The Island of Cozumel, off the Caribbean coast of Mexico and facing Cuba, was first settled on by Mayan people almost two millennia ago. For centuries, their civilisation grew and developed, incorporating writing and calendars from neighbouring peoples. Disaster struck in the 1500s, first with the Spanish invasion of the Yucatán Peninsula and then attacks by British and Dutch pirates. Yet in the years that followed to the present day, Cozumel has successfully transformed itself into a beautiful and environmentally conscious tourist destination.
In the centre of San Miguel, the island’s principal town, there is a superb introduction to the many facets of life in Cozumel. The salmon-pink Museum of the Island of Cozumel, in Spanish “Museo de la Isla de Cozumel”, houses a collection depicting the island’s culture, history, geology and ecology through the ages. The artefacts range from traditional Mayan sculptures and exhibits about the island’s karst landscapes, to contemporary art installations.
The museum might be small, but as an opportunity to learn about Cozumel, it is unbeatable. Housed in a building that was previously a luxury hotel, there is also an elegant Café – El Museo – offering magnificent views of the Caribbean. It’s the perfect place to ponder over all the history and information from the museum while drinking a steaming cup of coffee and enjoying something delicious to eat.
This seafront museum is just a short walk from the pier and the Plaza del Sol shopping district in San Miguel. It is open every day and there is no admission fee.
