Food

1. Welcome to Cozumel Mexico Food Mayan Ruins hotels Where it is on the map and weather Things to do Ways to get there The Culture

2. Foods Chicken Shrimp Salsa Mexican Wedding Cookies Tropical Smoothie Recipe

3. Shrimp salsa Directions: Drain the water from the can of corn. Preheat the olive oil in a fry pan over medium high heat. Add the corn and sauté until corn looks roasted with brown spots. About 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Chop the tomato, bell pepper, garlic, onion, cucumber, and cilantro leaves and add to a bowl. Add the chipotle salsa, shrimp, lime juice and salt and mix well. Add the corn when cool and the avocado. Mix gently. Now is the time to taste it to see if you need to add more salt or chipotle salsa. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. Makes approximately 3 cups. Shrimp salsa can be served with quesadillas, tacos, fajitas or just by itself with chips. This is the perfect Mexican appetizer. It goes great with Mexican food or even on top of a green salad --very versatile. I know you will enjoy this south-of-the border delight. Ingredients: 2 to 3 tomatoes, diced 1/3 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 6 - 8 oz. cooked baby shrimp 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 cup canned corn, drained, sauted in olive oil 2 Tbs. olive oil 1 avocado, cut into small chunks 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice 2/3 cup chipotle roasted salsa, or more to taste. Some like it hot! 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped salt to taste back to Foods

4. Mexican Wedding Cookies Ingredients Directions In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in vanilla and water. Add the flour and almonds, mix until blended. Cover and chill for 3 hours. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Shape dough into balls or crescents. Place on an unprepared cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from pan to cool on wire racks. When cookies are cool, roll in confectioners' sugar. Store at room temperature in an airtight container. 1. 1 cup butter 2. 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 3. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4. 2 cups all purpose flour 5. 1 cup chopped almonds 6. 2 teaspoons water 7. 1/2 cup white sugar back to Foods

5. chicken Directions 1. Cut chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces and spread over bottom of crock pot. 2. Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl and pour over chicken. 3. Cook on "high" in crock-pot for 1 hour. 4. Turn crock-pot to low and cook 6-8 hours. 5. Serve over rice, pasta or in soft tortillas. 6. Freezes well. Ingredients • Tablespoon olive oil • 1/4 cup sliced almonds • Minced garlic cloves • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 1/2 cups salsa • 1/4 cup dried currant • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 tablespoon honey • 1/4 cup water back to Foods

6. Smoothie Ingredients Directions 1. 1/2 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained 2. 1 banana 3. 1/3 cup canned or fresh pineapple, cut into chunks 4. 1 cup plain or sweetened yogurt 5. 5 ice cubes Add all the ingredients to a blender and mix on high until smooth. Pour into a 12 oz glass and garnish with a pineapple spear and a drink umbrella. back to Foods

7. Cozumel Mexico is the biggest island in Mexico, located on the Yucatan Peninsula (East side of México, in the Caribbean) with an extension of 392 square km, 28 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is separated from the Yucatan Peninsula by the Yucatan channel which is 12 miles wide. Cozumel is located on 20° 31' lat N and 86° 56' long W.

8. Average Weather Weather in Cozumel is most of the year hot. With a subtropical climate the average temperature is about 27°C - 80°F, and because Cozumel is surrounded by water the climate is always humid often around 90%. But we can say normally all year long you will be able to find sunny days with the usually warm waters.

9. In terms of importance in the Mayan culture, Cozumel's San Gervasio Ruins are a more significant site than Tulum. Tulum was simply a coastal "watchpost" if you will where as San Gervasio contains the temple built to honor the goddess X'cel. Experience first hand the mysteries of Mayan culture here at the largest archeological site on the island. A strategic location from both a commercial and political point of view, San Gervasio was also a sacred place for the Maya women. Xcel is the Mayan goddess of fertility and rain. In ancient times, every Mayan woman was expected, at least once in her lifetime, to make the journey to Cozumel from the mainland to make offerings to X'cel for her family's fertility and crop sustenance. Inhabited from 200AD to the Spanish conquest, San Gervasio was the sanctuary of the Goddess X'chel as well as an important commercial, political and cultural center. Engravings at the site relate to events all over the Mayan world.

