Written by Chillie Falls, Chillie’s Cruises, April13, 2022
Recently, my Adventure of the Seas cruise docked at the international pier in Cozumel. If you are not familiar with the piers in Cozumel, there are three. The one “by itself” found in the town of San Miguel, the largest city in Cozumel., is the Punta Langosta Pier. The two together are the International Pier, about three miles to the south of Punta Langosta, and the Puerto Maya Pier, a mile or so further to the south.
I was meeting Elizabeth Sterne, Elizabeth on Location, at Poncho’s Backyard, a traditional Mexican restaurant found within the property of the Puerto Maya Pier. The first test of accessibility involved my finding no obstacles for my scooter on the ride from the ship and the International Pier, to the restaurant at the Puerto Maya pier. Not having done that before, I had no idea what I would face.
Of course, there was no problem getting from the ship to the cruise terminal, and once there, my only problem was all of the “No, gracias” reply to vendors trying to hawk their wares. Once past the cab area, I turned south on Costera Sur. Luckily, there were two curb areas along the ride between the two ppiers, and both were ramped. One was a bit rough, but still passable. So, my first hurdle was cleared and I rolled into the Puerto Maya complex.
After a short scooter ride to the Puerto Maya pier, a lovely lunch was planned with Elizabeth Stern of Elizabeth on Location at Poncho’s Backyard. I easily found the restaurant within the complex, discovered that both the indoor entrance and access to the outdoor seating area were both completely accessible. Elizabeth was waiting at an outdoor table.
Authentic Mexican cuisine filled the menu. We started off with tortillas and “killer” guacamole. Elizabeth ordered one of her famed vegan dishes, I opted for Chicken Fajitas. throughout the afternoon, , traditional entertainment was prevalent with a pair of wonderful marimba players. And, awesome margaritas and other adult beverages flowed liberally. With such wonderful company, it was a great afternoon.
My only accessible issues with Poncho’s Backyard is the bathroom. The mens room was very small and clumsy to even attempt entry on the scooter. I found it easier, if not necessary, to park the scooter and walk a few steps. One with no mobility could get by, but it would be a challenge.
If you are in Cozumel, especially at either the International Pier or the Puerto Maya pier, I highly recommend Poncho’s Backyard.