Sights in Isla Cozumel
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El Cedral
This Mayan ruin, which functioned as a jail in the 19th century, is the oldest on the island, dating way, way back to AD 800. It's not obviously alluring, but it is the most accessible of Cozumel's ruins. The ancient structure is the size of a small house, so keep your eyes peeled. El Cedral is thought to have been an important ceremonial site. Today a small stucco church sits next to the ruin.
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El Castillo Real
Down the same intimidating road that leads to Punta Molas, are the large Mayan ruins known as El Castillo Real (The Royal Castle). The archaeological site, as well as the Aguada Grande ruins a few kilometers' hike away, are both quite far gone, their significance having blown off into the breeze some time ago. Still, half the fun is in getting there, right?
Other ruins of interest include the temple at San Gervasio, which was erected by the Maya as a tribute to Ixchel, the moon goddess of fertility. Female pilgrims came here from all over the region to pay tribute. San Gervasio sits between San Miguel and the east coast, northeast of the Carretera Transversal.
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Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Exhibits at the fine Museo de la Isla de Cozumel in San Miguel present a clear and detailed picture of the island’s flora, fauna, geography, geology and ancient Maya history. Thoughtful and detailed signs in English and Spanish accompany the exhibits. It’s a good place to learn about coral before hitting the water, and it’s one not to miss before you leave the island. A courtyard in the back contains a na (thatched Maya hut) with someone in attendance who will explain (in Spanish) the various elements that made up Maya domestic life: the toys, utensils, foodstuffs, a raised garden bed for kitchen herbs and more.
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Parque Punta Sur
The southern tip of the island has been turned into a rather overpriced ‘ecotouristic’ park. Visitors board an open vehicle for the 3km ride to visit picturesque Celarain lighthouse and the small nautical museum at its base. Another vehicle carries visitors to Laguna de Colombia, part of a three-lagoon system that is the habitat of crocodiles and many resident and migratory waterfowl. Crocs can be seen (when they feel like it) from shore, via a trail through mangroves or a bridge over the lagoon.
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Parque Chankanaab
A popular snorkeling spot, especially when cruise ships are in port, is Parque Chankanaab. However, there’s not a lot to see in the water beyond some brightly colored fish and deliberately sunken artificial objects. The beach is a nice one, though, and 50m inland is a limestone lagoon surrounded by iguanas and inhabited by turtles. You’re not allowed to swim or snorkel here, but it’s picturesque all the same. The beach is lined with palapas and fiberglass lounge chairs, and you can rent snorkel and dive equipment.
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Maya Complex
This Maya complex is Cozumel’s only preserved ruins, and a prime example of the local government’s efforts to milk dollars out of cruise-ship passengers. San Gervasio is thought to have been the site of the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and thus an important pilgrimage site at which Maya women – in particular prospective mothers – worshipped. But its structures are small and crude, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards.
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San Gervasio
This Maya complex is Cozumel’s only preserved ruins, and a prime example of the local government’s efforts to extract dollars out of cruise-ship passengers. San Gervasio is thought to have been the site of the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and thus an important pilgrimage site at which Maya women worshipped. But its structures are small and crude, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards.
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Punta Molas
Head northeast, fellow traveler, and you'll find yourself at the deserted lighthouse of Punta Molas. But take a 4WD, as this point isn't the easiest to reach. You'll want to fill up that gas tank and be prepared - there isn't much traffic around here to flag down for help. Once in the vicinity, you'll find some fairly good beaches and some minor ruins. The best camping spot along the road is at the lovely Playa Bonita
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Playa Palancar
Palancar is one of the island's nicest publicly accessible beaches. There's a beach club that rents hydro bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear and sailboats, plus a restaurant and a dive operation. Nearby Arrecife Palancar (Palancar Reef) has some very good diving and snorkeling spots.
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