10. Ways to get to Cozumel An average, none stop, plane ticket from DFW to CZM is $196.

11. Average prices for a cruise

12. number of hotel's stars 4 stare hotels 3 ½ stare hotels

13. Cozumel Palace All Inclusive Riu Palace Mexico All Inclusive Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa All Inclusive Playacar Palace All Inclusive Occidental Grand Cozumel All Inclusive InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive Porto Playa Condo Hotel Hacienda Vista Real Resort & Spa back to hotels

14. Cozumel Palace All Inclusive Location. The Cozumel Palace rises along the Caribbean coastline in Cozumel, Mexico. This resort is located eight kilometers from Cozumel International Airport. Hotel Features. On-site dining includes International/Italian cuisine served at Turquesa. The art of Asian cooking is presented at MoMoNoHaNa, while Mexican cuisine is prepared at Bugambilias. Live music is performed at the lobby bar, and Flamingos Bar provides poolside convenience. A 24-hour front desk offers fax and photocopying services, and multi-function space accommodates corporate and social events. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel. Two outdoor pools include an infinity pool, and a pool with a swim-up bar and a children's section. A playground and a Kids' Club for children ages 4-12 entertain the younger set. The concierge can arrange fishing excursions or snorkeling and diving expeditions to Palancar Reef. Land-based recreation includes a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment. Jr. Suite with Jetted Tub-All Inclusive A Jr. Suite would cost you $318 a night and to stay there for a week would cost you $2226, that’s for a Family of 4. back to 4 stars

15. Occidental Grand Cozumel All Inclusive Location. Embraced by tropical flora and fauna, the Occidental Grand Cozumel faces a marine park on Cozumel, Mexico's southwest coast, less than 17 kilometers from downtown San Miguel. Hotel Features. The hotel boasts nine restaurants and bars, including fine dining at Los Olivios where recessed ceilings and bas-reliefs add architectural interest to the Mediterranean-inspired setting. The open-air La Hacienda restaurant serves buffet lunches and Mexican-cuisine à la carte dinners. La Mision is an air-conditioned disco bar that remains open after midnight. This property caters to corporate groups by offering business services, high-speed Internet access and conference space. A "quiet pool" lies in the resort's center while an activities pool overlooks the beach. Non-motorized water craft, snorkeling and scuba equipment are provided by the resort, and a dive shop offers instruction and reef, sunken ship and night dives. An air-conditioned health-and-beauty spa features massages, body . Family of 4 Royal Club Luxury-All Inclusive A family of 4 in a Super Saver Price per night $135 Price per night $329 back to 4 stars

16. Park Royal Cozumel All Inclusive Melia Cozumel All Inclusive Riu Yucatan All Inclusive Gran Porto Real Resort & Spa All Inclusive The Reef Playacar All Inclusive Beach Resort Shangri-La Caribe Village Resort Riu Tequila All Inclusive El Cid La Ceiba Beach Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa All Inclusive back to hotels

17. Culture & Festivals El Grito Every midnight of September 15, the locals of Cozumel gather in Plaza Central to re-enact the event when Miguel Hidalgo ignited the spirit of the oppressed natives to rise up against the Spaniards with the shout of "Mexicanos, Viva Mexico!"  The event is followed by spectacular fireworks, all-night music and dance until the sun breaks over the horizontal sky. The following day is a national holiday celebrating the fight for independence. Dia de los Santos Reyes Instead of Santa Claus, Mexico's Christmas icons are the Three Kings, and the date for exchanging the presents is January 6 instead of December 25.  Neighborhood parties fill every street throughout the city, children gather to show off their presents.  The special sweet cake is served, and whoever gets the tiny figure of the baby Jesus hidden in the cake will have to throw a party for everyone sharing the cake.  There is also music and a carnival in the Plaza Central. Dia de la Bandera de MexicoFebruary 24th is the holiday in honor of the Mexican flag when banners of red, green and white with the Mexican emblem at the center are seen fluttering throughout the city.  Parade, special ceremony and a party conclude the fiesta in the Plaza Central

