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Cozumel, Mexico © Ricraider/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0
Cozumel, Mexico © Ricraider/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico © Ricraider/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0
Cozumel, Mexico © Ricraider/Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0
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Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great diving, nice people, safe streets, and prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations. The diving is the main draw to Cozumel; if you prefer white sandy beaches then other nearby destinations would be a better bet (e.g., Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, etc.).
History
The Maya are believed to have first settled Cozumel by the early part of the 1st millennium AD, and older Preclassic Olmec artifacts have been found on the island as well. The island was sacred to Ix Chel, the Maya Moon Goddess, and the temples here were a place of pilgrimage,... Read more
Cozumel, Mexico
Destination:
Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great diving, nice people, safe streets, and prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations. The diving is the main draw to Cozumel; if you prefer white sandy beaches then other nearby destinations would be a better bet (e.g., Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, etc.).
History
The Maya are believed to have first settled Cozumel by the early part of the 1st millennium AD, and older Preclassic Olmec artifacts have been found on the island as well. The island was sacred to Ix Chel, the Maya Moon Goddess, and the temples here were a place of pilgrimage, especially by women desiring fertility. There are a number of ruins on the island, most from the Post-Classic period. The largest Maya ruins on the island were near the downtown area and have now been destroyed. Today, the largest remaining ruins are at San Gervasio, located approximately at the center of the island.
The first Spanish expedition to visit Cozumel was led by Juan de Grijalva in 1518. In the following year Hernán Cortésstopped by the island on his way to Veracruz. The Grijalva and Cortés expeditions were both received peacefully by the Maya of Cozumel, unlike the expeditions’ experiences on other parts of the mainland. Even after Cortés destroyed some of the Maya idols on Cozumel and replaced them with an image of the Virgin Mary, the native inhabitants of the island continued to help the Spanish re-supply their ships with food and water so they could continue their voyages. Gerónimo de Aguilar was rescued at this time.
As many as 10,000 Maya lived on the island then, but in 1520, infected crew members of the Pánfilo Narváez expedition brought the smallpox contagion to the island and by 1570 only 186 men and 172 women were left alive on Cozumel. In the ensuing years, Cozumel was often the target of attacks by pirates, and in 1650 many of the islanders were forcibly relocated to the mainland town of Xcan Boloná to avoid the buccaneers’ predation. Later, in 1688, most of the rest of the island’s population, as well as many of the settlements along the Quintana Roo coast, were evacuated inland to towns such as Chemax.
In 1848, refugees escaping the tumult of the Caste War of Yucatán settled on the island and in 1849 the town of San Miguel de Cozumel was officially recognized by the Mexican government.
In 1861, American President Abraham Lincoln ordered his Secretary of State, William Henry Seward, to meet with the Mexican chargé d'affaires Matias Romero to explore the possibility of purchasing the island of Cozumel for the purpose of relocating freed American slaves offshore. The idea was summarily dismissed by Mexican President Benito Juarez, but in 1862 Lincoln did manage to establish a short-lived colony of ex-slaves on Île à Vache off the coast of Haiti.
Although the original airport was a World War II relic and was able to handle jet aircraft and international flights, a much larger airport was built in the late 1970s.
Scuba diving is still one of Cozumel's primary attractions, mainly due to the healthy coral reef marine communities. These coral reefs are protected from the open ocean by the island's natural geography. In 1996, the government of Mexico also established the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, forbidding anyone from touching or removing any marine life within the park boundaries. Despite the importance of healthy reefs to Cozumel's tourist trade, a deepwater pier was built in the 1990s for cruise ships to dock, causing damage to the reefs, and it is now a regular stop on cruises in the Caribbean.
The island was struck directly by two Category 4 hurricanes during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. In July, Hurricane Emily passed just south of Cozumel, exposing the island to the storm's intense inner core. Despite Emily being a powerful storm, it was the larger, stronger, slower-moving Hurricane Wilma that caused the most destruction when it hit the island in October. Wilma's eye passed directly over Cozumel.
There was some damage to the underwater marine habitat. This included the coral reefs, which suffered particularly at the shallower dive sites, and the fish that inhabit the reefs.
