Cozumel & Puerta Mayal-Something New Every Time You Go

Puerta Maya-Cozumel Mexico

Puerta Maya is the newest pier built off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico.  It opened in October of 2008.  The original pier was destroyed by Hurrican Wilma in 2005.  This quaint area 5 miles south of the main town of San Miguel, is a wonderful experience for both first time cruisers and veterans as well as landlubbers touring Cozumel.  It has many eateries and shops. One of the best kept secrets is a place called Pancho's Backyard.  It is both a place to find wonderful treasures of Mexico as well as some of the best food and Margaritas Cozumel has to offer.  The shelves are lined with beautiful handmade jewelry, gifts, pottery and anything your "souvenier loving" heart could desire.  Once you have purchased your goodies or just need to take a break from all the shopping, head on into the restaurant for dining on the indoor & outdoor patio.  The breezes blow thru and cool you naturally and the Gulf of Mexico and beyond lays out before you in picturesque style.

Mayan Ruins at the Courtyard

  I would recommend, if you are of age to drink of course, one of their many flavors of margaritas.  Just be warned, be sure you plan to walk back to your ship or hotel because they do have some zip to them.  The flavors are unusual such as peach, mango, watermelon & huckleberry.  Trust me when I say you cannot go wrong with any of them as well as the usual flavors of strawberry and original (lime). You may want to ask your waiter or waitress to "un poquito" small amount of alcohol because even then these drinks have a kick.  Be sure to try their nachos of all kinds, depending on what you like for the meat.  There is also some wonderful dessert plates that have some mexico flair to them as well as some American taste as in the key lime pie. 

Courtyard Area Near Pancho's Backyard


  Besides shopping and dining, you will also be able to catch your shore excursions here as you enter the area. If you love diving, Cozumel is the place to go. Playa Casitas, is an artificial reef built with over 56,000 tons of concrete that the hurricane destroyed.  Oceanologists say that fish are migrating to the reef and even coral has been seen there. Cozumel, with help from Carnival Corp help build this pier after the 2005 destruction of Hurrican Wilma.

Whatever your choice to do while in this beautiful area of Mexico, Puerta Maya is certainly something that should not be missed.

Till next time...Bon Voyage!

 

Joyce



 

Waiter at Pancho's Backyard