Hey, y'all! Happy Travel Tuesday! Costa Maya is known as the heart of the Mayan culture. The Mayans were an ancient civilization known for their sophisticated writing system, art, architecture, and mathematics however they are most famously known for their calendar and astronomy.
Costa Maya, or Puerto Costa Maya as it is known locally, is one of the most popular cruise ports on Western Itineraries. It is situated in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula south of Playa del Carmen and near Belize. After being obliterated by Hurricane Dean, the area was transformed into the vibrant destination that it is today.
Costa Maya is full of incredible things to do and is one of the many cruise ports in which you don't need to book an excursion to have an amazing day.
Things to Do in Costa Maya Mexico
1. Relax at the Port- This port offers a ton of amenities that make it possible for you to enjoy the area without wandering too far. There are 3 saltwater pools with swim-up bars, several restaurants, and countless shops. Enjoy the sound of Mexican mariachis and Mayan drum beats as you enjoy lunch at Carlos and Charlies or Senor Frogs. You can even go swimming with dolphins or snorkel with marine life right at the port!
2. Explore the Mahahaul fishing village- The port is located by a nearby fishing village. There are several ways to access the village including bicycles (for rent for $10-30 for 4 hours), golf cart (for $75 a day), taxi or shuttle bus. Follow the signs for downtown until you spot the baseball dome. This is the center of the downtown district. From here you can access the beach clubs, restaurants, and shops.
While at Mahahual, take advantage of the beautiful white sandy beaches and incredibly clear and totally gorgeous water. There is a reef system just off the coast that keeps the water relatively calm making it perfect for snorkeling and splashing about.
3. Hit the Beach- To get to the beach, walk towards the right from the port entrance just past the shops. You'll see a grand staircase on your right loaded with tourists snapping photos. You'll spot a narrow pathway at the bottom of the stairs where you'll be able to purchase a ticket for a taxi or trolley that can take you to the beach. Popular beaches include Tropicante, and Maya Chan.
4. Visit the Mayan Ruins- These ingenious people left their mark in history by erecting incredibly ornate and impressive pyramids. These structures have been tediously excavated and preserved by archaeologists who, to this day, are still discovering these ruins hidden deep in the jungles of Central America. Three nearby sites include Chaccohoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche. Chacchoben is located about 1 hour away from the port and is the areas most popular ruins. It features a massive pyramid structure that you can climb for an impressive view of the surrounding area.
5. Get Wet and Wild- This impressive port is located along the second largest coral reef system in the world, second only to the Great Barrier Reef. The Meso-American reef is home to dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and some of the most beautiful fish you'll ever see. Take advantage of this glorious opportunity by getting wet and wild. Grab your snorkel gear or scuba gear or enjoy the sea on a glass bottom boat, catamaran, sailboat, kayak, paddle board, or jet ski!
6. Seek Adventure- Of course, there is an adventure to be had on the shore as well! This area is known for it's ATV, Dune Buggy, and Jeep Tours. Or, you can get a birds-eye view of the area from the canopies by booking a Zip Lining excursion!
Costa Maya is an amazing port. It is a great way to get a glimpse of Mexico's past, present, and future. The area is full of a plethora of things to do ranging from snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world to sampling tequila near the port.
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