18. Culture & Festivals CarnavalTe pre-Lent celebration of Carnaval is huge in Cozumel just like in every other city in Mexico.  The island is famous for its five-day long party that involves dances, parades, loud music and bright wardrobes which waft through every corner of the city.  Dia de la CandelariaDia de la Candelaria is held in recognition of the end of winter and the coming of spring.  This celebration is the final holiday party of the Christmas season where the locals dance through the streets before entering the church to receive a blessing of candles and seeds.  After the blessing, family and friends gather at the home of the person who found the doll during the Three Kings celebration.  Dia de la ConstitucionThe official national holiday to commemorate Mexico's constitution is marked by parades leading to the Plaza Central in San Miguel, complete with music and dance.  Every establishment is closed on this holiday and family and friends gather for dinner and quality time together.

19. Culture & Festivals Cultural valuesThe culture of Mexico reflects the complexity of Mexico's history through the blending of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilizations and the culture of Spain during its 300 years of colonization.  The dominant feature of Mexican culture is social hierarchy and the strength of a unified family as can be seen from its surprisingly low divorce rate.  An extended family where several relatives live in the same area or even the same house is not unusual, and it's not uncommon to see the grown-up children who are single to still live with their parents even though they are in the thirties.  Loyalty within the family is absolute, the father is the ruler whereas the mother is the heart of the family.  In recent years, these stereotypes have begun to break down as they have been influenced by the US especially in the Northern states. GenderismMexico is a country where a distinction between the roles of men and women are still observed despite the feminist movement in the past.  It is normal for women to be opened the doors for and have their meals paid by men even though they are just friends.  What could be irksome for female travellers are the men's piropos (supposedly compliments) with sexual overtone in big cities.  The best way to respond to such situation is to avoid eye contact and ignore any compliments altogether.  Generally, there is rarely any problem the further you are from the cities especially in indigenous areas.

20. Culture & Festivals HomosexualityHomosexuality is theoretically legal in Mexico as there are no federal laws prohibiting such practice.  Nevertheless, President Fox's right-wing party, PAN, has been running anti-gay campaigns through the closing of gay bars in Monterrey and passing and ordinance against "abnormal sexual behavior" in Guadalajara.  Religion and machiso are still the rule of the day, but attitudes are changing, and there are a substantial number of gay groups and publications in Mexico.  Gay bars and clubs can be found in the major resorts and US border towns such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Veracruz and Oaxaca.   Language Spanish is Mexico's official and predominant language.  Of some 100 million first-language speakers, Mexico has the largest population of Spanish-speakers in the world.  In addition, there are approximately 62 living languages which are spoken among the small population of Indian descent.  Nevertheless, some of these languages (Nahuatl, Maya, Zopoteco o Diidzaj...just to name a few) have lent words that are not found in the Spanish of Spain or the rest of Latin America.  Such words can be found primarily in the names of common plants and animals.  Even some English words such as tomato, chocolate, avocado and coyote are used in the Mexican Spanish as well.  Although English is widely spoken in tourist areas, some attempt to communicate in Spanish will provide you a much greater rapport and help from the locals.  Additionally, the Mexicans also speak relatively slowly compared with the Spaniards.  

