Cozumel: The Jewel of the Caribbean

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pair-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har el preh-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Diez y media
  [dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Cozumel, known as 'Ah Cuzamil Peten' to the ancient Maya, meaning 'Island of the Swallows,' was an important religious site. The island was dedicated to Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of love and fertility. Pilgrims from across the Yucatan Peninsula would undertake treacherous journeys to Cozumel to offer sacrifices and seek blessings from the goddess at the island's many temples.

In 1518, the Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva became the first European to set foot on Cozumel. A year later, Hernán Cortés arrived, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. This encounter was initially peaceful, but the introduction of European diseases devastated the local population, reducing it from around 10,000 inhabitants to fewer than 300 by the mid-16th century.

During the 17th century, Cozumel's strategic location made it a popular hideout for pirates. Figures like Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte are rumored to have used the island as a base for their operations in the Caribbean. The island's numerous coves and inlets provided perfect shelters for pirate ships, making it an ideal spot for planning raids and plundering passing vessels.

In the mid-19th century, the Caste War of Yucatán—a conflict between the indigenous Maya people and the Mexican government—had a profound impact on Cozumel. Many Maya families fled to the island to escape the violence. This influx of refugees led to the growth of small communities and the development of agriculture and commerce on the island.

Cozumel's modern era began in the 1960s with the rise of scuba diving, popularized by Jacques Cousteau, who declared the island one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the world. This recognition sparked an influx of tourists and the development of infrastructure, transforming Cozumel into a world-renowned diving and snorkeling destination.

Today, Cozumel is a vibrant mix of ancient history and modern tourism. The island boasts a rich cultural heritage, visible in its archaeological sites like San Gervasio, its traditional festivals, and the preservation of Mayan customs and language. With its stunning beaches, coral reefs, and welcoming local community, Cozumel continues to be a beloved destination for travelers worldwide.

Cozumel is accessible via Cozumel International Airport (CZM), which has direct flights from major cities in the United States and Mexico. For those traveling from Cancun, you can take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Getting around Cozumel is relatively easy. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Renting a car or scooter is also a popular option for more flexibility. Additionally, there is a local bus service that operates on the island, but it might not cover all tourist areas. For short distances, walking or biking can be a pleasant way to explore.

The official currency in Cozumel is the Mexican Peso (MXN). US Dollars are also widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry pesos for smaller transactions. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for street vendors and smaller establishments. ATMs are plentiful, particularly in tourist areas.

Cozumel is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid deserted areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While Cozumel is safer compared to other parts of Mexico, tourists should still be vigilant. Areas like Centro and the waterfront are generally safe, but exercise caution in less populated areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Cozumel has a hospital and several clinics that can handle medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For assistance, you can also contact your country's consulate in Mexico.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be polite to drivers and other passengers. Don't eat or drink in public transport vehicles. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos Días'. A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be adventurous with street food. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Cozumel like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Municipal to buy fresh produce and local crafts. Explore beyond the tourist areas to discover hidden beaches and local eateries. Try traditional dishes like 'Cochinita Pibil' and 'Panuchos'. Engage with the locals; they are friendly and often willing to share stories and tips about the island.