Economy
Tourism, diving and charter fishing comprise the majority of the island’s economy. There are more than 300 restaurants on the island and many hotels, some of which run dive operations, have swimming pools, private docks, and multiple dining facilities.Other water activities include para-sailing, kitesurfing, and a tourist submarine. There are also two dolphinariums. At the cruise ship docks, there are several square blocks of stores selling Cuban cigars, jewelry, T-shirts, tequila, and a large variety of inexpensive souvenirs.
San Miguel is home to many restaurants with a huge variety of different cuisines, along with several discothèques, bars, cinemas, and outdoor stages. The main plaza is surrounded by shops; in the middle of the plaza is a fixed stage where Cozumeleños and tourists celebrate every Sunday evening with music and dancing.
All food and manufactured supplies are shipped to the island. Water is provided by three different desalination facilities located on the island.
Climate
Cozumel has a tropical savanna climate under the Köppen climate classification that closely borders on a tropical monsoon climate. The dry season is short, from February to April, but even in these months, precipitation is observed, averaging about 45 millimeters (1.8 in) of rain per month. The wet season is lengthy, covering most of the months, with September and October being the wettest months, when precipitation averages over 240 millimeters (9.4 in). Thunderstorms can occasionally occur during the wet season. Temperatures tend to remain stable with little variation from month to month though the temperatures are cooler from December to February with the coolest month averaging 22.9 °C (73.2 °F). Owing to its proximity to the sea, the island is fairly humid, with an average humidity of 83%. The wettest recorded month was October 1980 with 792 millimeters (31.2 in) of precipitation and the wettest recorded day was June 19, 1975, with 281 millimeters (11.1 in). Extremes range from 9.2 °C (48.6 °F) on January 18, 1977 to 39.2 °C (102.6 °F).Source:
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/
Cozumel
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Cozumel, Mexico: Port Information
There are three different piers in Cozumel:
- The International Pier. It is a 10-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute walk from downtown Cozumel. If the weather is too hot, it's better to take a taxi. If the line to take a cab is too long, go to the street, turn left to the hotel, and catch a cab there.
- The Punta Langosta Pier. It is located in the heart of Cozumel (in the downtown). Everything is within walking distance.
- Puerto Maya. Most Carnival's liners dock here. It is located near the International Pier. You also need to take a cab or to walk to the town center.
Get around Cozumel, Mexico
Walk, rent a car, or take a taxi; there is no public transit out of town. The docks are saturated by pushy agencies trying to lure you into car rentals and activities. The younger travelers or anyone who has free time may want to take them up on their offer. Always check first so you are not getting scammed but it is usually just a timeshare offer. Speaking Spanish will get you a discount 95% of the places if you ask. Like the rest of Cozumel, they accept US Dollars at the current exchange rate.
Car Rentals
It should be mentioned that the majority of traffic accidents that befall tourists involve scooters (known locally as "motos"). These accidents seem to be due to a few factors:
- Some inexperienced riders expect that if they can drive a car, then they can drive a scooter.
- Some riders are unfamiliar with driving practices and conditions in Mexico.
- Roads are not always in the best condition, and potholes are generally unmarked.
- Scooters offer substantially less protection from accidents than anything with four wheels.
- Many accidents are also caused by tourists having too many alcoholic drinks and then driving "motos."
Scooters can be a great way to explore the island, but should only be driven by experienced riders. If you are not experienced, please do not rent them.
- Ernestos Rental, Carretera costera sur km4 (Right Across from Park Royal hotel), ☎ +52 98787-112233, e-mail: ernesto@ernestosrental.com. 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM. Scooter and Jeep rentals.
What to see in Cozumel, Mexico
Most visitors travel to Cozumel to dive and see its wonderful underwater life. While there are quite a few beach clubs that offer snorkeling, the main attractions are the reefs offshore and the multiple dive shops and operations are always ready to take you there.
The main town, San Miguel, and dive operations are on the west side of the island, but if you rent a car or scooter then the east side of the island is the place to go. The east side of the island is mostly undeveloped, but there are beautiful beaches, big waves, and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blow holes. (Be aware that the waves and attendant undertows can make swimming on the east side very dangerous, however.) You will also find a restaurant on the beach every few kilometers.