21. Some basic Spanish words & phrases

22. Culture & Festivals Music The most famous regional music of Mexico is Mariachi.  The Mariachi music originated in the western state of Jalisco, and the term started to gain a wide recognition as well as a developing popularity from 1852 onward.  It became known as the national music of Mexico after the 1910 Mexican Revolution.  The introduction of the Mariachi music in the United States in the 1970s by performer such as Linda Ronstadt also contributed to the growing trend of Mexican music there. Business etiquetteIn Mexico, it is important to established cordial relationships in order to do business.  Haste and confrontations are not valued and will not get you anywhere.  Often meetings start a bit later than the scheduled time, but you should be patient and always show respect toward your colleaques in public. The nameMexico is named after its capital city whose name comes from the Aztec city Mexico - Tenochtitlan that preceeded it.  The Mexi part of the name is from Mexitli which is the name of the war god, whose name was derived from metzli (the moon), and xictli (navel) and thus mean "navel" (probably implying 'child') of the moon.  So, Mexico is the best of the people of Mexitli. 

23. Culture & Festivals ArtMexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions which are derived from a combination of indigenous and Spanish crafts.  The most prominent Mexican handicrafts are the clay pottery made in the valley of Oaxaca and the bird and animal figures made in the valley of Tomala.  Other Mexican emblems include the colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs.  Today, Mexican art has emerged from being a mere imitation of European traditions prior to the Spanish revolution and has developed into a unique cultural representation of the Mexican culture.  The mural and canvas paintings as well as photography have become an embodiment of social and cultural expression which never fail to invoke impression from international viewers.   SportFacilities for golf, tennis, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing, as well as riding and hunting are provided at all the big resorts.  Sport fishing is especially popular in Baja California and the resorts along the Pacific coast.  Diving and snorkeling can be undertaken around the Caribbean, with world-famous dive sites at Cozumel and on the reefs further south.  The Pacific coast is becoming a center for surfing, with the popular spots being Baja California and on the Oaxaca coast.  Caving is still a minority sport for which Mexico has become a major center since the limestone caverns in the country are spectacular and can be explored by experienced cavers, potholers or spelunkers.

24. Cozumel People The majority (60%) of Mexicans today are Mestizos - the descendants of mixed indigenous Amerindian and Spanish ancestry. An estimate of unmixed Native American peoples numbers around 30% of the population. Most of these indigenous people speak Mexican rather than their indigenous language as a result of the ongoing government's policy to implement cultural and linguistic assimilation. There are various indigenous minorities in Mexico, such as the Nahua, Tarasca, Mixtec, Tarahumara, and the Yaqui. A large number of these peoples live in the central and southern regions of Mexico whereas only a small number live in the north. Only a small number of Mexicans are of unmixed European descent. These European-descended Mexicans were historically referred to as Creoles, and their ancestors came from Spain, French and German during the Mexican Empire and Porfirio Diaz periods. During the 1930s Mexico embraced a large number of Spanish refugees who fled the Spanish Civil War as well as other immigrants from Poland and Russia whose members included the Ashkenazic Jews. The rest of Mexican population includes a substantial number of the Lebanese and Asians. The population of Mexico has risen steadily since the 1960s, and has slowed down only recently due to a high number of Mexicans migrating abroad. Mexico City is by far the largest and most crowded city in the country, following by Guadalajara and Monterrey. Cities on the border with the US such as Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, and Matamoros have been experiencing rapid growth in population recently as they are the sites of maquiladoras employed to produce goods for export.

25. Safety and Health  CrimesCrimes in Mexico usually occur in big cities such as Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, and the state of Sinaloa, and are statistically on the rise.  Although the incidents of violent crimes and sexual violations are not rare in this country, travellers can take standard precautions to prevent any unpleasant mishaps and to make their stay in Mexico more enjoyable.  The commonly reported crimes in Mexico involve taxi theft, armed theft, metro theft, pick pocketing, purse snatching, credit-card fraud and ATM robbery.  Advice: always guard your belongings at all time while traveling in Mexico, regardless of the means of transportation you use or which part of the country you're staying.  And if you need to withdraw money out of the ATM machine, do it during busy hour so that you're not subject to robbery right after you've cashed out your money.  The often dreaded political unrest in Mexico usually occur in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, but it does not harm travellers as much as being a cause of frustration and an inconvenience to the trip, as long as travellers do not venture near the center of the demonstrations.    

