Cozumel today magazine by Manolo Alamilla Sandoval

Island Map

Downtown Map

History

Hotels in Cozumel

Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel Scuba Fest

Keren Juárez Mauss Ejecutiva de Cuentas Corporativas y Marketing

Seven Reefs to Dive

The Many Faces of Cozumel

Diseño D.G. Jose Manuel Alamilla Sandoval

Carnaval

El Cedral & Holy Cross

Sports in Cozumel

Fishing

Sacred Mayan Journey

Consulates in Quintana Roo

Moving Around Cozumel

Directory

Fundador Rafael Aguirre Rivera Directora General Lic. Clara E. Angulo López Subdirectora Arq. Paulina Aguirre Angulo Traducción Rafael Aguirre Angulo

Asesora Jurídica Lic. Teresa Aguirre Rivera Asistente Ejecutiva Leydi Carrillo Cupul Fotografía Ing. Sergio Sandoval Manolo Alamilla Cristian Poot Distribución Tirso Dzul Dzul Oﬁcinas Generales 5a Av. Sur, Condominios Villa Bonita, Torre 3, Suite 202. Col Centro. Cozumel, Quintana Roo. México. C.P. 77600 Tel: 52 (987) 872 0900 Movil: 52 ( 1 ) 987-876-1238 cozumeltoday@gmail.com “COZUMEL TODAY MAGAZINE”, REVISTA MENSUAL EDITADA Y PUBLICADA POR PUBLICIDAD DEL CARIBE. CON UN TIRAJE DE 5,000 EJEMPLARES MENSUALES DE DISTRIBUCIÓN GRATUITA. RESERVA NO. 2073-91 ANTE LA DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE DERECHOS DE AUTOR DE LA SECRETARÍA DE EDUCACIÓN PÚBLICA. CERTIFICADO DE TÍTULO NO. 3708, ANTE LA COMISIÓN DE LA SECRETARÍA DE GOBERNACIÓN. CERTIFICADO DE LICITUD DE CONTENIDO NO. 3131 ANTE LA SECRETARÍA DE GOBERNACIÓN DE FECHA DE 28 DE FEBRERO DE 1989.

For information, complaints and suggestions about tourist services in Cozumel, contact: Direccion / Adress: 5a Av. entre Juárez y 1a Sur. Altos Plaza del Sol Tel. (987) 869 0212 Horario / Schedule: Lun. a Vie. / Mon to Fri. 8am - 3pm

www.turismocozumel.com.mx

The Cozumel Chamber of Commerce welcomes you Cozumel. The businesses afﬁliated to the Chamber are established businesses that sell quality products and services to their customers. If you have any complaints about any of our members, please give us a call at: (987) 872 05 83 / 872 33 91 or send us an e-mail to: info@canacocozumel.com..mx

www.canacocozumel.com.mx

Emergency Taxi Cabs

066 872 0236 872 0041 Doctor 872 0103 Dentist 872 0808 Police 872 0092 Red Cross 872 1058 Hyperbaric Chamber 872 0103 U.S. Consulate 872 4574 044 987 876 0624 Cozumel Today

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The growth and decline of the Mayan civilization is an unforgettable part of the prehispanic history of Cozumel. Originally, the Mayans were established in Guatemala, ﬁfteen centuries before Christ. Their culture and inﬂuence then extended to the entire south: Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. In 200 ac, they began to build cities in the Yucatan Peninsula. The advanced Mayan culture hit its peak from the VII century until the IX century. They considered Cozumel to be a sacred sanctuary and called it “Cuzaam Luumil” which means land or place of the swallows. They later shortened these two words to “Cuzamil”. When the Spanish arrived, the name adapted phonetically from “Cuzamil” to “Cozumel”. In the Mayan culture, every woman was obligated to travel to the island at least once in her life to worship Ixchel, goddess of fertility. Ixchel was the wife of Itzamna, the

