"Kùutsamil" (The Land of the Swallows)
San Gervasio Archaeological site
COZUMEL, "The Land of the Swallows"
- Small 30 miles long by 10 miles wide island.
- Located 12 miles from the eastern coast of the Yucatán Península, and 36 miles from Cancún.
- A ferry connects it to Playa del Carmen in the mainland.
- The Island is famous for its coral reefs, diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and water sports.
- With corals, caves, walls and incredible wildlife, this tiny island is one of the 5 top diving destinations in the world.
- The white sand not only gives a beautiful color to the water, but the clarity is amazing; up to 200 ft.
- Jungle and shrubs cover part of the Island; on the other side, stores, hotels and a busy seaport.
- The Maya and Olmec first settled Cozumel in the Pre-Classic Period (1500 BC-AD 300).
- The island was a sacred place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Maya Moon Goddess of Fertility Ix'Chel, who is also the Goddess of floods, pregnancy, weavers andprotector of pregnant women.
- Kù’utsamil was a sacred place of pilgrimage; at least once in the life of every woman, priest and ruler, a visit to the Island is required.
- Kukulkán, the feathered serpent, one of the main deities of the Maya, was honored here too.
- Cozumel had an Oracle that was visited regularly by the priests from the mainland.
- Still visible are several temples and scabés (plural sacbeob); a series of elevated Maya roads made of stone, shells, zap of the zapote tree, and plaster.
- The largest pyramids and temples were destroyed during World War II, when an American Army base was built.
- One of the remaining archaeological sites dedicated to the goddess Ix’Chel is SAN GERVASIO. Very interesting site, although not as impressive as others in mainland, it has a room where you can see Maya hand prints in the walls. Some suggest it was a place to take care of the children while the mothers were praying. SAN GERVASIO Phone: 011 52 987 872 2940 - The most important archaeological Maya site in Cozumel. Commercial and political center, it was a sanctuary to the goddess of Fertility Ixchel and an obligatory visit site for Maya once in their lifetime. Centuries-old Maya structures, now in ruins. $7 USD General Admission - 8 am to 4 pm daily - Carretera Transversal Km. 7.5
1518 - Juan de Grijalva arrived in Cozumel and named it Santa Cruz; "Holy Cross."
- The Conquistadores killed more than 40,000 Indians in this tiny island. Many of them were killed by smallpox.
- Burning, raping and taking their prized possessions upon their arrival, when they left, only a couple dozen locals were alive. All in the name of god.
- 1518 - 1519 - Hernán Cortés, and Pedro de Alvarado arrived.
- Gonzalo Guerrero, a Spaniard by birth, defended the locals against the Spanish.
- Cozumel was a hideout of English and Holland pirates that would go to the mainland to capture Indians to use or sell them as slaves.
- Pirates like Henry Morgan, Jean Lafitte and many others, used the island as a base to attack wealthy cargo ships.
- Abraham Lincoln, the American President, came close to purchasing the island of Cozumel as a place to send the American freed slaves. The continued war in the Yucatán caused him to change his mind. (Cozumel Museum, Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México.)
• 1847-1901 Caste War
The Island was populated when people from the mainland escaped from the violence of the Caste War (Mayas defending their rights against the Spaniards). "La Guerra de Castas" "Caste War" '(división social) caste (raza, pedigrí) breed, de casta, thoroughbred, purebred (ascendencia, linaje) lineage, descent.
The Island was populated when people from the mainland escaped from the violence of the Caste War (Mayas defending their rights against the Spaniards). "La Guerra de Castas" "Caste War" '(división social) caste (raza, pedigrí) breed, de casta, thoroughbred, purebred (ascendencia, linaje) lineage, descent.
“.. si aboliera [el gobierno] la contribución [y] asimismo que el derecho del bautismo [fuera] de tres reales, el de casamiento de diez reales...la misa según como estamos acostumbrados a dar su estipendio,... descansaría todo indio, puesto que todos los de su raza están alzados, así es que con sólo lo que manifiesto...se retirarían... de lo contrario la vida o la muerte decidirá..”
"...if the government would abolish the contribution and the right of baptism; (3 reales-"reales" money) marriage (10 reales)... the mass like we are used to,.... all the Indians would rest, all their race is up, if the royalties would cease.... if not, life or death will decide..."
- 50% of the locals died in the mainland of Yucatán.
NATIONAL PARKS AND UNDERWATER MOUNTAIN RANGES
• ChanKanaab, natural aquarium inland lagoon with petrified coral, this lake communicates by an underground tunnel with the ocean. A botanical garden surrounds the lagoon. The Ocean is only 328 ft. from the lagoon. Coral reefs, a submerged statue of the virgin and beautiful flora and fauna can be found.
• San Francisco: Vertical wall with coral, sponges and tunnels.
• Santa Rosa: huge sponges, impressive wall, caves and tunnels.