26. Safety and Health  Health risksSeveral areas of Mexico has a high altitude, and consequently travellers who are not used to such elevation may need a period of physical adjustment.  Reactions such as a lack of energy, shortness of breath, headache and insomnia are normal.  Some precautions such as drinking plenty of water help lessening the side effect of such adjustment.  Travellers who have heart problems or are planning to stay in Mexico longer than six weeks may need to consult their doctor before traveling.  Water in MexicoThe warning against drinking tap water in Mexico is often over-exaggerated, but if a stomach upset occurs, most cases respond to medicines like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol if you need a fast stop-gap.  Otherwise it's best to let your body rid infection of its own accord which should pass away within 24-48 hours, meanwhile it's best to replace your body fluid with rehydration salts such as Dioralyte or Electrosol, or mix it yourself by dissolving a teaspoon of salt and three spoons of sugar in a liter of water.

27. Safety and Health  SunstrokeCaution against the burning Mexican sun is needed as even the overcast sky can burn sunbathers badly in only 20 minutes.  It is recommended to avoid overexposure by applying on high SPF+ sunscreen and avoid the strongest sun hours (noon to 2pm).  Also, drink lots of water and keep to the shades as much as possible. In any case, travellers who are planning to go outdoor or camping overnight should carry the following accessories as precaution to counter any unexpected nuisance: antiseptic cream insect repellent hydrocortisone/calamine lotion or any of the ointment/cream that relieves the itch of insect bites plasters/band aids   water sterilization tablets lint/gauze and sealed bandanges knee supports a course of flagyl antibiotics Imodium/Lomotil Paracetamol/aspirin multivitamin and mineral tablets rehydration sachets

28. Safety and Health  RestroomsRestrooms in Mexico are generally known as banos (literally bathrooms) or as excusados or sanitarios.  The most common signs are Damas (Ladies) and Caballeros (Gentlemen), though you may find the more confusing Senoras (Women) and Senores (Men) or even the symbols of Moon (Women) and Sun (Men).  In general, you can most certainly find restrooms at several markets and train stations where they require you to pay a couple of pesos in order to use their inadequately equipped and quite dirty restrooms.  It's better you go into a restaurant, buy a little something and use its restrooms.  In any case, it's recommended to carry toilet paper at all times as often than not this item is not there when needed. Medical assistanceMexico's farmacia, displayed by a green cross and the Farmacia sign can be found for minor medical problems.  Pharmacists generally speak some English and are knowledgeable and helpful. There are also a state- or Red Cross-run health center (centro de salud) in every sized town where treatment is free if you encounter more serious complaints.  In addition, travellers should be able to request for a recommendation of English-speaking doctors from their government's consulates as well as from the hotels and tourist offices.  Doctors and hospitals in Mexico usually expect immediate cash payment for health services, and travellers should keep in mind that standards of medical practices vary from one town to the next.

29. History of Mexico  Prehistory Mexico is estimated to have been inhabited more than 20,000 years ago by hunter-gatherer peoples.  More complex cultures started to emerge between 900 and 300 BC and matured into great civilizations such as the Olmec, Toltec, Mayan and Aztec from AD 100 to 900.  The Aztecs were the rulers of much of Mexico by about 1200.

