s market, & fish market).
      - Destiladeras Beach is one of the best beaches (250 pesos for a palapa with 2 loungers all day).
      - Museo del Tequila y el Mariachi

Las Varas
      - Hike among ancient Petroglyphs to the Sacred Pools of Alta Vista

Mexcaltitán
     - a tiny town in northern Nayarit that is surrounded by water and only reachable by boat.
     - During the rainy season (July – September), the streets flood and residents glide through by boat, earning this town the nickname “the Venice of Mexico”.

Nuevo Vallarta
     - Marina Nuevo Vallarta
     - Nuevo Vallarta Beach
     - Vallarta Adventures— tours to a Canopy & Zipline Adventure Park 45 miles northeast
     - Aquaventuras Park & Dolphin Discovery (see dolphin show and swim with dolphins)
     - Splash Water Park – Water park with dolphin and sea lion shows
     - Whale watching cruises from December to March
      - Riviera Farmer’s Market
      - Yelapa y Mahauitas Playa
      - Sabal Playa Beach Club
      - The best reviewed hotels on TripAdvisor include: Grand Velas, Grand Luxxe, Grand Bliss, Grand Mayan, Marival Distinct Luxury Residences, Mayan Palace at Vidanta, Villa La Estancia Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, Villa Del Palmar Flamingos, Samba Vallarta, Dreams Villamagna, Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico, and Sea Garden at Vidanta.

Puerto Vallarta

     - Malecon & Old Vallarta (El Centro) —a seaside walkway that features a number of contemporary sculptures (including Caballito de Mar Sea Horse statue), shops, art galleries, restaurants and bars, and live theatre. Olas Altas Farmers Market on Saturday from 9:30-2.
      - Plaza de Armas - town square with a bandstand across from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
      - Las Isla Cuale Municipal Market – island with continuous line of open-air stalls selling souvenirs.
      - Los Muertos Beach & Pier
      - Zona Romantica - cobblestone streets with quaint bakeries, cafes plus many restaurants & art galleries. Act II Entertainment has 4 different live shows each night. Galleria Dante sells unique art and sculptures.
      - El Salado Crocodile Sanctuary. During the hatching season from June through November each year, visitors can watch as baby turtles hatch from their shells and make their way to the ocean (or release the turtles).
      - Islas Marietas boat tour has a secluded beach and the best snorkeling. Access to the islands themselves is very limited, but at low tide you may be able to bathe at the “Hidden Beach”, a spectacular collapsed sea cave.
      - Los Arcos boat tour has unique swimming and snorkeling
      - Fiestas: La Iguana Fiesta (dancers, a Mariachi band, rope twirling, and a dancing horse) on Thursdays & Sundays, Fiesta in the Mountains, Fiesta in El Rancho, Fiesta on the Sea, Sheraton Fiesta on Thursdays
      - Night clubs: Senior Frog’s, La Vaquita, La Santa, Mandala, Zoo (all have open bar for $60).
      - Dinner Under the Sea by Pirates of the Bay - Night cruise on an authentic galleon ship with a pirate Show, contests and activities, live music show, fireworks & funny activities with Open Bar.
      - Savia, Rhythms of the Night excursion by Vallarta Adventures takes you on a sunset cruise, then down a path lit with 4,000 candles to have dinner and see The Legend of the Five Suns show (directed by one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil). 
      - Witness a Charreria, a festive rodeo, which is Mexico's national sport. 
      - Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop by ChocoMuseo Puerto Vallarta. Learn the history of chocolate & the chocolate making process. Make 3 traditional chocolate drinks & your own chocolates.
      - Los Muertos Brewing is PV's first micro-brewery - try a flight of local beers.
      - Rancho Verano Distileria de Tequila – tequila tastings. Also try Raicilla & Mezcal. 
      - Café des Artistes is a popular, upscale restaurant.
      - Chicabal is a unique upscale day club and night club with loud music.
      - From November to May there’s a weekend farmers’ market at Lázaro Cárdenas Park
      - Marina Vallarta – planned community with boutiques and upscale restaurants. Farmer’s market on Thursdays from November to April. Championship golf course.
      - La Isla Puerto Vallarta – high-end, luxury shopping village (mall) inspired by Venice, Italy. It has a VIP movie theatre & free outdoor entertainment and is expected to include a casino & nightclub.
      - The Museo Naval. Puerto Vallarta.
      - Casa Kimberley is the former home of Elizabeth Taylor that is across from a home formerly owned by Richard Burton. This couple helped put PV on the map. 
      - The best reviewed hotels on TripAdvisor include: Hotel Playa Fiesta, Hotel Mousai, Casa Karma, Casa Velas, Velas Vallarta, Casa Cupula, Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel, Sunset Plaza Beach Resort, Secrets Vallarta Bay, Vallarta Shores, Marriott Puerto Vallarta, Now Amber Puerto Vallarta, Grand Miramar All Luxury Suites, Grand Fiesta Americana, Hyatt Ziva, Pinnacle Resorts 220, Garza Blanca Resort, & Buganvilias Vacation Club.

Punta de Mita
      - A fishing village and luxury resort area with upscale homes, golf courses, and private beaches
      - St. Regis, W Punta de Mita, & Four Seasons (cliffside location) luxury resorts are not all-inclusive.
      - Horseback riding in Litibu Beach
      - Playa Punta de Mita
      - Playa El Anclote

Rincon de Guayabitos
      - Aguas Termales De Nuevo Ixtlan – 32 hot spring pools for 40 pesos (restaurant and bathrooms).
      - Boat trip to Isla de Coral
      - Release sea turtles.

San Blas
      - A historic port that is a 4-hour drive (100 km) north of Puerto Vallarta.
      - Visit the town square, a colonial church, and a fortress with a panoramic view.
      - Our Lady of the Rosary church (Nuestra Senora del Rosario)
      - Contaduria – Old fort with a museum and good view
      - Museum of Archaeology and History
      - Birdwatching & Kiekari Crocodile Farm at the La Tovara National Park.
      - El Salto waterfalls & San Blas River
      - Matanchen Bay beach - no strong currents, soft sand, and clean
      - Playa Las Islitas
      - Playa El Borrego
      - Villa Hidalgo (10 miles from San Blas) has a nice market, street vendors and a great taco stand.

San Pancho (aka “San Fransico”)
     - Playa San Pancho is a quiet beach near town
     - San Pancho also has several good restaurants and is not far from Nuevo Vallarta
     - Mercado San Pancho
     - Lo de Perla Jungle Garden

San Sebastian del Oeste

      - A historical Magic Town & former mining town popular with locals. 

Sayulita
     - A Pueblos Magico (Magic Town) that shows the historic culture of Mexico.
     - Sayulita Beach is one of Mexico’s best surfing beaches.
     - Monkey Mountain – hike up for an amazing view (it is steep, so wear good shoes)
     - See Huichol (descendants of the Aztec) art (ex. yarn painting) & jewellery
     - Beautiful, unique hotels including Villa Iguana Verde, Petit Hotel Hafa, Don Bonito, & Casa Love.
     - Playa De Los Muertos Beach is beautiful and quieter than the main beach (short walk to the south)
     - Sayulita Farmer’s Market (Mercado del Pueblo) – every Friday
     - San Pancho Bird Observatory

Yelapa

     - Nearby waterfalls and horseback riding
     - Fresh-baked coconut pie served right on the beach

Happy travels,

Kev

P.S. Here are links to my other social media accounts, in case you want to connect that way:
Kevin's Instagram
Kevin's LinkedIn
Kevin's Facebook
Kevin's Pinterest
Kevin's YouTube (You should check out my YouTube Channel for related travel videos)