Like Cancun, Costa Maya is a fabricated destination built for tourism—notably the cruise industry. Costa Maya is the newest port in the Western Caribbean and is located on a peninsula which feels eerily similar to many of the private islands owned by the cruise ships. The area is located on the Caribbean Sea approximately 100 miles south of Playa del Carmen and quite close to the border of Belize.
The port itself is nothing terribly special–a man-made tourism village with bars, restaurants, shops and pools at the ready. The area was built in 2001 from scratch. The only nearby inhabited place is the village of Mahahual with its population of about 200. These folks helped build the port (along with others who came from other areas) including the brick roads, concrete cottages, and the water filtration plant. And before you ask, yes the water is safe within the confines of Costa Maya.
Be sure to see the recommended tours by ShoreTrips after the article.
60-Second Geography
The Costa Maya |
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But don’t be led to believe that Costa Maya is all there is in the region. If you want to venture a bit further and immerse yourself in some true Mayan culture, you have several options. The region is home to some lesser known (but still important) Mayan ruins with the most prominent one being Chacchoben, a city dating back to around 350 A.D. The seaside village of Mahahual is also worth a visit. It’s history began as a fishing village, but now, with the advent of Costa Maya and more recently some financial gain from Hurricane Dean, there are seaside huts, beautifully groomed (and calm) beaches which are perfect for families, and a boardwalk. However, be aware of the buskers who will be selling the traditional souvenirs. |
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Explore The Costa Maya With ShoreTrips
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