30. History of Mexico  Spanish conquestBeginning in 1519, the native cultures were invaded and conquered by Spain.  Several Conquistadores arrived at Mexico, but the most important one was Hernan Cortes who entered Mexico in 1519 from a native coastal town which has become today Veracruz.  The relationship between the Aztecs and the European visitors were cordial in the beginning, but as time wore on war broke out between the two sides which led to the triumph of the Spaniards over the Aztec Empire in 1521.  Another factor that contributed to the weakening of the native people were the Old World diseases imported from Europe which had tantamounted to pandemic plagues, killing significant portions of the native population.  This defeat had resulted in the the birth of mestizo as the conquerors took native women and began fusing both cultures. The colonial period in which Mexico was known as "Nueva Espana" or "New Spain" lasted from 1521 to 1821.  However, there had been concerted efforts by the native people against the conquerors and the war for independence broke out in 1810.  The movement was spearheaded by Miguel Hidalgo who was a priest of Spanish descent leading the unlikely alliance between the liberales and conservadores.  The war lasted 11 years and finally independence was achieved in 1821.  In 1824 "Guadalupe Victoria" became the first president of the new country.

31. History of Mexico  Instability and dictatorshipMexico during the period following the independence until the Mexican revolution in 1911 was largely instable as many presidents came and went.  The new country lost a huge expanse of northern territories to the United States and there was a growing tension against the excessive privilege of the Catholic Church.  Things began to worsen when the civil war or War of Reform broke out between the Conservatives and the Liberals in 1858.  In the end, victory was achieved by the Liberal and the Liberal president Benito Juarez came to power.  However, his terms (1858-71) was interrupted when the Conservatives tried to institute the monarchy by bringing in a prince from the Royal House of Austria with support from the French army.  The Mexicans' resentment against this French intervention was acute, and eventually the new monarch was executed and the republic was restored in 1867.  Subsequently, the new Constitution was written to confiscate authority from the Catholic Church by prohibiting participation of priests in politics and established civil marriages. The time of the Conservatives came when general Porfirio Diaz led a rebell against President Juarez and became president himself for the next 30 years (1876-1911).  Despite his contribution to the improved national infrastructure, the Mexican people suffered greatly and the width of social division became even more distinct under his cruel dictatorship.  The great majority of the people was given very low wages and lived in poverty while the small groups of investors became rich.

32. History of Mexico  Mexican RevolutionWhen Diaz held a presidential election in 1910, assured that he would get re-elected since he had eliminated all the potential oppositions, the aged incumbent was surprised to find out that the majority of the votes was swung to Francisco Madero who was an academic with a wide base of popular support.  Diaz declared his victory despite the election result which agitated the people and the state was in uproar.  Although Madero was incarcerated away in Texas across the northern border, his plan for the republic to take up arms and fight against the oppressor worked and eventually many groups joined forces to oust president Diaz.  After Diaz resigned, Madero became president but only for 2 years as he was assassinated in 1913.  The next president was Venustiano Carranza who introduced a new Constitution which still guides Mexico today.  

33. History of Mexico  Stabilization and the revolution institutionalizedFrom 1929 until the end of the 20th century, Mexico was governed by the National Mexican Party which later became PRI or Partido Revolucionario Institucional.  President Calles' campaign to create the Mexican army succeeded and some people considered this to be the real end of the Mexican Revolution.  The long rule of the PRI had enabled the stability of the country as well as the development in education, economy, politics, society and many other aspects.  However, there had also been several instances of economic collapse and political unrest. Fall of the PRI and the emergence of oppositionFrom the mid-1990s several demonstrations and economic crises arose to reveal the people's dissatisfaction at the government.  After the dubitable 1988 election, the IFE (Instituto Electoral -  Federal Electoral Institute) was established in the early 90s to ensure the transparency of the electoral process.  Consequently, PAN's candidate for the 2000 election (Partido Accion Nacional, National Action Party), Vicente Fox Quesada won the federal election.  What's more, both chambers of Congress are now composed of members of several different parties of all political persuasions.  This outcome effectively ended the 71 years of uninterrupted rule by the PRI.

34. Thing to do You have many different choices of what you want to do; you can go on snorkeling tours, you can sightsee, scuba dive, swim with dolphins, visit the Mayan ruins, there is adventure tours, ATV tours, beach breaks, parasailing , and boat tours, and you can deep see fishing. http://thisiscozumel.com/tours/ http://www.cozumel-tours.com/