supreme Mayan lord of the skies of the night and of the day. The women, in general, before hitting puberty, would set on their peregrination to the island to ask Ixchel for fertility and for a joyful motherhood. To this date, in more than forty sites around the island, archeologists continue to unearth small dolls that were once sacrificed in the fertility rituals. In the X century, the Mayan population began to decline. Experts speculate that the diminution is attributed to famine, plague, and civil disturbances within the culture. A primary influence was the aggressive Toltec tribe that invaded from Campeche and throughout the west. They were natural warriors, in contrast to their Pacific predecessors. Many of the Mayans lost their life in the battle or were sacrificed, while some assimilated the conquering tribe. Around the XII century, the Toltec cult (Feathered Serpent) dominated the Mayan

culture. Three centuries of confrontations between the two cultures ended in 1540 with the Spaniards invasion of the Yucatan Peninsula. In 1567, the last Mayan city, close to the Peten Lake, was taken by the Spaniards, who put an end to the independence of an extraordinary culture. The Spanish arrived in Cozumel for the ﬁrst time in 1518, before starting their conquest of the New World. In this year, Juan de Grijalva arrived peacefully, from Cuba. A year later, he would be followed by the infamous Herman Cortes. The Spaniards constructed a small church near to where the airport is currently located. Cortes destroyed many of the Mayan temples; when he left the island in 1530, the native civilization was in ruins. Unfortunately, one of the crew members of the ship had had smallpox, a disease that until this moment had not existed in America. The resulting epidemic killed thousands. In 1518 there was

a population of 20,000, but this was quickly reduced to 3000 by 1526, 300 by 1570, and by 1600 the island had been completely abandoned. The next two centuries passed by peacefully, with the exception of the Pirates who used Cozumel as a base of operations, including the infamous Henry Morgan and Jean Lafﬁte. In 1848, the people sought refuge from the “War of the Castes” on the Yucatan Peninsula, took refuge on the island. This often violent battle was an effort to recuperate the Mayan land of the creoles; it culminated with the surrendering of the Mayan villages before the government troops of Yucatan in 1910. Important agriculture reforms and the liberty of the indians resulted in the revolution of 19101917. By 1970, the population of Cozumel reached 10 000. Today, there are more than 75 000 people living on this paradisiacal island.

“THE JEAN-MICHEL COUSTEAU ROUTE” Through his son Jean-Michel Cousteau, we will honor the memory of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the man who opened our eyes to the undersea world. Having explored the magniﬁcent Cozumel coral reefs, he declared “Cozumel is one of the best diving sites in the world, thanks to its visibility and profusion of marine life.” He made Cozumel famous in The Americas as well as in Europe. Jacques Cousteau was the co-inventor of the autonomous breathing regulator system SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus), or Aqua Lung. With this innovative device, he pioneered our discovery of the

Cozumel is recognized as one of the best diving locations in the world; a true marvel beneath the water. The majority of visitors come to the island to explore the one of a kind reefs Cozumel boasts. For this reason, there are many diving operators that offer their services. During the high tourist season, the demand increases dramatically and the diving operators follow suit, increasing their availability throughout this time to accommodate the rising numbers of tourists. Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel (National Marine Park) was created by a presidential decree on the 19th of July 1996 with the aim to preserve the vast submarine ecosystem and it’s great biodiversity. This park covers approximately 85% of the diving sites around Cozumel. Starting in Paraiso Reef, the National Marine Park follows the southwest coast and continues around the island’s cost until Punta Chiqueros. Some of

the most famous reefs in Cozumel are Palancar, Colombia, Santa Rosa, Punta Sur, and Paso del Cedral. To dive among the reefs, you can stay in the shallows along the coastline or follow steep inclinations of enormous walls of coral as they descend into the shadowy depths. Cozumel also boasts beautiful diving sites outside of the Marine Park; however, it is important to ask your diving operator about where these are located. Diving in Cozumel is characterized mainly by the great variety of reefs, their depth, and favorable currents in which they are found. Not only do these reefs offer adventure for all levels of certiﬁcation, the submarine ecosystem is one of the most beautiful and accessible in the world! Scuba diving in Cozumel is also characterized by the high visibility; the astonishing formations of coral reefs and the vast variety of marine life which lives among them are visible for up to 100 meters (110

yards) below the ocean’s surface. Before diving, it is recommended to contact one of our many diving operators, who are recognized for and can guarantee an amazing diving experience. You should ensure that the operator you choose is regulated by the local and federal authorities. Regulated operators are concerned about their reputation; their priority is to give you the best diving experience of your life while also ensuring your safety. If you want to dive in Cozumel, you need to have a valid certification card. Make sure you bring this with you. If you’re not a certified diver, the local businesses offer classes and diving for all levels of certification. If for any reason, you are not able to dive, there are many other ways to discover and enjoy the submarine ecosystems of Cozumel. You might enjoy a voyage on a glass bottomed ship or a trip in an old fashioned submarine.

