Fun Day Trips in Cozumel, Mexico: El Mirador

R. M. Dubuc
El Mirador is one of the most amazing rock formations and sites to see while visiting Cozumel. Many travelers never make it past the tourist trap excursions, but a visit to the naturally beautiful El Mirador is worth the cab fare to the other side of Cozumel.

Location

El Mirador is one of the hidden treasures located on the east side of Cozumel. This side of the Cozumel stretches in long sweeps of open road, dotted with sand dunes and a clear view of the ocean. A connecting road from the west, tourist developed side, cuts across Cozumel to reach the east side of the island. In between, there is a large undeveloped jungle.

It is also possible to reach El Mirador by driving around the perimeter of Cozumel along the ocean. Nearby sites include Punta Sur National Park, Chanakaab, and Coconuts bar.

El Mirador

El Mirador is preserved in its most natural state. The large rock formations jut out into the open ocean. El Mirador was carved by years of ocean waves splashing against the rocks. El Mirador consists large rock formations which can be climbed and walked across to the end, where the ocean spray meets El Mirador. The rock formations are craggy in spots and have some natural bridges and tidal pools whirling around. There are uneven spots and some holes in the rocks to be aware of when walking across El Mirador.

When visiting El Mirador, there are a few essential items you should have ready. A sturdy pair of sneakers or hiking boots are needed to attempt the walk across El Mirador. Flip flops or sandals may make the attemt uneasy, and caution should be taken. The assent and walk across El Mirador is not for young children or those who have balance issues. A camera or camcorder is another essential item for a visit to El Mirador.

Once atop el Mirador, you can see a clear view of the ocean. The scene is breathtaking. The seascapes and uniqueness of El Mirador make this one of the off-the-beaten-path sites in Cozumel worth visiting at least once. There are plenty of potential photo opportunities at El Mirador.

In addition to the El Mirador rock formations, the quiet Playa El Mirador beach can be a nice spot to rest for awhile and watch the waves. The beach is not ideal for swimming, due to large waves and currents, but you can wade in ankle deep or so. There are also some shells on the beach for those interested in shelling.

Cozumel offers a variety of tourist attractions and tours. El Mirador is one of the best kept secrets, not as highlighted in guide books, but worth the trip. Some of the most beautiful Cozumel sites are located on the east side of the island, making the trip to El Mirador and interesting ride.

Published by R. M. Dubuc

R.M. Dubuc is a counselor, writer, and doctoral student who has published over 400 online articles on a variety of topics.  View profile

2 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Amanda Cartwright3/1/2009

    makes me want to go to Mexico

  • 3lilangels2/10/2009

    ;-);-)

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.