Woooosh - 12-22-2008 at 12:05 PM
My gringo nephew and fiance are planning a trip to Cozumel for late february. How dangerous is that area? What might it be like in two months? Any
suggestions with the continuing devaluation of the peseo? How do I get them to be cautious without scaring them? Is it safe enough for two very whte,
young, naive love-birds to enjoy themselves on the island without toomuch worry? Just asking because the media is printing nothing about violence in
resort area.
toneart - 12-22-2008 at 12:26 PM
Woooosh,
My information is way outdated, so what I have to say is just my own reasoning. Could be completely wrong.
During the early 1980s My band (from San Miguel de Allende) had a gig for the winter at the Hotel Sol Carribe, in Cozumel. It was a great place at the
time.
Being an island, I wouldn't think that it is a turf base for a cartel. Also, tourists are not yet targeted. Also, there are a lot of tourists there,
and the mainland in Merida and the ruins. Also, it is Mayan country. I haven't read or heard anything about trouble there. The Mayans are very
friendly. It is not even the huelga atmosphere you find around Oaxaca.
There is the usual recreational toke activities there, but nothing heavy. This could have changed, but I doubt it. It is all pretty laid back. I would
think it is pretty solidly promoted and protected as a tourist resort. Great diving, too!
I would think your nephew and his fiance would be fine.
El Almirante - 12-22-2008 at 12:59 PM
I was just there for 2 weeks. Although I did not hang out in town at night I do not think there would be any worry. The people were very friendly,
there are tons of tourists around, due to the presence of 2-4 cruise ships each day, and there were a fair number of police around. Also, there is a
military base just at the north end of town. We rented a car and drove around to the east side of the island, which is quite undeveloped, with the
occasional bar on the beach and we felt very comfortable I do not think they are experiencing any of the problems, yet, of TJ, Juarez or even
Ensenada/Rosarito. As for the peso, who knows which way it will go? We were getting 13.5 to 14 during our stay. The only caution I might have is to
stay near the main drag, which fronts the ocean, if they are going to be in town later into the night. Not because I know there to be problems further
inland, but there will just be more poeple around.
Barry A. - 12-22-2008 at 01:11 PM
My wife and I spent 3 weeks in that area 10 years ago with everything we we had in backpacks, staying in very inexpensive places way off the beaten
tract-----------nothing but good times, and friendly people everywhere we stayed all over the Yucatan and Belize (except Belize City----not good).
Only major place we did not stay in was "new" Cancun, tho we did stay in the old town (city?) of Cancun.
I would not be conscerned at all.
Barry
Bajahowodd - 12-22-2008 at 01:24 PM
That is just about the safest area in Mexico. Of course, crime can happen anywhere. If they plan on doing some mainland travel, there's plenty to see.
And for my money, nearby Isla Mujeres is heaven. A little bit Cuban. A little bit Key West. And alot Mexican.
Mango - 12-22-2008 at 02:25 PM
Been there, and never felt anything but relaxed. There is a little city near the ferry terminal and a few other little towns scattered throughout the
island. There is some good snorkeling/diving there as well. Pretty much there is one large loop road the circumnavigates the island.
There is an interesting tourist area at the south end of the island where you can explore an old lighthouse, see crocodiles(alligators? I forget),
and an old Mayan ruin that whistles during high winds is/was supposed to warn of impending hurricanes.
Playa del Carmen is just a ferry ride away; but, it can get rough if the wind kicks up. No big deal really, unless you get sea sick easily. It has
some good resturants and a nice beach.
Woooosh - 12-22-2008 at 08:43 PM
Thanks for the feedback, I'm sure they'll have a more relaxed time after reading the comments.
Any other places they MUST see or eat at while there?
BajaGringo - 12-22-2008 at 09:06 PM
Do tell them to be careful with what they leave in their room. A friend of mine from Mexico City just spent a week in Cozumel and they stole her
computer, jewelry and shoes.
When she told me they took her shoes I figured it had to be a female thief.
k-rico - 12-23-2008 at 06:32 AM
I had a great day in this place a few years ago:
http://www.xcaret.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xcaret
The evening dinner show is excellent.
http://www.xcaret.com/Culture/Arquelogics_Vestigies.html
We were staying in Cancun and took a tour bus. They can probably get one in Playa del Carmen.
On another day we rented a car and drove to Tulum. That also was a good day trip.
[Edited on 12-23-2008 by k-rico]