Cozumel Landmarks and Monuments

(Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

There are no real high-rise buildings upon the island of Cozumel and the 1978 El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel is amongst the highest landmarks, with just 12 floors. However, around Cozumel there are countless important landmarks and historical monuments, such as the Castillo Real and the San Gervasio site, which are both known to date from Mayan times.

Landmarks within San Miguel de Cozumel include the contemporary City Hall (Palacio Municipal) and also the Plaza Central. Each Sunday, look out for the live music and dancing, which takes place around the Plaza Central and often draws large crowds.

Castillo Real

Address: Punta Molas Road, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
A prominent Mayan landmark sited at the end of the East Coast Road (Costera Este Highway), the Castillo Real is close to the Punta Molas Faro. The castle itself is in remarkable condition and comprises a large temple with a pyramid-shape base, and a tall tower overlooking the neighbouring beach and coastline, which is usually extremely quiet and a pleasant contrast from Cozumel's more developed beachfronts.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

El Caracol

Address: Parque Punta Sur, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
The El Caracol landmark is sited between both the south and east coastal roads (Costera Sur Highway and Costera Este Highway), within the Parque Punta Sur nature reserve. Believed to have been a lighthouse from Mayan times, the El Caracol is around 700 years old and has an interesting past, which is explained during the frequent guided tours.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Iglesia de San Miguel (Church of San Miguel)

Address: Avenida Benito Juarez 180, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
The most notable and important church in the whole of San Miguel de Cozumel, the historic Iglesia de San Miguel is most famous for being home to the precious statue of St. Michael the Archangel. Located within the interior, this statue is around 500 years old and carved from ivory, with tremendous attention to detail.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 07:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 20:00, Sunday - 07:00 to 21:00
Admission: free

Palacio Municipal (City Hall)

Address: Avenida Melgar, San Miguel, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
One of the most important landmarks in the whole of San Miguel de Cozumel, the City Hall is known locally as the 'Palacio Municipal' and features classical Mexican architecture, complete with dome and archway. Very much central to local government, the City Hall features a number of offices dealing with the island's government business. The Palacio Municipal features modern architecture, with a white facade and tall central clock tower.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 12:00
Admission: free

Plaza Central

Address: Parque Benito Juarez , San Miguel, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
The Plaza Central is a prominent local landmark and lies in the very heart of San Miguel de Cozumel. Very important in day to day life, much of the town is arranged around the Plaza Central, including the Cozumel Tourist Information Office and the Tourist Police Kiosk. This large public square is sited close to the cruise docks and is surrounded by a number of lively eateries, bars and shops.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

San Gervasio

Address: Boulevard Juarez, Cozumel, 77600, Mexico, MX
Located on the eastern side of Cozumel island, San Gervasio features a series of old Mayan temple remains, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. This site was once used for historical ceremonies where offerings were made to the Mayan gods. San Gervasio is a fascinating place to visit and offers a glimpse into the lives of this ancient island civilisation.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge