COZUMEL, Mexico — The recommendation was to see “Discover Mexico” and it came from friends who have been here even more than us, and with our last arrival on the Norwegian Epic, we’ve been here three times in 17 days. Our friends thought the theme park that gives visitors a taste — not literally a taste — of all Mexico was “pretty good.”
The park is an interesting display of Mexican art and architecture, the latter in the form of models of some of the magnificent buildings and ruins from all over the country. Before you get to them, there’s an endless-loop, multi-screen video presentation that reminds us about all the things we love about Mexico: the colorful costumes, the dancers, the mariachis, the spectacular scenery, the history and the happy people. In this age, amid the harassment of souvenir and crafts vendors at every step and the threat of violence that’s so prevalent these days, the tourist can sometimes lose sight of the real attractions in Mexico.
The only thing wrong with the video on the country and its customs was that there were four screens, and the only thing that could possibly be watched on four screens in our house is football.
But we digress.
The park is not in the heart of San Miguel, the main “city” on the island of Cozumel, known for its beautiful beaches as depicted below at Discover Mexico. Almost all cruise-ship passengers turn left, either on foot or in a cab, after leaving their ship. Discover Mexico is to the right of all cruise ships, less than a mile from the International and the Puerta Maya Piers, and an $8 taxi from the one closest to town.
Original artwork of Oaxaca and modern models of old Mexico City architecture are both intricate creations even though, in some cases, they were done in different centuries. The models are vivid and spectacular. Pyramids and churches, plus castles and fortresses, and historical buildings that are still functional today. One pyramid model is almost nine feet high, its steps and its residents designed with authenticity and precision.
Maybe the best way to put it is this. We missed the Mayan ruins at Chichen-itza in the Yucatan this month. Seeing the model of part of them at Discover Mexico convinced us: We won’t miss it the next time around
After spending two hours in the place, we’d endorse “pretty good.” However, we’d also endorse “over-priced” because, at $20 per person, you’d probably only go once. Twelve bucks would have been more appropriate.
Especially when you’ve spent three days out of 17 in San Miguel. You think we’d qualify for a locals rate by now!