Vacation to the Riviera Maya this summer!

Ready for your vacation to the Riviera Maya this summer

Summer time means fun, sun and living easy, right?!  Well I guess that all could depend on you and where you decide to spend your Summer vacation because some places are just not as fun as others.  If you are wanting to guarantee your summer vacation a success then you have got to take your summer vacation to the Riviera Maya! There are always so many great things to do in Cozumel and throughout the Riviera Maya. So here are a some reasons why a summer vacation to the Riviera Maya is one of your best bets for a great summer vacation!

Riviera Maya tours to Mayan Ruins

There is always so much going on throughout the year all over and the best things to do in the Riviera Maya never end really.  So one of the most popular Riviera Maya Activities is definitely the Mayan Ruin tours in the Riviera Maya.  The mayans were known for their mathematical and astronomical systems and so forth. The Riviera Maya is littered with Mayan Ruins and sites. The most popular Mayan Ruins in the area are Tulum and Chichen Itza.  So there are not many questions as to why a visit to the Mayan Ruins in the Riviera is one of the most popular Riviera Maya Activities.

Riviera Maya Cultural Parks and Eco Parks

With all of the ties in the Riviera to the Mayan Culture it is no wonder that there will be no

Xplor Park Playa del Carmen

shortage of great Cultural Parks throughout the Riviera Maya.  Many of these Cultural and ecological parks are definitely worth seeing and are located around Playa del Carmen such as Xel-Ha and also Xcaret.  In Cozumel you can make a day trip from the Riviera Maya and experience some of the wonderful experiences that Discover Mexico, Cozumel’s top Cultural Park has to offer as well. There are many other great eco parks and Cultural Parks in Playa del Carmen so don’t miss out.

Extreme tours and Adventure Tours in the Riviera Maya

If you are not as into cultural and relaxation type of activities don’t fret because there are still plenty of great Things to do in Playa del Carmen and Riviera.  If you want to get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy off-roading then there aree numerous ATV and off-road tours in Cozumel and throughout the Riviera Maya.  Like Dune Buggy Adventour located in Cozumel!  There are also plenty of other great unique adventure tours in Cozumel such as learning to Kiteboard, scuba Diving in Cozumel, Ziplining in the Riviera and more! Flyboarding is definitely on the rise in popularity and something that I am still eager to try out as anything like that is definitely appealing for myself.

There are some many great Things to do in Playa de Carmen and Cozumel that the possibilities are endless!  Well that’s sums up some of the recommendations so that you can get a feel for why a Vacation to the Riviera Maya is one of your best options for an unforgettable summer vacation.

What are some unique and interesting things to do in the Riviera Maya that you love?  Let us know and we may feature your picks in a future article!  Also don’t forget that we have another Alejibre Market coming up this weekend at Discover Mexico Park for all of you that want to check that out here is a post from a recent blog on a past Alebrije Market in Cozumel!

 

Things to do in Cozumel – Discover Mexico

Things to do in Cozumel during May

When you are planning your vacation to Cozumel you have to take into consideration all of the many great activities and Things to do in Cozumel especially during one very popular month of the year to be in Mexico which is May! We here at Discover Mexico like to provide you with great Cozumel travel tips so that you have a great time here in Cozumel. So with that iin mind here are some great Cozumel travel tips for you guys looking for great things to do in Cozumel!

Cozumel Travel Tips 

Cozumel  is famous for its white sandy beaches and dense, green forests.
The Mexican island hosts the world’s most lively nightlife and scuba diving classes. If you want to enjoy endless hours of Margarita and amazing food, you should travel to Cozumel in Mexico. This is undeniably a fine summer destination. Some of the best spots in Cozumel include its Mayan ruins and diving sites. These sites can be accessed easily from anywhere. Of course, there is spectacular and never like before marine life in and around the Cozumel borders. If you are travelling to Cozumel during May, here are few things you should keep in mind.

Enjoy the Marine Life

First of all, you must explore through Cozumel’s marine life and colorful reefs. These sites are considered as some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Western Hemisphere. There are several miles of clean water with fresh marine life. To be more precise, you will come across 200 miles of pure Barrier reefs and prestigious coral reefs. Sea life is rich across Cozumel’s shores too! This is certainly a rare sight that cannot be seen or experienced elsewhere.  This can be enjoyed in many different ways from snorkeling, to diving in Cozumel or even fishing in Cozumel.  Either way enjoy the beautiful blue sea.