• Dzul Ha is great to snorkel too, it doesn't have all the facilities that ChanKanaab has but it is free and you don't get the 'cruise crowds.' • Caleta Xel – Ha - Although this natural aquarium is located in mainland, it is also part of Cozumel. Not only the variety of marine flora and fauna can be observed, but some small archeological Maya ruins are inside the park.
• Laguna de Colombia, in the South of the Island with labyrinths, caves and coral reefs.
• Palancar coral reef; one of the best places to go scuba diving in the world with caves and deep reefs is located in Playa del Carmen, in the mainland. • San Francisco: Vertical wall with coral, sponges and tunnels.
• Santa Rosa: huge sponges, impressive wall, caves and tunnels.
- RESERVA ECOLOGICA PARQUE PUNTA SUR - Tormentos, Garganta de Diablo, (Devil's Throat), a cave that takes you to an incredible reef.
- MARACAIBO AND BARRACUDA; only for experienced divers.
DIVING IN THE CENOTES:
The Cenotes 'dzonot' were the Maya "Sacred Door to the Underworld". These magical bodies of water are connected underground, sometimes creating caves, open wells and ponds.
- Cueva Quebrada requires an official permit from the Chankanaab Park.
- Cenote Cocodrilo, closed for diving (on private property). Contains Prehispanic and colonial artifacts.
- Cenote Chu-Ha, closed to the public due to the presence of archaeological artifacts.
- Cenote Tres Potrillos, discovered in 1998 on private property. Requires an entrance fee.
- Cenote Bambu - poor visibility
- Cueva Quebrada requires an official permit from the Chankanaab Park.
- Cenote Cocodrilo, closed for diving (on private property). Contains Prehispanic and colonial artifacts.
- Cenote Chu-Ha, closed to the public due to the presence of archaeological artifacts.
- Cenote Tres Potrillos, discovered in 1998 on private property. Requires an entrance fee.
- Cenote Bambu - poor visibility
Other Sites of Interest and Credits:
Driving in the Yucatán
Cave of Balankanche Scan shot of limestone column
Cave of Balankanche; Laser scan plan view
Cave of Balankanche Scan shot of limestone column
Cave of Balankanche; Laser scan plan view
13,600 years old human skeleton inside underwater Mexican cave may be oldest ever found in Americas
Loltun Caves; "Flower Stone"Bas-relief carving Prehistoric cave drawings-Hand outlines
Reef Base Org
Underwater Speleology, What's New, all about caves Quintana Roo Speleological Survey http://www.reefbase.org/
Crystal Cave in México. 36 ft. long beams of gypsums Loltun Caves; "Flower Stone"Bas-relief carving Prehistoric cave drawings-Hand outlines
Reef Base Org
Underwater Speleology, What's New, all about caves Quintana Roo Speleological Survey http://www.reefbase.org/
ISLA COZUMEL HISTORY
Digital Presentation of Chichén Itzá
CENOTES
Dioses Mayas
Mexicas ante el Cosmos
CÓDICE Madrid
20,000 year old skull found in Tulúm, Quintana Roo
Let's Explore! "El Duende," a Maya Legend - Illustrated children's book
Maya Journey Virtual Journey
• 247 acres of land. Largest ecological reserve in Cozumel
• Wildlife, including crocodiles which you can watch from a look-out tower: 220 species of birds and giant turtles that between June and August lay their eggs.
• Wonderful white sand beach, reefs and mangroves
• Museum of Navigation, documenting from the time of the Maya to modern times
• Lighthouse
• Catamaran rides take you across the lagoon
• El Caracol is a well-preserved ancient structure, used by the Maya as a watchtower, that is very near to the lighthouse
USD $10 Adult USD $5 Children (3-11 years old) - South coastal road 17 miles - 9 am to 4 pm
ISLA PASION - PASSION ISLAND
• All-Inclusive
• Private island
• Located on the northern part of the Island: 25 minutes from downtown San Miguel
• White-sand and turquoise water
• Restaurant Bar
• Hammocks
• Massage
• Children's club
MR. SANCHO'S
• Horseback riding
• ATV tours
• Restaurante Bar
• Wonderful beach
• Near Cardona and San Francisco Reefs
• 15 minute boat ride south reefs of Santa Rosa Wall, Cedral Pass, Punta Francesa and Palancar Reef
• Coastal Road South KM 15
PARADISE BEACH
• 6 miles south of downtown
• free entrance to its beach club
• ocean kayaks
• water trampoline
• Restaurante Bar
• Crystal clear tranquil water with soft white sand
Playa Mia Beach Park
• Crystal clear tranquil water with soft white sand
• Kayaks, paddle boats, the amazing Iceberg water mountain, water trampoline, sailboats, floating mats
• Volleyball court, beach soccer, ping-pong tables, pool, Kids' club
• Wave runners, parasailing, banana boat, snorkel and diving tours, bungee trampoline
• 10 to 15 minutes from downtown at the south side.
