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COZUMEL - MEXICO!
The 490-square-km (189-square-mi) island
of Cozumel hangs 19 km (12 mi) off the tip of
the Yucatán Peninsula. Calm waters wash
the white sandy beaches on its leeward side, which
is fringed by a spectacular reef system. On the
windward Caribbean side, powerful surf and rocky
strands are broken at intervals by calm bays and
hidden coves.
Aside from the 3% of the island that has been
developed, Cozumel is made up of expanses of sandy
or rocky beaches, quiet little coves, palm groves,
scrubby jungle, lagoons and swamps, and a few
low hills (the maximum elevation is 45 ft). A
few Maya ruins provide what limited sightseeing
there is aside from the island's glorious natural
attractions.
Despite the inevitable effects of cruise ships
that dock here, the island's earthy charm remains
largely intact, and the relaxing atmosphere remains
typically Mexican -- friendly and unpretentious.
A mainstay of Cozumel's mood is the isleños,
descendents of the Maya who have inhabited the
island for centuries...
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