undersea world, and created his extraordinary book and ﬁlm “The Silent World”. From aboard his legendary ship Calypso, Jacques Cousteau, his wife Simone and his sons JeanMichel and Philippe dove and explored around the world. As a tribute to these diving pioneers, the Scuba Fest organizers created in 2013 the “Jean-Michel Cousteau Scuba Fest Underwater Route in Cozumel”. This extraordinary route comprises nine dives among the best sites around the Island. It begins at la Francesa-Simone Cousteau reef, named to honor Jean-Michel’s mother, Mrs. Simone Cousteau, ﬁrst woman diver and wife of Jacques Cousteau. At the end of the four consecutive days the divers will

receive a commemorative logbook and will be named Ambassadors for

Reef Conservation. www.cozumelfest.com

Paraíso - Paradise A series of three separate reefs running parallel to shore approximately 200 yards out. This is one of the few reef areas accessible to beach divers. All three sections have abundant marine life including octopi and the reclusive Splendid Toad Fish that live only in Cozumel waters. Paradise Reef is the most popular spot for night dives. Yucab A beautiful dense, low profile ribbon of corals and sponges that is full of life and color. The widest variety of reef fish can be found here in large quantities daily. Grouper and barracuda usually hang out with divers as they drift with the current. Chankanaab A long continuous band of colorful coral reef filled with cracks, crevices and holes that attract all sorts of marine life looking for shelter. There are sand rays under the coral ledges, stonefish and scorpion

fish as well as splendid toadfish and lots of trigger and tang fish. There is an incredible quantity of very large sized lobster and crab in this area. There are also octopuses that are typically shy in daylight, making this a superb choice for night dives. San Francisco San Francisco begins on the Southern end of the Old San Francisco Beach. This half-mile reef is broken into three sections, separated by about 60 yards of sand. This is one of the shallowest wall dives and it is loaded with life. Skim along between 35 and 50 feet and enjoy the big grouper and playful green moray eels. Santa Rosa Exploring these healthy patches of coral teeming with fish and sponges is an excellent way to end a deep wall dive or to do as shallow second dive. Drift over the pure white sandy bottom from area to area in a relatively mild current since the large formations along the wall pro-

vide some protection to the coral patches in the shallows. Sponges are abundant as well as a variety of hard corals, angel fish, box fish, snapper and lots of trigger fish populate this area. Very photogenic area with the light reflecting off the sandy bottom. Palancar Gardens An excellent first dive for those not yet confident in their dive skills or perhaps someone who has been a few years without diving. The coral formations are very colorful and have literally hundreds of species of coral jammed together with purple and orange sponges interspersed. Calm currents typically prevail allowing maximum photo opportunities. Many crevices with colorful reef fish and banded cleaner shrimp.

dive in order to clear your computer. Since divers’ multi level through this area, turtle sightings are common. Often during nesting season, as many three different species of turtle can be spotted: Hawksbills that do not nest in Cozumel but migrate through and then Green and Loggerheads, which do nest here from May through September. Big barracuda and jacks are typically all around for those with a keen eye.

Maracaibo Even though this is a deep area, it is referred to as “the shallows” because it is the ﬂat sandy area inland from the wall. This is a superb area to drift over after doing the wall

Shopping The island of Cozumel offers a great variety of Mexican handicrafts from different regions of the country. Simply walking down the avenue Rafael E. Melgar, you can discover our stores which carry brand name perfumes and casual clothes from around the world. You can also find a wide variety of fine watches with prices free of taxes. It is not recommended to buy silver from the street vendors. By buying articles in prestigious stores, you will find the best quality in their collection. They will also guarantee this metal, including the precious stones and other gems or diamonds. Cozumel is a port free of taxes, and for this reason, the city has bargain prices on different products: from French perfumes to Swiss watches…from Mexican art to handcrafts made out of the sea. You can also find a large number of stores specializing in informal beach clothing. Black coral is the most famous product on the island, but you will also find beautiful designs in silver, turquoise, gold, and other precious stones. The most prestigious stores are found on the main street, close to the ocean and near the main plaza.

