Share the article
Last updated
Cancun may be America’s favorite city south of the border, but it’s not the only sunny spot that deserves praise in the – much wider – Mexican Caribbean.
There is a small island just off the turquoise coast which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year because of its relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt nature. In fact, it is so special that it was recently awarded the biggest title that a tourist destination in Mexico can aspire to.
If you go to Mexico this fall, you will definitely have to pay the price trendy island of Cozumel a visit, and we give you 5 reasons why:
A quieter atmosphere
Whatever you want to call it, the Quintana Roo Coast or the Mayan Riviera, everyone seems to agree that Mexico’s easternmost coastal province might just be the most sought after in the countryand most luxurious resort area, but it is far from the most peaceful.
With Tulum’s world-famous party scene and Cancun’s busy nightlife attracting young, fun-loving travelers, it may not be the place to go if you want to spend some quality time with the family, kick back and enjoy the tropical nature .
Cozumel, on the other hand, has been known time and time again for its slow-paced lifestyle and less crowded resorts.
Besides Isla Mujeres, it is one of two Mexican-Caribbean relaxation oases outside the mainland. TripAdvisor experts mention no fewer than 10 best ‘quiet‘ resorts on sight.
Luxury wellness retreats
A firm favorite among visitors, the Iberostar Cozumel combines the best of Quintana Roo’s legendary entertainment industry. no lack of infrastructure in any way compared to Cancun Hotel Zone offers.
Here, guests also enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that characterizes Cozumel, with its small thatched-roof bungalows and vast native landscapes.
Other properties mentioned include the Cozumel Palace, which reviews say is ‘peaceful and quiet’, and the Melia Cozumel, one of the best in the hospitality giant’s portfolio, described by one TripAdvisor customer so well rested and ‘very chill’.
Cozumel is extremely safe
Finally, because Cozumel is an island municipality with a relatively small population, it does not suffer from problems of urbanization and gang activity as much as Cancun or other major mainland cities; there are only so many places where criminals can run and hide.
Although it is certainly not immune to crime, as pickpocketing is a common phenomenon, especially in tourist areas, it is still very safe compared to other Caribbean hotspotswhere civil unrest and rising crime rates have been reported this year.
The island’s authorities have also ensured a high level of public safety by deploying more police at beach and resort areas as early as possible. December last year as part of Quintana Roo’s robust security package, which includes stricter surveillance and zero tolerance towards petty criminals.
As a result, Crime rates are relatively lowespecially when compared to border areas between Mexico and the United States or Mexican states that are on the State Department’s Level 4 “no-go” list.
While vacationing in Cozumel, tourists can expect well-guarded resorts, safer streets, especially in San Miguel de Cozumel, the island’s scenic capital, and an increased coast guard presence, guaranteeing that they will arrive unscathed at the end of their trip come.
New direct flights from the US
While certainly paradise-like places, the Mexican islands are not exactly known for their excellent air connections, with several of them not even reachable by plane. Cozumel stands out as the only large island where flights from America take place.
With an extensive list of nonstop flight routes year-round and during peak season, it welcomes visitors from numerous U.S. cities and regions, taking advantage of affordable fares and greater seat availability, especially from December through April.
Passengers across America, including those in Austin – Texas, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and so on, can choose from several low-cost or full-service airlines that operate at affordable fares, with new exciting ones being launched every year.
2023 was no different, as flights between Atlanta and Minneapolis and Cozumel were recently reinstated with Delta Airlines due to increasing demand for Mexico vacations. At the same time, Canadians can now fly to the island from Toronto and Montreal with Air Canada and WestJet.
Cozumel is officially a magical city
Finally, Cozumel has officially been granted Magic City status, but what does this mean? even mean?
The decorative title, unique to Mexico and awarded by the Ministry of Tourism to the country’s most important tourist destinations, recognizes the important role in promoting Mexican culture at both national and global levels.
Aside from its world-class resorts, scenic beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, which would warrant a designation on its natural sights alone, it is a seriously underrated cultural destination with a rich and largely unexplored Mayan heritage .
It is the site of San Gervasio, one of the most fascinating Mayan ruins of the bygone pre-Columbian civilization. Located on the northern third of the island, it was a place of pilgrimage and sacrifice for the ancient people.
Through 16th-century writings attributed to Diego de Landa, then bishop of Yucatán, historians have learned that the Maya “held Cozumel in the same veneration” as the Christians held Jerusalem or Rome, and often came there to offer “gifts.”
Having met all the requirements to become a ‘Pueblo Magico’, such as having a robust tourist infrastructure, significant cultural offerings and a population of more than 20,000 inhabitants (Cozumel has approximately 90,000 inhabitants), it was confirmed as Mexico’s newest magical city recentlybringing visitors to the Mexican Caribbean another reason to add it to their bucket list.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
