SOCS Ports
Posted Tue, Oct 27th 2009, 16:13Progresso
Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula is rich with ancient Mayan pyramids, vine-covered archaeological wonders, gentle people, and a fiery cuisine unlike that served in the rest of Mexico. Progresso today has evolved from the sleepy fishing village it once was to a popular resort where vacationers come to explore Mayan ruins and siesta in the midday sun. Look for traditional embroidered huipil cottons and colorful string hammocks for friends back home.
Attractions
This is your chance to make like a great explorer. Travel into the jungle, explore the grand stone ruins of the ancient Mayans, Chichén Itzá or Uxmal and try to unlock the secrets of the rise and fall of this great civilization.
Activities
- Snorkeling
- Lounge on the white sandy beaches
- Check out the wildlife of the island, including the lizard that can walk on water, so named, the Jesus Lizard.
- Walk on the world's longest pier - 7 km (4.3498 miles) long.
- Visit the "White City," Merida, a cosmopolitan colonial city with a bustling Main Square, Spanish Cathedral, shopping outlets and many "haciendas" where you can sample local culinary delicacies.
Currency
The official currency in Mexico is the peso (MXN). U.S. dollars, traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted
Cozumel
The crystal clear water surrounding Cozumel makes it a favorite for divers and sun-seekers from around the world. Found on the Yucatan peninsula, it is the largest of Mexicos islands and steeped in history, tracing Mayan descendants from 300 A.D. In town, there is shopping for local crafts and dining in colorful restaurants.
Attractions
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm, majestically perched above the turquoise Caribbean. The site was occupied as far back as 600 A.D. However, it was most densely populated around 1200 A.D. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. The nearby Temple of the Descending God provides equally excellent insight into the architecture of the Mayan people, who gained considerable achievements in the arts and sciences, only to decline and vanish for no apparent reason.
Activities
- Explore the underwater world of Chankanaab on a deep-sea adventure aboard the Atlantis Submarine.
- Discover what makes a dolphin so magical as you play and interact with these amazing creatures in Chankanaab National Marine Park.
- Sit back, relax, and bury your toes in the white sand of Playa del Sol beach in Cozumel. This destination offers all the food, drinks and activities you can imagine, including relaxing massages on the beach.
- Take a Jeep-safari adventure through the tropical landscape of Cozumel's east side. Ride through sand dunes and trails for an unforgettable experience.
- Join the Fiesta party boat for a fun-filled trip to Playa del Sol, with margaritas, rum punch and a live band setting the mood for fun.
- Helmet dive in Chankanaab and trek around coral reefs to see the abundant marine life up close.
- Escape to the secluded beauty of your own private beach paradise, Passion Island, by a four-person canoe or motorized tender
Shopping
Regarded as the "St. Thomas of the Western Caribbean," Cozumel has become one of the world's best duty-free shopping ports. Cozumel offers unbelievable prices on diamonds, colored gemstones, jewelry, watches, gold, sterling silver, and even Oriental rugs as well as Mexican housewares and handicrafts. You can find designer jewelry pieces and watches from C2K, Caribbean Hook, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Hardy, Kabana, La Nouvelle Bague, Starnight, White Diamonds, Cartier, Concord, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado and more. If you plan to visit the Mayan Ruins, you do not have to miss out on the great shopping Mexico has to offer - reserve a space on the Tulúm and Shopping Tour. In addition to visiting the historic ruins, you will visit the Lapis Jewelry Factory and Showroom.
Currency
Mexico's currency is the peso (MXN). The $ sign is used to refer to pesos, so don't be shocked at the price tags. Any prices in U.S. dollars are listed as US$ or USD. Many hotels, restaurants and shops also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate.
