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Why This Mexican Caribbean Island Could Be Mexico’s Next Magical Town

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The Mexican Caribbean is known for its ancient Mayan cities brimming with culture and tropical vibes.

The most renowned of these towns are known as Pueblos Mágicos, or Magical Towns, often containing noteworthy features such as ruins, beautiful old towns, or a unique charm not found elsewhere. 

Cozumel's blue water and white-sand coastline

According to a recent initiative, the Mexican Caribbean could soon have a fourth Magical Town – Cozumel.

While not a town in itself, this stunning Caribbean island is packed with otherworldly scenery, quaint old towns, and endless opportunities for exploration.

Here’s everything travelers need to know about Cozumel:

Cozumel Might Soon Be The Mexican Caribbean’s Newest Magical Town

Work has already begun on officially declaring Cozumel a Magical Town.

This week, island officials announced an ambitious plan to make Cozumel the fourth Magical Town in the Mexican Caribbean by next year.

The quaint island has seen its popularity skyrocket in past months as more travelers discover everything it has to offer.

Tropical scenery in Cozumel with palm trees and blue water

“Cozumel has everything needed to become a Magical Town, with great infrastructure, history, gastronomy, among others, and I am certain that by working together we can achieve that,” Cozumel’s mayor Juanita Alonos said in a statement. 

The Mexican Caribbean is currently home to three Magical towns: Isla Mujeres, Tulum, and Bacalar.

While Isla Mujeres is known for its world-famous white-sand beaches, Tulum’s massive Mayan ruins make it one of the best historical attractions in the region.

Meanwhile, Bacalar is famous for its turquoise lagoons and charming villages.

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Aerial view of lagoon in bacalar with a boat in the water

Compared to the other destinations, Cozumel is much larger, offering both natural wonders and plenty of historical treasures.

Measuring around 250 square miles in size, the island is the largest in the Mexican Caribbean, making it one of the most popular resort and diving destinations.  

The process of being declared a Magical Town is not an easy one; only a select few destinations meet the threshold – such as having a unique culture – not to mention safety and cleanliness. 

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Cozumel seems to tick all the right boxes, and officials are convinced the island is well on its way to becoming the newest and most popular Magical Town.

What Makes Cozumel So Magical

A paradise for nature lovers, Cozumel has climbed the ranks to become one of the best destinations for aquatic activities: snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the island’s crystal-clear are a popular pastime for travelers.

Aerial view of the ancient Ichkabal Maya site and forest

Cozumel’s gorgeous white-sand beaches cover the entire perimeter of the island, making them the perfect venue for a relaxing getaway.

When it comes to sargassum, the island’s western side is more protected compared to the eastern side, which struggles with massive seaweed levels.

Some of the island’s top natural wonders include Playa el Cielo, a white-sand beach on the southern tip of the island.

Due to its remote location, it can only be reached by boat, so we recommend booking a local guided tour.

Diving in Cozumel with colorful reefs and fish

Cozumel also offers some amazing opportunities for diving and snorkeling thanks to its pristine shores.

While the island is easily explored on an e-bike or in a taxi, a guided tour is the best choice for making the most of your time. This $59 per person clear-bottom boat tour allows visitors to enjoy Cozumel’s blue waters from the comfort of their vessel.  

Cozumel’s centuries-long history also makes it worthy of a visit. Travelers can head to Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio, situated in the northern portion of the island.

The massive archeological site is one of the best-preserved in the Mexican Caribbean, showcasing local history and Mayan culture. 

White sand beach and an abandoned wood boat in Cozumel

When it comes to accommodation, there is no shortage of luxurious all-inclusive resorts and smaller properties to choose from in Cozumel.

Some of the island’s most popular choices include  Iberostar Cozumel and Cozumel Palace, which rank among the top properties according to Tripadvisor.

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