PLAYA UVAS BEACH CLUB
• Kayak tour, or shore-guided snorkel
• Chankanaab Reef tour
• Scuba diving - certified or beginners
• Massage
• Pool
• Restaurante Bar
• By the Marine National Park of Chankanaab
• 15 minutes south from downtown, Carretera Costera sur Km. 8.5
• Monday-Satuday 8 am to 4 pm
PUNTA MOLA LIGHTHOUSE
Four-wheel drive at your disposal, bring water and pack up your lunch. Head north.
CHANKANAAB NATIONAL PARK - "Little Sea"
• 450,000 square feet
• Located within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
• World-renowned Chankanaab Lagoon - the only inland coral reef formation in the world
• Swim with Dolphins, Sea Lions and Manatee Encounter - offered by Dolphin Discovery
• Scuba and Seatrek
• Snorkel and Scuba
• Tour a modern-day reproduction of a Maya village
• USD $19 Adults USD $10 Children (3-11 years old) - 8 am to 4 pm - Extra to swim with dolphins, Seatrek, snorkel, scuba diving tours
DISCOVER MEXICO CULTURAL THEME PARK
• Experience different historical periods and amazing culture: pre-Hispanic, Colonial and modern
• On-site museum - temporary and permanent exhibits
• State-of-the-art video experience room
• Monday -Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm - $20 USD adults and $10 USD children under 12 years old - Km 5.5 Carretera Costera Sur
CASTILLO REAL
• Maya 1,200 years old ruin, overlooking the Caribbean
• Lookout tower, base of a pyramid, and a temple with two chambers capped by a false arch.
• Several shipwrecks, few visitors and good spot for snorkeling.
• Eastern coast, near the northern tip of the island
EL CARACOL
• Well-preserved structure (1200-1400 AD)
• Used by the Maya to signal the approach of hurricanes. El Caracol is a whistle propelled by winds funneled through a seashell to warn navigators to take refuge from impending bad weather
• Part of the Parque Punta Sur Ecological Reserve
• USD $10 entrance fee includes a guided tour of the ruins
EL CEDRAL • Spiritual Maya place to worship, now a village
• The archaeological site is nestled among the jungle, however there is very little archaeological evidence of El Cedral's past glory because the Spaniards destroyed it, as they usually did
• Tours are available on horseback or with a four-wheel drive vehicle
• A church remaining structure has paint and stucco
• The Spanish discovered El Cedral on May 3, 1518, and there is a celebration of La Santa Cruz, the Holy Cross, each May
• 10 miles south of downtown
UNDERWATER MUSEUM IN CANCUN
Esculturas para el Museo Acuático en Cancún
Fish, divers swim through the UNDERWATER MUSEUM IN CANCUN, Mexico (Reuters Life!) – Schools of glittering silver-white fish swoop past a statue of a man hunched over a workbench, the first seabed artwork in a new underwater museum in Mexico's Caribbean Sea. About 400 life-size casts will be submerged off the resort of Cancun by the end of 2010. It is hoped that the low-acidity cement figures, designed to be anti-corrosive and mimic rock, will be transformed over time into artificial reefs. Some will be in shallow waters for snorkelers to enjoy. Audubon Magazine.com
- Artist Jason deCaires Taylor - The Underwater Museum is in Mexico’s National Marine Park of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. During the latter part of 2009 and much of 2010, artist Jason deCaires Taylor will cover this seabed with hundreds of life-size statues, art that Taylor and his partners from the National Marine Park and the Cancun Nautical Association hope will eventually form a reef structure for marine life to colonize. Taylor plans to make each piece from cement, sand, micro silica and fiber glass—a combo said to promote coral life—and place the installation over 1,600 square feet (about 150 square meters).
Tips:
- TRAVEL ESSENTIALS, PASSPORT, TRAVEL WARNINGS
"THE MAGICAL, MEDICINAL TEA." Some of the medicinal herbs that were used by the Ancient Civilizations in México and Mesoamerica are still in use today. They are being tested by different labs and in Clinical studies. One of them, known in México as "Agua de Jamaica,"(Hibiscus flower), is a wonderful refreshing drink-tea, that through centuries, locals use it as medicinal and magical. The flower, "Jamaica" (Hibiscus Sabdariffa-Malvacea Family, like Cacao and Hibiscus), is proven to be an excellent remedy for cholesterol and inflammation. Clinical study IMSS, Oaxaca, México Considered as a 'sacred medicinal plant', the tea is prepared with the dry flowers of the hibiscus.
- 2 Cups of Jamaica flowers dried and clean, (if clean and leaves are cut like tea, use just 1/4 cup). Cover the flowers with boiling water. Let them boil for 10 min., strain and discard the leaves. On a pitcher put water, add sugar (move it so that it dissolves) and add the concentrated tea. Add ice and serve it cold.
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