Cozumel Family Vacations 3

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Things to Do with Kids on Cozumel, Pt. 3 Exploring the Culture
Photo courtesy of Don Householder

 
 
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This elderly gent spends most afternoons sweeping up the framboyan blossoms that fall on the pavement in Plaza del Sol. His two grandkids were with him that day but darted out of the picture too fast for our photographer..

One of the things that really sets Cozumel apart from other vacation spots on the Mayan Riviera is the island's only city, San Miguel. Unlike so many tourist destinations where small cities have sprung up purely to serve the needs of the big resorts and hotels, San Miguel, population approximately 90,000, has been flourishing since the 60's as a fishing and diving community. And despite the recent influx of "outsiders", this small city has managed to retain it's unique Mayan/Spanish character.

It's also an extremely safe place visit. This makes Cozumel an ideal perfect spot for introducing children of every age to the sights, sounds and flavors of a different and fascinating culture.

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Even infants can get something out of downtown San Miguel where they'll definitely be cooed over by the locals, who adore and pamper children. Take your baby or preschooler down to the big central Plaza (zólaco) where they can enjoy the fountains

ABOVE: Mama pulled out all the stops getting this little 'angelito" ready for Carnaval 2000. Another great time to meet cute kids sporting their finest--Sunday evenings in San Miguel's Plaza del Sol.

 

The colorful buildings and the strains of salsa music and pan flute emanating from the outdoor cafes that surround this peaceful, shady square.

For a special treat, doll up your sweeties and take them to the Plaza to join in the traditional Mexican "paseo" where locals gather each Sunday around 8 PM to visit, flirt, dance to a local band-- and show off their cute kids who always come dressed to the nines in outfits featuring items like tiny, shiny shoes, lace headbands,gold earrings and colorful suspenders.
If you're travelling with older children or teens, you're all in for a treat. San Miguel is a great place to savor the sights, sounds and flavors of another country's culture-and in a very safe environment.

Just something as simple as a trip to the big, modern, Wal-Mart-like Chedraui grocery store will be an eye-opener for your kids. So much like stores in the US--and yet so different. With pulsing Latino music playing overhead, counters piled high with exotic looking candied fruits and nut bars and a certain cereal featuring "Tony the Tiger"--this time roaring in Spanish!

Behind the market you'll find Mayan women mixing, pounding and selling masa dough, which is used to make tamales and other dishes. Look for others selling fresh basil, epazote and cilantro and hand-rolling the balls of ground spices called recados that are so key to the fabulous Yucatecan cuisine. (See our Marketing Article for more information on this).

 
Or stop by San Miguel's old cemetery at the south end of Avenida 10 and show your kids the brightly decorated and carefully adorned family mausoleums with their shrines of fresh or artificial flowers-so different from what your kids may have seen back back home.

 

 
Want to explore the Mayan history of the island, not to mention learn more about the geology, flora and fauna. Then you'll want to check out Cozumel's little jewel of a museum, Museo De La Isla De Cozumel. It's located right on the waterfront between Calle 4 and 6.

 

There you'll find very attractive and informative exhibits on the history of Cozumel, Mayan culture and the ecology of the island. The shady front steps have a great view of the waterfront, too.

 

 

Exploring the Culture

WHERE TO GO:

The Downtown Plaza (especially on Sunday nights)

El Mercado (Avenida 25 and Salas) open 7 days/week 6 AM-noon

Museum (On the waterfront north of the ferry, between Calle 4 and Calle 6)

San Gervasio Ruins (Entrance is off the cross island road. You can't miss the sign.)

The Cemetery (Avenida 10 and Calle 11)

The Sports Field (Calle 11 and Avenida 40)

WHAT TO BRING:

Comfortable walking shoes,Large brimmed hat that ties Map of Cozumel which you can order from www.cancunmap.com Portable Spanish dictionary.