LOCAL CULTURE

Biodiversity

Get up close and personal with the resort’s harmless, free-roaming iguanas – some up to three-feet long! Learn about the survival skills of iguanas, where they like to sun bathe and how they are cared for at the property. Feed these indigenous creatures grapes and lettuce leaves or visit the property’s three Iguana Temples, tunneled structures built by the resort to provide iguanas the ideal resting spot.

Culture

Touches of Mayan culture are woven into the resort experience from the moment you arrive. Each visit begins with the friendly greeting Ma’alob K’iin, which means “Good Sun.” As the sun sets, guests can read about an ancient island legend, which is placed upon the pillow at turndown. In guestrooms, lacquered Maya Olinala boxes contain hotel information and stationery. Maya cuisine also is available along with more familiar dishes. Panucho (crispy tortillas stuffed with flavorful chicken and black beans) and motuleños eggs (similar to huevos rancheros) are among our favoirites.

Food

Don’t miss the sunset from the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa’s giant open-air palapa with amazing views of the Mexican Caribbean. Try the resort’s famous “Sunset Cozumel” drink. Local restaurants will usually offer Habanero sauces or dips. If you are not accustomed to spicy food, be careful! It’s very, very hot.

Language

Cozumel is one of many places in the Yucatan Peninsula where you might hear locals speaking Mayan rather than Spanish. If you would like an introductory lesson on this ancient language, the Concierge can arrange it.

Taxis

The taxi fares depend on where you are going, however, we suggest you always ask for the cost of the journey before getting into a taxi.

DID YOU KNOW ?

Mayans

The Mayans considered Cozumel sacred to Ixchel, the Mayan moon goddess, and the island was a place of pilgrimage, particularly for women in search of fertility. At the sites of ancient temples, archaeologists often uncover the small dolls that were once offered in sacrifice as part of the fertility rituals.

Private Transportation

If you want to enjoy a first-class experience, we provide as one of our additional services private airport pick up and drop off services.

Sea Turtles

Cozumel Island is known for the best diving in the western hemisphere. What many do not know is Cozumel is also a major nesting ground for the loggerhead and the hawksbill sea turtles. These amazing creatures nest primarily on the south side of the island. If you are on the island between May and October, you can witness this amazing experience as you walk through the beaches accompanied by a biologist, while experiencing the behavior of the marine turtle first hand. Every year, thousands of sea turtles arrive on Cozumel's eastern coast in order to lay their eggs. A sanctuary is in operation to protect the nests of this endangered species. The island also has one of the world's most beautiful coral reefs.

Safety

Cozumel is a very safe place. You can walk around late at night without worrying about your security.