San Gervasio
", an inland site a few miles north of the "Carretera Transversal" highway. Another site is located near the village of El Cedral, inland from the "Carretera Costera Sur" highway. InPunta Sur Park
, at the southern tip of the island, there is the "El Caracol" temple, believed to have been used as a lighthouse by the Mayans.What to do in Cozumel, Mexico
Scuba Diving
Cozumel is one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the western hemisphere. The island abounds with dive shops, most willing to give you a scuba class (resort course) and take you out if you are not yet certified. Most dive sites are located well south of the city proper, as are a number of dive shops if you want a short boat ride. Most diving in Cozumel is drift diving, where you are dropped off by the boat at the beginning of the dive, are carried along the reef by the current, and picked up at the end of your dive by the boat. There is some shore diving, but it is limited compared with what you can enjoy further out and places like Palancar Reef and the walls. Along with other marine life Divers are able to see Seahorses and Eagle Rays and Turtles, especially during Turtle Nesting season, sees large numbers of Turtles on Cozumel's beaches during nesting seasons.
- Aldora Divers. Training, certification and fast 6 person boats with high capacity steel tanks and long surface intervals, usually at Palancar Beach Club. Rental equipment. Nitrox available. Villa Aldora room and suite rentals.
- Aqua Safari. Training, certification and two types of daily dive trips (fast or large boat). Good company but they tend to pack more people on a dive trip (up to 16 on the big boats). When the wind is blowing and the small boats cannot go out, their seaworthy boats often still can provide service. They also have an 8 person fast boat available. 1 tank afternoon dives are a very good deal. Nitrox Available.
- Blue Angel. Training, certification, and equipment rental are available from this dive op. Three two tank dives available each day. PADI instruction available up to Instructor level. Excellent staff and crew.
- Blue Magic. Compared to most other companies here, operates much faster and smaller (8-person) boats with good local divemasters. Office in downtown Cozumel, with free taxi service.
- Blue XT~Sea Diving. Training, certification, equipment rental, and nitrox are available from this dive op. Personalized service, max 6 divers per fast boat. They'll keep and clean your dive gear (except wetsuit) if you wish and have it on the boat the next morning. Afternoon dives based on demand.
- Bottom Time Divers. Training, certification and 6 pack diver fast boat are available from this very popular family run dive op. Owner/instructor with excellent local knowledge. Private groups accepted.
- Buena Ventura Diving. Is a small, personable dive outfit dedicated to the specialized needs of its diving clients.
- Deep Blue. Training, certification, nitrox, technical and known for fast boats. At most 8 divers with 2 divemasters or as few as 4 divers with 1 dive master. Rental equipment. Dive shop is located in town across the street from La Choza. Divers are usually called the day before diving to arrange dive location and possible divemaster.
- Dive Paradise. Training, certification and two types of daily dive trips (fast or slow boat). Numerous dive packages. Several dive shops. Rental equipment. In Cozumel since 1984.
- Living Underwater. Small, personalized service offering steel 120s (super-long dives). Best for advanced divers.
- Mestizo Divers. Small groups of divers on a modern fast boat. Custom trips to the dive sites of your choice. When not diving they also offer fishing charters.
- Ocean Tours Scuba and Water Sports (At Cozumeleño Beach Resort & Hotel), North Hotel Zone, ☎ +52 9878721379, e-mail: oceantours@usa.net. 7 AM to 7 PM. Since 1986, Laura and José De la Fuente have been hosting and diving with Cozumel´s visitors. PADI scuba dive operation, fully equipped with top of the line gear available. Dive Trips for certified divers, scuba school all levels, equipment rental, repair, and retail. Deep sea fishing charters.
- Sand to Sea Adventures (Caleta Marina), ☎ +1-612-636-5432, e-mail: reservations@sandtoseaadventures.com. Most often has small group, personalized diving, but can also host large groups if notified in advance. Can arrange diving for cruise ship passengers where you will be returned to your ship on time. SCUBA refresher, PADI certification, equipment rental, nitrox, snorkeling, and fishing charters. Prices vary depending on services requested.
- Scuba Mau. Training, Discover Scuba, Dive packages, Dive trips. Utilizes small boats (six people) with a well-trained but personality-filled dive staff. Located next to the Villablanca Hotel.
