"Off the Path" and often over-looked
places well worth exploring near: Cozumel, Mexico!
~ El Castillo Real ~ Mayan Ruins ~
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~ El Castillo Real, Mayan Ruins ~ |
About 17km (11mi) from the Carretera
Transversal, down the same intimidating road that leads to Punta Molas, are the large
Mayan ruins known as El Castillo Real. The archaeological
site, as well as the hike-in ruins a few kilometres away called Aguada Grande, are both quite far gone, their significance
having blown off into the breeze some time ago. Still, half the fun is in getting there,
right?
Other ruins of interest
include the temple at San Gervasio, which was erected by the Mayans as a tribute to Ixchel, the moon goddess of fertility. Female pilgrims came here from all over the region to pay tribute.
San Gervasio sits between San Miguel and the east coast, northeast of the Carretera Transversal.
~ Punta Celarain (lighthouse) ~
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~ Punta Celarain (Lighthouse) Click to Enlarge ~ |
The southern tip of Isla Cozumel
has a postcard-perfect historic lighthouse, which is accessible only via a dirt track 4km (2.5mi) from the highway.
From the top of the lighthouse, built in the early 1900s, you get a special all-over view of the island below. Also
making the Punta Celarain worth a visit is the on-site navigational museum. If you want to turn this trip into a full
afternoon, stop off at some of the isolated beaches on your way - they're just a jump over the sand dunes.
~ Punta Molas (lighthouse) ~
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~ Punta Molas (Lighthouse) Calitita ~ |
Head northeast, fellow
traveller and you'll find yourself at the deserted lighthouse of Punta Molas. But
don't forget to bring along your 4WD, as this point isn't the easiest to reach. If you decide to tackle this trip, fill
up that gas tank and be aware of the risk, as you can't be assured that help will be easily flagged down in the event of a
breakdown. And here's something nice to know if you're headed there: faro is Spanish for lighthouse.
Once in the vicinity, you'll find some fairly good beaches and
some minor ruins. The best camping spot along the road is at the lovely Playa Bonita.
~ The East Coast of Isla Cozumel ~
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~ Chen Rio Beach: Cozumel, Mexico ~ |
For beautiful seascapes, head over to the eastern shoreline - it's
as wild west as it gets on this here island. Punta Chiqueros, Playa Chen Río and Punta Morena are peaceful alternatives to the island's more crowded west-coast
niches. Unfortunately, at many of the east-coast beaches the riptides and undertows can make swimming a precarious venture.
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