Costa Maya, Mexico Cruises
Costa Maya, Quintana Roo is one of the most popular destinations in Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
Costa Maya, Quintana Roo
|
Things to do in Costa Maya
Sunset in Bacalar
Water Activities
Costa Maya offers several different water activities tourists love to experience. Do some kayak or paddle boarding in the Laguna de Bacalar, or enjoy a more mellow evening cruising in a sailboat during the sunset. Visit “Los Rapidos” (the rapids), located in the Xul-há lagoon. Explore three cenotes: Cocalitos, Esmeralda, and La Bruja, and swim in the shallow water. Banco Chinchorro, a coral reef zone located 30 km away from Mahahual in the Costa Maya is a 45 kilómeter protected area that extends from Yucatán to Honduras. This site is part of the Mesoamerican Arrecifal System and it’s great for snorkeling and catch-and-release fishing activities.
Places You Can’t Miss
Visit the Laguna Milagros, around the Chetumal area and the Laguna de Bacalar in the Bacalar municipality. Enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters of these lagoons and get a refreshing connection with nature from Costa Maya. The Laguna de Bacalar is known for its “cenotes,” or subterranean water cavities, which cause the different shades of blue within the lagoon. Another place you can’t miss is the San Felipe Fort. This site was built by the Spanish during 1729 to protect themselves from English and French embarkations in search for goods.
Natural Parks and Museums
Learn the history of a key city at Costa Maya, at the Museo de la Ciudad in Chetumal. This museum showcases the history of Chetumal city since the Guerra de Las Castas war. Another museum that’s full of Mayan history insight is the Museo de la Cultura Maya in Chetumal. While you’re in the area, make a stop at the Jardín Zoologico de Payo Obispo zoo and the Yook’ol Kaab Planetarium to discover different forms of life on earth. Costa Maya is well known for being home to the Manatee Sanctuary, visit this protected area for a chance to meet “Daniel,” a 17-year-old manatee who’s very popular in the area.
Beaches
Visit Xcalak in Mahahual, Costa Maya, for a relaxing, quiet day at the beach. Beaches in Mahahual used to be a hidden treasure since there wasn’t much tourism in the area until a few years ago. Beaches in Mahahual are some of the most spectacular and clean in the area. There has been strong effort from the Mexican government to keep these areas clean, and promote ecological-tourism.
Archaeological Sites
Take a stroll through the Paseo Calderitas all the way up to Oxtanak. This archaeological zone offers views of stone-built pyramid remains from 400 years ago, located right in the middle of the jungle which creates a vivid, beautiful contrast between nature and the buildings. Dzibanché, Kinichná, and Kohunlich are three spectacular Mayan archeological hidden jewels. These are all located in the Mahahual area within the Costa Maya, and there are several tours available to get to know these three iconic sites in one or two days.
Costa Maya offers several different water activities tourists love to experience. Do some kayak or paddle boarding in the Laguna de Bacalar, or enjoy a more mellow evening cruising in a sailboat during the sunset. Visit “Los Rapidos” (the rapids), located in the Xul-há lagoon. Explore three cenotes: Cocalitos, Esmeralda, and La Bruja, and swim in the shallow water. Banco Chinchorro, a coral reef zone located 30 km away from Mahahual in the Costa Maya is a 45 kilómeter protected area that extends from Yucatán to Honduras. This site is part of the Mesoamerican Arrecifal System and it’s great for snorkeling and catch-and-release fishing activities.
Places You Can’t Miss
Visit the Laguna Milagros, around the Chetumal area and the Laguna de Bacalar in the Bacalar municipality. Enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters of these lagoons and get a refreshing connection with nature from Costa Maya. The Laguna de Bacalar is known for its “cenotes,” or subterranean water cavities, which cause the different shades of blue within the lagoon. Another place you can’t miss is the San Felipe Fort. This site was built by the Spanish during 1729 to protect themselves from English and French embarkations in search for goods.
Natural Parks and Museums
Learn the history of a key city at Costa Maya, at the Museo de la Ciudad in Chetumal. This museum showcases the history of Chetumal city since the Guerra de Las Castas war. Another museum that’s full of Mayan history insight is the Museo de la Cultura Maya in Chetumal. While you’re in the area, make a stop at the Jardín Zoologico de Payo Obispo zoo and the Yook’ol Kaab Planetarium to discover different forms of life on earth. Costa Maya is well known for being home to the Manatee Sanctuary, visit this protected area for a chance to meet “Daniel,” a 17-year-old manatee who’s very popular in the area.
Beaches
Visit Xcalak in Mahahual, Costa Maya, for a relaxing, quiet day at the beach. Beaches in Mahahual used to be a hidden treasure since there wasn’t much tourism in the area until a few years ago. Beaches in Mahahual are some of the most spectacular and clean in the area. There has been strong effort from the Mexican government to keep these areas clean, and promote ecological-tourism.
Archaeological Sites
Take a stroll through the Paseo Calderitas all the way up to Oxtanak. This archaeological zone offers views of stone-built pyramid remains from 400 years ago, located right in the middle of the jungle which creates a vivid, beautiful contrast between nature and the buildings. Dzibanché, Kinichná, and Kohunlich are three spectacular Mayan archeological hidden jewels. These are all located in the Mahahual area within the Costa Maya, and there are several tours available to get to know these three iconic sites in one or two days.