Dinner The restaurant industry is very prestigious in Cozumel. The island has more than one hundred establishments and as such there is a wide variety of restaurants that span the spectrum from exclusive to the more accessible; all boast polite and friendly service. If you have only tried Mexican food in your home country, you’re in for a big surprise. Authentic Mexican food is different than the regular Tex-Mex variety that is served in many countries. Mexican food is characterized by the great variety of plates originating from all the regions of the country, all of which are found in all of our restaurants. However, traditional Mexican food is not the only option. Lobster is one of the most famous plates in Cozumel. The Island also has an ample variety of ﬁsh and seafood from the Caribbean. In addition, there are restaurants specializing in Argentinean, Italian, and many other international cuisines. Tourism There are various places of interest in Cozumel, including the Museum of Cozumel, situated in the main street, where you will

have the opportunity to learn about everything from the ancestral Mayan culture to the immigrants who lived on the island during the XIX century. There is also an ample variety of parks and attractions such as: El Faro Celarain Park, Punta Sur Park, San Gervasio Ruins, El Cedral, and Chankanaab Park. A visit to most of these places is easily arranged through any one of the many vacation agencies, or if you prefer you can get to any of the destinations by taxi or you could rent a vehicle with one of the many car rental services available. Nightlife The night life in Cozumel starts as the sun sets, when the sky is illuminated with a notable variety of colors. There are different types of bars situated principally on the avenue Rafael E. Melgar and in the center park. These all have friendly service and offer a wide variety of cocktails and other prepared drinks typical of Mexico and the Caribbean. Imagine yourself enjoying the beautiful sunset next to the ocean, surrounded by good company, a friendly atmosphere, and great music!

If you are looking for a more entertain atmosphere and you like to dance until sunrise, the night life in Cozumel will suit you well. You can enjoy the company of the local people and other tourists. Live music, dancing, good drinks, and great friends are some of the many options that are offered in Cozumel as the sun dips below the horizon. The grand majority of these places are found on the main avenue, where you can enjoy the atmosphere and a Mexican style party, with a wide range of live music that encompasses everything from the classic and modern artists to the typical sounds of the Caribbean, like cumbia, merengue, and salsa. Allow yourself to let go and dance with your friends until the sunrise as you enjoy the Cozumel night life.

Cozumel’s carnival is the most important carnival in southeastern Mexico, it has the magic of the Caribbean and the warmth of the people of Cozumel. History tells us that the Carnival festivities originated from ancient rites devoted to the gods of wine and ﬂesh. Many countries have banned carnivals in the past due to excesses in the festivities. Every year in February, the island of Cozumel turns upside down. The decorated streets are ﬁlled with music and dancing. Two weeks prior to the King and Queen Election Ball, the streets begin to warm up. The candidates begin to campaign on the radio and in the streets, trying to get the people to vote for them. During this time, the Benito Juarez Park Plaza is full of specialty stands that offer a wide range of merchandize and typical foods. The Election Day arrives in a big party atmosphere, normally on a Saturday, the candidates perform

their show with their comparsas and attendees are able to vote for their favorite candidates. The next day, the new King and Queen of Carnival perform for the public at Benito Juarez Park. Over the next week, comparsas perform all over town; there are special events to elect the Best Children’s Comparsa, the Queen of the Neighborhood, the Best School Comparsa, and more. Finally, the main parades take place on the following Saturday, Sunday, and Carnival Tuesday, along waterfront on Rafael Melgar Avenue. After each parade, you may dance until dawn at the Benito Juarez Park. Carnival in Cozumel is a very special festival because it is the result of the people of Cozumel. Schools, employees, neighbors, all organize to make their costumes, decorate their cars, and rehearse the dances they will perform. Carnival is truly a community and family event that is deep in the roots of Cozumel.