- Scuba Gamma diving center, 5th str. just before the crossing of 5th Av. Cozumel center, ☎ +52 987 878 4257, +52 987 878 5437 (Cel), e-mail: scubagamma@hotmail.com. everyday 8:30 AM till 7 PM, a bit sooner on Sundays. The ScubaGamma trilingual team provides the same attention whether you are a beginner or experienced. The shop can deal with individuals as well as small groups, typically up to 7 divers by the trip, but will also handle larger groups. The boat used is a 25-foot small cabin cruiser with a 225 hp engine. IAHD certified staff, and handicapped divers are welcome!
Other Activities
If diving or tours are not what you're looking for, there are still plenty of other things to do:
- Snorkeling — logically enough, the second most popular activity after diving. Many beach-side dive shops rent equipment. Even though all beaches in Mexico are public some require fees to enter and use the facilities. Beaches with a rocky limestone shoreline on the west coast are the best for snorkeling or shore dives since less sand is disturbed so visibility and coral growth are better
- Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Excursion — a great excursion operated by Cozumel Water Sports taking you snorkeling to 2 reefs with music, open bar, snacks of fresh fruit and guacamole, 2 daily departures.
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour — a twist to snorkeling. You visit about two or three reefs, which are small parts of the second largest coral reef in the world. While heading to the snorkeling sites you have the privilege of looking through the glass bottom of the boat to see all the sea-life you pass on your way. Very fun to do as a couple or a family.
- Mini Submarine Tour — a new way of exploring the underwater world. This new activity by Cozumel Water Sports offers all nondivers and nonsnorkelers to explore the reefs and sea life of Cozumel. Riding your underwater scooter with your head dry in the air filled helmet, you can drive around the reefs. Especially great for people who wear glasses as you can have them on under water.
- Beach lounging — most of the calm western side of Cozumel has rough rocky beaches not suitable for swimming or sunbathing. The areas that are suitable have been turned into small parks. Some charge entrance fees which includes a beach chair and umbrella as well as access to the washroom and shower facilities; others are free to use and offer many of the same amenities while relying on visitors to purchase food or drinks. Playa San Francisco is located 20 minutes by taxi south of town and has a restaurant on site.
- The "Other Side" — the beaches on the east (windward) side of the island. Sandy surf and large waves alternating with rocky limestone coastlines on the east side of the island are beautiful but can be dangerous for swimmers. The roaring surf creates strong breakers and undertows in many areas. Never enter the water alone. There are now many areas where flags are displayed showing the level of safety for a particular area. Despite the potentially dangerous swimming conditions, these beaches are stunning and serene for enjoying sunbathing, long walks or playing in the water very close to shore. These beaches are popular with surfers and kite surfers, and with locals on the weekends.
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park (About 9km south of town). 7 AM - 5 PM daily. The park includes a beach, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, walking trails, crocodile enclosure, and a lagoon with a large iguana population. Activities include snorkeling & diving, swimming with captive dolphins/manatees/sea-lions, kayak, snuba, and Seatrek. The dolphins are kept in cages on the beach which are at sea temperature. Cameras are strictly prohibited and photographs are available for a predictably extortionate fee after the swim. approx.
- Deep Sea Fishing, Puerto Abrigo Marina. Cozumel is rated as one of the top ten sport fishing "hotspots" in the world. Fishing is enhanced by the deep-water channel between the Yucatan Coast and the Cozumel Island. The channel "squeezes" the Gulf Stream as it passes by Cozumel on its journey northward. This "funnel" effect causes an upwelling and an abundance of fish. The nutrient rich Caribbean waters around Cozumel support a vast array of sport fish with exceptional fishing opportunities all year long.
- Paradise Beach, Carretera Sur Km 14.5, Cozumel, Q.Roo (5 miles South of Int.Cruise Ship Pier, 7 miles South of downtown), ☎ +52 987 872 6177. 9 AM-5 PM daily. FunPass is available for unlimited access to over 14 land&ocean activities, including snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, waterslides, water trampolines, bungee trampoline, coconut tree climb, a 14-ft. climbing iceberg, and more. Fabulous food and drinks served right on the beach or at the restaurant. Clean bathrooms, showers, change rooms and lockers. Beachwear boutique, parasailing, waverunners, massage, etc. also available. Located 9 miles south of San Miguel (Downtown) - Cozumel, 5 miles south of the International Cruise Ship Pier. Free Entrance.
