By Sarah Sekula, published in Caribbean Travel & Life
Spend a long weekend exploring Cozumel, Mexico. We have it all planned out for you.
Day One
Make a beeline for Chankanaab National Park where you can snorkel next to limestone cenotes. Get there early to stake out some shade under a palapa, then explore the Maya ruins and visit the botanical gardens. Post immediately for instant #vacationenvy. Enjoy dinner at Casa Mission, an impressive colonial-style Mexican and seafood restaurant featuring live music every night of the week.
Day Two
Visit San Gervasio, an archaeological site paying tribute to lxchel, goddess of fertility and love. Lunch on lobster crepes at Pepe’s. Then, stroll Cozumel’s city center with stops at El Mercado, the island’s traditional market, and the town square, to sit under the shade of flamboyan tree. Big appetites will love Rolandi’s Cozumel, a cozy Italian restaurant that locals have frequented for the past 30 years.
Day Three
Dive or snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world. Then take your pick of beaches on the eastern shore, like Punta Morena, Punta Chiqueros, Playa Bonita and Playa Chen Rio. These beaches are typically less crowded than those on the west side. Lunch at Pancho’s Backyard for fresh guacamole, famous black-bean soup, fish tacos, fajitas and the perfect margarita.