Last week I returned from a photo trip to Cozumel, Mexico. I’ve been to the Yucatan Peninsula over a dozen times, but can’t remember the exact number of visits.

I stayed in the downtown area of the island this trip in the Centro neighborhood of San Miguel de Cozumel. My hotel was about two miles from the airport and as a backpacker it was a 30 minute walk for me. I had 20 pesos in my pocket from a previous trip and grabbed a sparkling water on my hike to the hotel on Calle 2 Nte.

I spent a lot of time at the rooftop pool of my hotel. It had a lovely view of the ocean and of the cruise ships docked at the seaport. The first evening I arrived I lounged out on a beach chair and watched the stars until very late at night.

The next morning I rented a beach cruiser bike and rode 30km to see some impressive Mayan ruins in central Cozumel. They are built low to the earth to survive the hurricanes that can ravage the island.

San Gervasio ruins in Cozumel

Had to get far away from downtown San Miguel in order to get the quiet beach photos. It was about a $12 US cab ride.

Tropical sunset in Cozumel

Bird on the beach

This colorful, little bird was perched on a downed tree and had to keep a sharp eye out for the tide that would crash into the log.

Sunset in Cozumel

Shot this one with my iPhone 8 and love the light daggers that appear from the sun.

Street art in Playa del Carmen

I visited Playa del Carmen twice on a boat that runs direct from the Cozumel ferry pier and the round trip fee is currently $20 US.

Island Hopper boat

Bungalow resorts on the beach, Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen resort

Sunset in Cozumel