- Playa
Palancar
. 10 AM - 5 PM. This west-side park features a quiet white-sand beach, lounge chairs, and hammocks under shady palm trees, and a well-stocked bar and restaurant.
What to eat and drink in Cozumel, Mexico
Eat
Local restaurants, most fairly good and fairly similar to each other, are plentiful in and around the city's "downtown" main square.
- Alberto's Beach Bar, Carretera Costera Sur km 18, Cozumel 77600, Mexico (a few km north of Playa Palancar). This isolated beach-side bar and restaurant distinguishes itself by catching its own seafood daily. The grilled Mahi-mahi filet is definitely a worthy experience. Tables are literally setup on the beach, so it's also a great place to watch the sunset. The atmosphere is very informal. (Although not officially recommended, it's possible to walk the 1-1.5 miles up the beach from Playa Palancar if you're not afraid of a small hike.)
- El Capi Navigante, Avienda 10 between Calles and 5 Sur. One of the oldest seafood restaurants on the island and still going strong by reputation! Nothing bad to be had here. Get them to finish off your meal with one of their flaming desserts!
- Casa Denis (Near San Miguel main square). This self-declared "oldest restaurant in Cozumel" has very good, reasonably priced entrees featuring some Mayan and Yucatan specialties, along with more conventional Mexican fare like tacos and enchiladas. The Mayan Pork is an interesting take on conventional barbecue - tender with a slightly sweet marinade, and no sauce needed - and margaritas are freshly made and strong. Dinner comes with a free Tequila shot at the end.
- Casa Mission. Corner of Avenidas Benito Juarez and 55. Casa Mission offers superb food, however, the real attraction here is not the food, but the setting. Located off the beaten path, the restaurant is the veranda area of a large hacienda style Mexican home. It is surrounded on all sides by an extensive garden that combines perfectly with the colonial hacienda ambiance. There are no longer any lions or monkeys, but there still are a number of beautiful caged birds. One of the most romantic spots on the island for cocktails or dinner. One margarita is sufficient.
- La Cocay. Off the beaten path but worth the finding. La Cocay is Mayan for the Firefly. The food is delicious and presented extremely well.
- La Choza, ☎ +52 987-872-0958. Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas #198, at Avenue 10. Great homestyle, local Mexican food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Fish is excellent, tasty fajitas and guacamole. Only one Margarita needed here!
- Coconuts Bar & Grill. Carretera Costera Oriental, Km. 43.5. Pretty decent Mexican food. Guacamole and chips are excellent, as are the Margaritas. The highlight of this place though is the view. It sits perched up on a cliff overlooking the ocean and pristine white beaches on the east side of the island.
- Doña Quela, 25 Ave Sur. Quite near to the municipal market, an excellent, inexpensive place for breakfast or lunch. It's run by a Mexican couple who lived in the US (and worked at Denny's) for quite some time, so in addition to fresh Mexican food, they also know how to prepare a Grand Slam, if that's what you're after.
- Kinta, Ave 5 between Calle 2 and Calle 4, ☎ +52 987-869-0544. Tues.-Sun. 5:30 PM to 11 PM. This restaurant takes a contemporary look at some traditional Mexican dishes, applying a French/Latin fusion style. (E.g., the Chile Relleno includes ratatouille in the filling and is topped with a delicate cream sauce.) The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated.
- El Morrito III, 6th Street North between Rafael E. Melgar Avenue and 5a North Avenue. This tiny restaurant is located in a Mexican home off the beaten path. If offers cheap (cheap for Cozumel, although expensive compared to the rest of Mexico) authentic Mexican food. Tacos are ok (again, not as good as other places in Mexico). The atmosphere is unbeatable though!
- Pepe's Grill, At the corner of Avenida Megler and C Salas, Steak and Seafood.