Get to know Costa Maya
Dock in Bacalar
Location
Costa Maya is located on the southern coast of the State of Quintana Roo, in the Othon P. Blanco municipality. This symbolic region is made up of three caribbean jewels: Chetumal, Mahahual, and Bacalar. Each one of these sites within the Costa Maya offers unique features, rich history and culture, and majestic nature. Chetumal is home to the Manatee Sanctuary, and is also the State of Quintana Roo’s capital. Mahahual is a fishing village whose beach is protected by Chinchorro coral reef, which makes the water in this area extra tranquil and crystal clear. Besides pristine water beaches and entertainment, Costa Maya is home to one of the most famous lagoons in the world: the Laguna de Bacalar. This lagoon is located in the municipality of Bacalar and it’s also known as “Laguna de los Siete Colores,” which translates to “the seven-color lagoon,” due to the seven shades of blue/turquoise visible within the lagoon.
Historical and Cultural References
Natives in the area began agricultural activities around 6500 BC which helped establish the first villages in the area and became the first Mayan civilizations. Agriculture and architecture drastically evolved, and by 900 AD these cities became the beautiful archeological sites we visit today. Spanish interaction took place by 1506, but this occurred mostly in the State of Yucatan. During the 16th century, what’s today known as Costa Maya was attacked by English pirates in their attempt of attacking Spanish ships who transported gold. Spaniards protected themselves from the English by building forts, such as the Fuerte de San Felipe in Bacalar. Mexican Navy took control of that territory back in the 19th century, and built another port at Xcalak since the border between Belize and Mexico was established during that time and left Mexico without access to the port of Chetumal. Fishing became the major source of income in the area, until a couple of strong hurricanes hit the area, causing locals to move further inland. Mexico’s government focused on rebuilding and polishing the area, and today it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Costa Maya today lives mostly from tourism, and will most likely keep growing in that direction with focus on ecologically-friendly tourism.
Flora and Fauna
Without a doubt, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic species. The jungle and the ocean are home to hundreds of flora and fauna species. You’ll find racoons, opossums, wild boar, anteater, spider monkeys, and more mammals. Birds are also abundant in this zone, some of the predominant species include flamingos, parrots, pelicans, and seagulls. There are over 600 fish species that inhabit Costa Maya’s body of waters. Some of these unique species include the barracuda and the sea bream. The list of reptiles, amphibians, and insects in the jungle is overwhelming. Last but not least, the popular fauna in Costa Maya includes mahogany and cedar trees, palm trees, and countless tropical plants.
Gastronomy
Costa Maya’s traditional food involves a mix of seafood, mayan-influence, and even some Belice dishes. While you’re in the area, look for “cochinita pibil,” a delicious pulled-pork style traditional dish. You can’t miss the “pulpo en escabeche,” a marinated octopus dish that has a kick. The “pozol de cacao,” is a chocolate-based dessert that you certainly can’t miss. As you may already know, Costa Maya is located in the “coffee belt,” so you’ll find great coffee from this tropical region. Have some fresh-brewed coffee in one of the multiple coffee shops in the center or by the beaches in the area.
Costa Maya is located on the southern coast of the State of Quintana Roo, in the Othon P. Blanco municipality. This symbolic region is made up of three caribbean jewels: Chetumal, Mahahual, and Bacalar. Each one of these sites within the Costa Maya offers unique features, rich history and culture, and majestic nature. Chetumal is home to the Manatee Sanctuary, and is also the State of Quintana Roo’s capital. Mahahual is a fishing village whose beach is protected by Chinchorro coral reef, which makes the water in this area extra tranquil and crystal clear. Besides pristine water beaches and entertainment, Costa Maya is home to one of the most famous lagoons in the world: the Laguna de Bacalar. This lagoon is located in the municipality of Bacalar and it’s also known as “Laguna de los Siete Colores,” which translates to “the seven-color lagoon,” due to the seven shades of blue/turquoise visible within the lagoon.
Historical and Cultural References
Natives in the area began agricultural activities around 6500 BC which helped establish the first villages in the area and became the first Mayan civilizations. Agriculture and architecture drastically evolved, and by 900 AD these cities became the beautiful archeological sites we visit today. Spanish interaction took place by 1506, but this occurred mostly in the State of Yucatan. During the 16th century, what’s today known as Costa Maya was attacked by English pirates in their attempt of attacking Spanish ships who transported gold. Spaniards protected themselves from the English by building forts, such as the Fuerte de San Felipe in Bacalar. Mexican Navy took control of that territory back in the 19th century, and built another port at Xcalak since the border between Belize and Mexico was established during that time and left Mexico without access to the port of Chetumal. Fishing became the major source of income in the area, until a couple of strong hurricanes hit the area, causing locals to move further inland. Mexico’s government focused on rebuilding and polishing the area, and today it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Costa Maya today lives mostly from tourism, and will most likely keep growing in that direction with focus on ecologically-friendly tourism.
Flora and Fauna
Without a doubt, Costa Maya, Quintana Roo, is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic species. The jungle and the ocean are home to hundreds of flora and fauna species. You’ll find racoons, opossums, wild boar, anteater, spider monkeys, and more mammals. Birds are also abundant in this zone, some of the predominant species include flamingos, parrots, pelicans, and seagulls. There are over 600 fish species that inhabit Costa Maya’s body of waters. Some of these unique species include the barracuda and the sea bream. The list of reptiles, amphibians, and insects in the jungle is overwhelming. Last but not least, the popular fauna in Costa Maya includes mahogany and cedar trees, palm trees, and countless tropical plants.
Gastronomy
Costa Maya’s traditional food involves a mix of seafood, mayan-influence, and even some Belice dishes. While you’re in the area, look for “cochinita pibil,” a delicious pulled-pork style traditional dish. You can’t miss the “pulpo en escabeche,” a marinated octopus dish that has a kick. The “pozol de cacao,” is a chocolate-based dessert that you certainly can’t miss. As you may already know, Costa Maya is located in the “coffee belt,” so you’ll find great coffee from this tropical region. Have some fresh-brewed coffee in one of the multiple coffee shops in the center or by the beaches in the area.