Visiting the Mayan Ruins

Cozumel in May becomes very lively around the Mayan ruins. These ruins can be spotted at San Gervasio. The entire place is swallowed by tourists who wish to experience old cultures and traditions. One of the island’s key elements would be the temple of Ix Chel. This is also known as the “Rainbow temple”. The goddess is strongly linked with health, medicines, water and the moon.

The Chankanaab National Park

Another intuitive spot in Cozumel would be the Chankanaab National Park. Here you will come across some of the world’s smartest dolphins. These creatures are carefully protected and preserved in fine conditions. The National Park is home to more than 350 species of marine life and tropical plants. The world famous Dolphin Discovery Company is based on Cozumel. This proves the richness of Cozumel – The Beautiful Mexican Island.

Food, Food and More Food!

Funky vibes and the ocean views of Cozumel are few other enchanting
features to be covered during your stay! There are many recognizable eateries in the Mexican island. These eateries specialize in selling spicy Mexican dishes, strong mocktails and classic Caribbean food. Of course, the ambiance keeps inviting more-and-more people into Cozumel. Some claim that it’s the view that keeps them attached to the Mexican island.

What’s a Molcajete?? – Cozumel Cultural Information

If you are a repeat visitor to Cozumel then that means that there is something bringing you back again and again. There could be many great and valid reasons that you love and continue to visit Cozumel.  Here at Discover Mexico Cozumel we hope that you are in love with Cozumel but also with our Native Mexican Culture. So due to our love for our culture we want to present you all to a very common item found in many homes everywhere in Mexico. So today we are talking about the Molcajete.

All about the Molcajete Bowl

The tejolote and molcajete play an important role in Mexican culture. These are antique Mexican kitchen utensils that represent the pestle and mortar. The kitchen utensil is extremely useful when you have to grind different types of foods like plant leaves and grains. Most Mexican spices are smashed using the molcajete. According to experienced chefs, this gives Mexican dishes a unique, authentic flavor and taste. When compared against many other kitchen utensils that are meant for blending, chopping and dicing, the molcajete is different and special.

The Beginning of Molcajete Bowls

One would be astonished to note that the molcajete has a history that dates back by thousands of years. To be more precise, the cooking utensil’s name is derived from Nahuatl words that were once spoken by ancient Mexicans. This proves the role played by molcajetes in Mexican cuisine and culture.

The molcajete is one of the very few kitchen utensils made of volcanic rock. The utensil has a very rough surface that makes it ideal for blending and grinding spices of different flavors. Apart from being a tool for blending and grinding, you can use the molcajete to serve dishes too. That makes the unique kitchen utensil a multi tasker!

The Knack in Using Molcajete Bowls

It is quite interesting to note that many Mexican restaurants specialize in preparing dishes using the molcajete. These restaurants use the kitchen utensil with lots of care and concern. For example, the molcajete is neatly filled to the brim and transformed into many scrumptious molcajete specials. This dish is ideal for preparing different varieties of seafood, beef, sauces, pork, shrimp, cheeses, chicken, cured meats and chorizo. Apart from handpicked meat varieties, the molcajete dishes are made of tomatoes, onions and napoles (cactus leaves). In the Molcajete restaurants you will be able to choose fresh tortillas and ingredients from the stone dish. These ingredients are neatly rolled into the tortillas and served. Of course, it would be a delight to see how the dish is prepared and served in its purest and most authentic form.

Serving in Style, Serving with Taste

Food from the molcajete bowl can be heated in a steaming hot oven. Moving on, the warm dishes are placed on traditional wooden trivets and served heartfully. Food on the wooden trivet stays fresh for a very long time. This is because molcajete bowls are designed to retain heat.

Well there you have some more information about the molcajete.  They make for great souvenirs however if you want to take one back with you make sure you have plenty of space in your suitcase because they can be a little on the heavy side.  So come find more Cultural Tours in Cozumel and your very own Molcajete on your next trip to Cozumel!

Our Top choices for great Snorkel Sites in Cozumel

Best Shore Snorkel Sites in Cozumel

Cozumel snorkel tours are extremely famous across the world. Located few miles away from the Caribbean coast, Cozumel is a beautiful island with crystal clear water, white beaches and eye catchy homes. The world’s largest reef system is found in this island. This makes Cozumel snorkel tours a dream site for everyone. Sea life is predominantly visible in this holiday destination. Above all, Cozumel will give you a never-like-before underwater experience. With this being said, here are top few snorkel sites in Cozumel.

The Colorful Paradise Reef

Most Cozumel Island Tours begin with the paradise reef. The entire area is broken into three parallel reefs that stretch 600 ft from the shore. Paradise reef enjoys a maximum depth of 50 ft and is home to make corals, fishes and shellfishes. You will be able to see fishes that replicate the colors of the rainbow in Paradise Reef. As you dive through these waters, be prepared to see the wonders of nature!