- Prima Trattoria, Adolfo Rosado Salas between Avenidas 5 and 10. Northern Italian style cuisine offered along with wonderful salads ~ try the blue cheese salad! Excellent pasta and seafood, they know how to prepare it properly and it’s super fresh. Try the surf and turf for a mix or the seafood linguine combo, both will suit you!
- Rolandi's, Melgar & 11 (Past the Mega, right next to Margaritaville), ☎ +52 987-872-1097. 11 AM-Midnight Daily. Italian "finer" dining eatery directly on the water. Good service.
- Senor Frogs. Located right above Carlos 'n Charlies, Senor Frogs is a hotspot for young people and tourists. A very laid back atmosphere with very few rules. There is a bar incorporated with tire swings; just to have fun while you drink. Also, they have a dance floor and a stage for live music they sometimes provide. If there is not a band, there is always a DJ to keep the party going. Prices vary depending on the drink.
Drink
Downtown, bottled liquor prices seldom vary, though you'll find some dropoff the farther you get from the center of the city.
Bars seldom monitor customers for age or drunkenness, so take care driving or walking as the evening wears on.
- 1.5 Tequila Bar and Lounge, Av. Rafael Melgar at Calle 11 Sur, ☎ +52 987-872-4421. Club atmosphere with dancing and a view. Nice mix of locals and tourists. Thankfully, no cruisers. Can get crowded on weekends.
- No Name Cigar Bar, Avenida Rafael Melgar (next to Hotel Barracuda). Quiet place, friendly atmosphere, sometimes air conditioned. A traditional expat hangout with an excellent selection of semi-pricey tequilas.
- Reef Bar, Rafael E Melgar (across from Mega, near Hotel Barracuda, just a block north). Laid back atmosphere. Great place to have a few beers once you are finished diving for the day. The bartenders are friendly and will take excellent care of you.
- Tony Rome's (Ave 5 just south of plaza, Next to Black Shark Dive Shop). Excellent food and entertainment. Imported Kansas City Beef, Italian, and Fresh Seafood.
- Wet Wendy's, #53 Avenida 5, Entre Calle 2 y Juarez, ☎ +52 987-872-4970. All American staff is very friendly, laid back. They have their own house-brand of tequila that is astonishingly good for the price. Excellent margaritas the size of Mt. Everest.
Shopping in Cozumel, Mexico
Silver is cheaper here than in the U.S. but be sure to look for the 925 stamp as some places do sell fake silver jewelry.
Tip: To avoid being caught out, carry a small magnet when you shop. If the silver sticks to the magnet then it is NOT sterling silver.
- Sergio's Silver and More. Two locations on the island. Very low key approach to sales. Selection is good and prices more than fair. Service is the best. Can size rings and very patient with novice buyers of silver. Between Avenidas 10 and 15 past Palmira's and The Square.
Safety in Cozumel, Mexico
Strict drug possession policy exists in Mexico. Be very careful even with "greens". Local police are hopelessly corrupt and love to catch unwary tourists with small quantities of marijuana. Threatening long prison terms, whether this is a likely outcome is a moot point, their main aim seems, unsurprisingly, to exact bribes: in some areas a fairly standard 50% of all the traveler's money.
Language spoken in Cozumel, Mexico
Spanish is the main language. English and possibly German and French will be understood at the more expensive resorts and tourist locations. Knowing a few phrases of basic Spanish will help away from the main tourist resorts and can often help you find better deals. Yucatecos are generally tolerant of visitors who do not speak Spanish fluently and appreciate the effort.
In much of the Yucatán some Maya is spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost everyone will have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish.
Maya place names are usually accented on the last syllable, otherwise generally pronounced the same as in Spanish. The letter "X" in Yucatán is used for the sound in the Maya language that's the same as "Sh" in English. For example, "Uxmal" is pronounced "Oosh-MAL".
In much of the Yucatán some Maya is spoken. Except in a few small villages, almost everyone will have at least a working knowledge of basic Spanish.
Maya place names are usually accented on the last syllable, otherwise generally pronounced the same as in Spanish. The letter "X" in Yucatán is used for the sound in the Maya language that's the same as "Sh" in English. For example, "Uxmal" is pronounced "Oosh-MAL".
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LOCAL TIME
12:11 pm
January 20, 2021
America/Cancun
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LOCAL CURRENCY
MXN
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