In 1847 the Mayans went to war in the Yucatan Peninsula, in what is known as the Caste War. Knowing that the Mayans were very close, Casimiro Cardenas looked for shelter at a church in the town of Saban. When the Mayans attacked, the shelter was useless, and many members of his party died in the attack. Casimiro, badly wounded and covered with blood, was holding a cruciﬁx in his hand. In a moment of consciousness, he made a promise, that if he ever reached a safe place and settled, for the rest of his life every year, he would hold a solemn service to honor the Holy Cross. The survivors of the attack continued their journey, among them the young Casimiro. They arrived on the Island of Cozumel and founded the village of El Cedral over the ruins of the ancient town of Oycib.

After settling, Casimiro fulfilled his promise and celebrated the first service to honor the Holy Cross. When Don Casimiro Caldenas died, his wife continued the religious festivities. Today, their descendants, the Cardenas Montero Family are keepers of the Festival of the Holy Cross of Saban. Years have passed and going to El Cedral with the family to celebrate the Holy Cross has become a tradition. In 1975 the authorities agreed with the Cardenas Family to include with the religious festivities commercial and recreational events. Today, the festival is the oldest in the State with 146 years of uninterrupted celebration. The Festival at El Cedral includes regional handicraft exhibitions, horse races, bull fights, rooster fights, gastronomy, and many cultural events.

Cozumel’s beaches, together with the climate and the varying breeze make the island the ideal spot to practice aquatic sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. In some seasons, the west side of the island is ideal for surfing. Thanks to the breathtaking marine ecosystem surrounding the island, snorkeling and diving are are very popular sports which can be practiced on both sides of the island. For your safety, and for the

preservation of the ecosystems, ensure that you always dive with certiﬁed operators and tour guides. It’s very common to see people practicing different sports on the main street and around the island. This has inspired the government to host marathons and triathlons for the local community and has likewise attracted many international events. There are triathlons like the Full Ironman, ironman 70.3, Cozumel ITU Triathlon World Cup, the FINA

Cozumel has a large sport fishing industry that takes place outside of the protected areas, which contain the world famous Cozumel reefs. Sport Fishing excursions are available on the island and the majority of the diving operators offer them. Most operators offer fishing packages for both excursions: full or half day. The operator supplies everything from bottled water, drinks, fruit, light snacks, beers, and lunch, depending on the package you purchase and the duration of the trip. All the necessary fishing equipment is normally included, but we do invite you to bring along your own equipment if you so choose. Best of all, your catch is yours to eat! The sport fishing zone in Cozumel mainly uses a technique called trawling. There are many factors which play into having a successful sport fishing excursion. It is a

near guarantee, however, that an operator with a captain and a good crew, made up of seasoned guides and expert fishermen, will make for a successful trip; most of these men were born and raised on the island and know where the best fishing is to be had. There are fishing tournaments in Cozumel every year; some have

Open Water Swimming Grand Prix, and the bicycle marathon Gran Fondo New York in Cozumel, which all take place throughout the year.

become an island tradition. The main ﬁshing event is: The Mexican Boat Rodeo, and the Torneo de Pesca Internacional, they take place during the month of may. The number of participants continues to grow each year and has made these ﬁshing tournament one of the most prestigious in the Caribbean.

The Sacred Mayan Journey is an event that recreates one of the most ancient traditions of the Mayan culture; the yearly pilgrimage of the Mayan oarsmen, who braved the ocean on their canoes and crossed to the island of Cozumel to worship the goddess Ixchel by taking offerings and in search of her divine message for the Mayan people. It’s the beginning of a New Era, a new cycle of abundance represented by corn, sustenance

of all humanity, and symbol of the dawning of civilized life and human wisdom. On the Sacred Mayan Journey the oarsmen embark at Xel-Há and arrive at Chankannaab, in Cozumel; the next day they’ll depart once again to end their journey in Xcaret, taking with them the message of the goddess Ixchel. You and your family can enjoy this incredible event every year at Xel-Há and Xcaret, majestic

parks located in the shores of the Mexican Caribbean in Tulum and the Riviera Maya respectively and both very close to Cancun. These are places where the beauty of nature, cultural richness and the most representative traditions of Mexico blend perfectly. Enjoy a snorkel paradise with fun activities and more than 30 attractions in Xel-Há; and at Xcaret experience an incredible display of folklore and music, with more than 300 artists in

the “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular“ presentation; and more than 40 attractions, besides music, ceremonies declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as well as exquisite buffet-style Mexican cuisine.