Stay Amazed at Palancar

Palancar is another snorkeling destination that can leave you amazed. It is situated in Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel. It is a fantastic spot to relax with your dear ones. Snorkeling and diving are identified as must-do activities at Palancar. The waters are home to barracuda, sharks and many more fishes. Indeed, Palancar proves to be a great destination for your next summer holiday.

Holiday at El Cielo

The list of Cozumel Island Tours will remain incomplete without “El Cielo”. The holiday destination is also known as the home of stars (what we mean here would be the star fishes)! If you are novice snorkeler, you should begin at El Cielo. It features clear, shallow waters with many phenomenal creatures.

The scrumptious Dzul- Ha

Another beautiful destination in the list of Cozumel snorkel tours would be “Dzul- Ha”. These waters are loaded with rays, lobsters, crabs and many other rare fishes. It is a wonderful place for snorkeling. Dzul-Ha lets snorkelers dive as deep as 10 to 15 feet. If you want to enjoy a meal underwater, you should visit Dzul-Ha.

Nemo and Chankanaab

Chankanaab is another wonderful place to snorkel. It is filled with jungles and Mayan ruins. The reef in Chankanaab is around 70 feet deep and 350 yards from the coastline. It is bold and beautiful with spectacular marine life and breath taking coral formations. Who knows you may find Nemo down here!

With all that said at the end of the day it is hard to go wrong with snorkeling in Cozumel as it is one of the best Dive sites in the world.  So Discover Mexico always loves giving you options and loves to have you visit us here in Cozumel.  So check out some any of the great Cozumel Activities that our island has to offer.  We’ll be waiting for your here in the Cozumel Cultural Park!

Carnaval Cozumel 2016

Festivities in Cozumel in Full Swing

It’s nearing the end of January and this month has been a month of plenty of commotion here in Cozumel, Mexico.  If you have been planning your Cozumel vacation and wondered what Cozumel activities might be taking place this month and next then you won’t be disappointed. If haven’t been to Cozumel during this time of year or at all then you might not have heard about Carnaval Cozumel.  Carnaval is a very popular festival that takes place every year not only here in Cozumel but throughout the Mexico and in some other parts of North and South America and even in many other parts of the world.

What is Carnaval Cozumel?

If you have heard of Carnaval before then chances are that you probably heard about the huge and likely one of the most famous Carnaval celebrations of them all is held in Rio de Janeiro.  The Carnaval in Rio is currently the Guiness record holder for the largest Carnaval celebration in the world as they have about 2 million people in attendace each day of Carnaval.  Now, it is no secret that Carnaval in Cozumel is not as huge as it is in Rio, nevertheless it is a huge deal for locals on the island and something that taken very seriously here in Cozumel.

Carnaval in Cozumel has been in celebration every year since 1873 and is always celebrated before Lent, which is a Catholic season that covers about six weeks representing the time that Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.  Carnaval in Cozumel is among the largest of the Carnaval celebrations in the Mexican Caribbean and is an explosion of color.  Carnaval is a 5 day festival with many different activities for Families and all those visiting the island.  During Carnaval Cozumel island locals and visitors will enjoy parades, traditional meals, live music and much more.

Carnaval Cozumel 2016

So what is going to be going on in 2016 for Carnaval in Cozumel?  Good question and the answer is there is plenty of things to do in Cozumel during Carnaval this year.  Every year the local officials try to do bring new performing artists and other ideas to Carnaval almost as if they are in competition with themselves from the year prior.  Carnaval competitions and events have often taken place further in town at a club called, “Moby Dick” and this year much to the chagrim of many locals these will be held right in downtown at the Municipal park right on the mainstreet. The city officials have constructed a temporary hall for such events in the hopes of allowing more tourists to see more of carnaval than what they may have missed in prior years, as the club where they were held is much further in town.

This year expect all the usual events such as Costume King competitions for different age groups, the Parades are the biggest events and with the most attendance, dance competitions, Concerts by popular Mexican Artists and much more.  The events begin mid January and Carnaval comes to an end on Feb 10th 2016.  For more information you can ask any of us at Discover Mexico Cozumel.  Here is a link to the Carnaval Cozumel 2016 events calendar courtesy of Cozumel insider.

Things to do in Cozumel during the Holiday season!

