{"id":20599,"date":"2012-01-09T06:00:28","date_gmt":"2012-01-09T12:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=20599"},"modified":"2018-03-08T11:24:23","modified_gmt":"2018-03-08T17:24:23","slug":"cozumel-hotels-get-your-iron-the-triathletes-cozumel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2012\/01\/cozumel-hotels-get-your-iron-the-triathletes-cozumel\/","title":{"rendered":"Get your iron: The triathlete\u2019s Cozumel"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Off with the cap and on with the helmet! Your visit to Chankanaab will be decidedly less hurried. Credit: Courtesy of Cozumel Municipal Governmen.<\/p><\/div>\n

By Amy Drew Thompson<\/em><\/p>\n

Think about a Mexican getaway, and the pervasive imagery generally includes white sand and blue water \u2013 perhaps Mariachis. Throw in a good bottle of tequila and I\u2019ll race you to the airport. But for some travelers to Cozumel hotels<\/a>, additional concerns arise: bike maintenance, bathing caps, whether their toenails have grown back since the last race.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

These are Ironman triathletes, who recently returned to test their mettle in the ultimate endurance challenge in paradise. Of course, you don\u2019t have to be up for a 2.4-mile swim, a marathon or a 112-mile bike ride around the island (never mind all three in a day) to enjoy the ath-\u201clite\u201d versions.<\/p>\n

Not only has the Fiesta Americana Cozumel – All Inclusive<\/a> served as an Ironman host hotel, its just a half-mile from Chankanaab National Park<\/strong>, where the swim portion kicks off the race. If you can tear yourself from its lagoon and botanical gardens or the myriad wildlife encounters, you\u2019ll surely enjoy your own leisurely freestyle in its balmy, crystalline waters.<\/p>\n

Many race participants enjoy staying in town, where legions of locals turn out to cheer them on. Properties like the boutique Vista del Mar Boutique Hotel<\/a>, with its intimate rooftop pool, sit steps from dining, shopping and the ferry terminal, and make a great jump-off point for on-foot exploration.<\/p>\n

The northern coast of the island \u2013 following an extensive 2010 facelift \u2013 is ideal for running, cycling and offsetting the indulgences of vacationing. The smooth, safe bicycle path, well lit and dotted with benches, welcomes bike and sneaker tread along a route that showcases Cozumel\u2019s colorful contrasts: verdant greenery and cerulean seas.<\/p>\n

Sure, the Coral Princess Hotel and Resort<\/a> has oceanview workout facilities, but why not run the Costera Norte<\/strong> instead? Trot past Buccano\u2019s Bar & Grill<\/strong> on your way to the Cozumel Country Club, then turn back for a day at this beach club\/restaurant \u2013 family-operated since 1960. In fact, beginning this month they\u2019re expanding the menus, serving fresh Mexican-Caribbean fare for dinner on Friday and Saturday, in addition to breakfast and lunch.Eat now, worry later. You can swim it off tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Related resources<\/strong><\/p>\n