XEL-HA Was an ancient Mayan port, Xel-Ha is now a wonderful ecological and recreational park. It has two lagoons that are connected, which create a huge natural pool ideal for swimming and snorkel. Its dolphin swim program as well as several other activities –sea trek, scuba diving, bird-watching and visits to some Mayan vestiges- make Xel-Ha a real world of natural beauty. TULUM Tulum is a fortified Mayan city. Its buildings take possession of piles of stone facing the Caribbean Sea on one of its wildest versions. Brilliant turquoise waves challenge and dazzle under the intense sun. In Tulum, pathways from a handful of Mayan peoples living still governed by ancient traditions converge going to downward the coast. There are dyed red soil communities that protect its tranquility under the sweet shade of orange trees, flamboyants, murrayas and maculix. COBÁ Cobá means “muddy waters”. There are five cenotes surrounding this Mayan city as mysterious dark eyes opening to the sky and the sun, and keeping its waters with jungle thicket untouched. In Cobá, nature governs time and struggles to split stones. Here you can witness the battle of archeological remains making its way through time to come to us and offer us understanding. Moisture and warm wind will only increase the explorer spirits of those who visit Cobá. SIAN KA’AN Sian Ka’an, “where the sky is born” or “heaven’s gift”, has one of the unique biodiversity in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which guarantees its preservation. In the company of local guides, you can discover the magic that naturally surrounds the Riviera Maya’s exuberance. XCARET Located 10 kilometers from Playa del Carmen, on the ancient Mayan port Polé, Xcaret is the most famous eco-archaeological park in Mexico. It has underground rivers, inlets for snorkeling, Mayan vestiges, a regional wildlife breeding farm, a butterfly pavilion, a turtle farm, a Jaguar island, a manatee area, interactive programs with dolphins, sharks and rays, and a bat cave. In all, it boasts 53 activities and spectacular Mexican show at night. PLAYA DEL CARMEN Playa del Carmen is a Cosmopolitan city were residents from all over the world interact, forming a multicultural community and creating a vibrant atmosphere –mainly on Fifth Avenue where plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, clothing stores, handcrafts, jewelry shops and exclusive boutiques abound-. Its atmosphere, beaches, golf courses, water sports and the fact that is close to many ecological parks and archaeological sites, make Playa del Carmen a unique place for tourism. CANCUN The most important tourist destination from Mexico and one of the most well-known worldwide, features and incredible hotel infrastructure and the incomparable beauty of its beaches. The Hotel Zone measuring 30 kilometers –with villas, five-star hotels and exclusive resorts and spas, its modern shopping malls, its more than 500 restaurants with sophisticated national and international cuisine, its spectacular bars and nightclubs and its water sports, make Cancun the ideal paradise for fun

Most countries have an honorary consulate in Quintana Roo. If your country is not on the list, please check in your Foreign Affairs website. UNITED STATES: Cancun (998) 883 0272 Emergencies 01 (998) 845 4364 CANADA: Cancun (998) 883 3360 Playa del Carmen (984) 803 2411 Emergencies 01 800 7062 900 FRANCE: Playa del Carmen 984 803 1899 Emergencies 044 (984) 112 3472 GERMANY: Cancun 998 884 1898 Emergencies (998) 887 2127 GREAT BRITAIN: Cancun 998 881 0100

ARGENTINA: Cancun (998) 887 4930 BELGIUM: Cancun (998) 892 2512 Emergencies (998) 845 3002 BELIZE: Chetumal (983) 285 3511 Emergencies 045 (983) 125 4213 BRASIL: Cancun 998 883 1602 FINLAND: Cancun 998 887 5998 PORTUGAL: Cancun 998 884 2735 Emergencies (998) 152 0829

ITALY: Cancun 998 884 5415 Playa del Carmen 984 803 4714 Emergencies 045(984)116 4241

SPAIN: Cancun 998 848 9992

NETHERLANDS: Cancun 998 500 1653 Emergencies (998) 874 3297

SWITZERLAND: Cancun 998 884 8446 Emergencies (998) 279 7751

SWEDEN: Cancun 998 881 0631