Spending Winter Holidays in Cozumel Mexico

Are you sick and tired of chilly winter celebrations? Do you want to warm up your winter

Winter Vacation in Cozumel is too good to be true!

holiday? Are you prepared to enjoy Mexican culture this December? If yes, Cozumel will be a wise pick for you. Traveling to Cozumel during cool winter seasons has become a hobby amongst many ardent travelers. The Caribbean destination has evolved to be an idyllic winter getaway that can keep and add more panache and glamour to the festive spirit. Cozumel is much more than a Caribbean Island. It has something interesting for everyone in the family, and this is true at all times of the year. Here are few interesting things to do in Cozumel during winter holidays. These activities should be a part of your Cozumel travel planning process.

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving!

If you are travelling to Cozumel, remember to snorkel or scuba dive. The pristine island is renowned for its striking scuba diving locations. And, the best part about scuba diving in Cozumel is that you don’t have to be a professional swimmer. The destination homes some of the world’s finest reef diving spots. Located few miles from the Yucatan Penninsula, Cozumel’s San Miguel is a must visit. Diving in Cozumel will undeniably be a pristine experience and one that you won’t soon forget.

Fun with Chocolate and Culture at Discover Mexico

Things to do in Cozumel will remain incomplete without some cultural activity mixed in there somewhere.   Talking to travellers one of the most common things to do to in Cozumel that they seem to be seeking is something off the beaten path and not so touristy.  Travellers now a day are becoming much more interested in not being pampered and living a truly authentic experience.  For that we can recommend our Joy or Chocolate tour right here at Discover Mexico. This tour will give you a chance to experience the joy of learning more about one of everybody’s favorite things, “Chocolate”; but not only that also more about  the Mayan Culture which is something definitely worth immersing yourself in while in Cozumel.

The Verdict

Travelling to Cozumel during winter holidays is an amazing move. The place is loaded with too many things to do! From diving to sightseeing to dune buggy rides, to Christmas Eve posadas to candlelit progressions, the island is lively and a colorful place to enjoy the festive season. So get out of the cold this winter and Cruise to Cozumel!

Not just another Tequila Tasting tour – Cozumel Tours

So you decided to ditch the boring neighborhood beaches and the same ol’ parks for a little bit of a fun while in Cozumel, Mexico. But you’ve been through the open bar and want more than just plain old tequila on your trip to Cozumel. Discover Mexico is that change on your Cozumel vacation that you were looking for. Discover Mexico is “the newest and most seen park in Cozumel that offers tourists a unique Cozumel Cultural experience. The park collects all the Mexican wonders in one place and allows discovering the most representative sites, styles and art crafts of our country. Our main goal is to show guests that Cozumel is not just another island in the Caribbean but it is part of a multi-diverse country, rich in culture and Natural Resources. The park represents the best opportunity to provide guests a whole picture of our country all while promoting tourism to other parts of Mexico.”

If you’re looking to delve deeper into the culture of Mexico and understand both its past and present, take a gander at the Video Experience Room. To see the actual arts and talents of the community, walk through the Popular Museum of Art. For an out of this world experience, take advantage of the Outdoor Walk Through Time and Space, “Explore Prehispanic, Colonial and Modern Mexican wonders on our beautiful outdoors walk with natural and exotic flora and fauna. Feel the excitement of going through time and space discovering one of the richest cultures of all times”.

To satisfy your sweet tooth or to cool off hit up  ice cream or tradition food and beverage cravings, hit up the Mercadito Corona Snack Bar to appease that appetite.  And all the venturing through the culture of Mexico has bound to get you looking to incorporate some of the arts into your life, into your house. It gives way to the perfect chance to buy something for yourself, or your family members and friends, through the Hand Crafts and Souvenir Shop.

For a more refined look when drinking up that tequila, go and get some lessons in tasting, through the Professional Tequila Tasting. Taste the various fine spirits, and be on your way to become a professional in the tasting of these delightful drinks.

A not to miss performance, one that you must entertain yourself to, is the Voladores de Papantla Ritual. The performance of voladores, or flying men, is a fertility ritual, a sight not to be missed if you are in the Cozumel region.

With our connection to so much of Mexican culture and history, you need not to give up on modern amenities, with our free wifi, taxi services, parking lot, all weather activity, a bilingual guide, and so on.

Don’t miss out on any of the opportunities to explore the culture and fun of Mexico, something that is impossible if you take advantage of the many activities and Cozumel Tours offered by the Discover Mexico Park. Come, from anywhere in the world, and immerse yourself in the culture of Mexico.

There are so many great Cozumel Tours in which to take part while on your Cozumel Vacation.  Just make sure that you check out Discover Mexico for guaranteed fun during your visit to Cozumel.  Contact us today for more information about any one of our unique Cozumel Tours or for info about anything Cozumel!  See you soon!