You won´t see much in the way of civilization for many miles. Small mammals, such as coatimundis, are also seen along with the ubiquitous iguana. Once south of Tulum, the landscape mostly consists of scrub jungle, home to a variety of critters that include the occasional panther or monkey and flocks of colorful parrots. Beginning just south of Tulum and running for 62 miles, all the way down to the border with Belize, Mexico´s lesser known Costa Maya delivers an equally entertaining and much less crowded adventure.ĭelivering less glitz and glamour than Cancun and absent the booming construction of Playa del Carmen or the fresh development projects of Tulum, the Costa Maya is unspoiled and untamed. Once the domain of bloodthirsty pirates and thieving hooligans, Mexico´s Costa Maya has come a long way. Stretching from Cancun on the north to Tulum on the south, this hedonistic magnet draws more than 5 million tourists each year and very few of them ever venture south of Tulum. Grand Costa Maya, in the delightful Mexican Caribbean, may not be as popular with tourists as Cancún or Riviera Maya, but for the true traveler, that’s all part of its charm.There are few sun-seekers who have not heard of Mexico´s famed Riviera Maya, an 80-mile stretch of stunning, sugar sand beach infused with swaying palm trees and ample resorts. It’s a true encounter with history in the middle of the most exuberant nature. Following the 18-mile route along archaeological sites near Chetumal, with its clear roads and easy-to-understand signposts, travelers can visit Mayan places such as Kohunlich, Dzibanché, Kinichná, Chacchoben and Oxtankah, and marvel at their pyramids, temples, and irrigation systems. Twelve centuries ago, the Mayan civilization was considered to be one of the largest and most developed in the world, with close to one million citizens and technological and artistic growth as advanced as similarly ancient societies. The sheer number of shipwrecks still on the seafloor Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve makes it a picturesque dream come true for divers. Close to Mahahual is Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve, a coral atoll 27-miles long that’s legendary not only for its stunning beauty but for being a trap to many ships between the 16th and 19th centuries. Xcalak is a marvelous natural area, with a focus on diving and relaxation. Worth mentioning is Xcalak, a fishing village with wooden houses and unspoiled coastline ideal for spending some quiet time at the beach. And speaking of cenotes, Bacalar is home to some of Mexico’s largest and most beautiful, like Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Cenote Cocalitos and Cenote Azul. It contains the peculiar Museo de la Piratería (Museum of Piracy) and provides a remarkable view of the lagoon and its jaw-dropping cenotes – naturally forming caves filled with water that are revealed through sinkholes. Also known as the Seven Colors Lagoon, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can find stromatolites – intriguing natural rock formations produced by millions of harmless bacteria.Īnother must-see in Bacalar is the San Felipe Fort, a stronghold built in the 18th century to stop the attacks of pirate ships along the coast. Last but not least, at the Museo de la Cultura Maya, visitors can appreciate the grandeur and splendor of a civilization that thrived for more than a thousand years.Īs soon as travelers arrive in Bacalar, they soon realize why it’s known as a “Magical Town.” – a place where culture, color, and charm come together. Here you can find the imposing Bacalar Lagoon, an enormous body of shallow water where dissolved crystals give the waves a blue-tinged iridescence. COSTA MAYA MEXICO ZIPIf you like adventure you can do horseback riding or zip lining among other activities. A great place to visit is Payo Obispo Zoo, a park that features butterflies, reptiles, birds and some mammals from the region and other parts of the world. Be ready to enjoy this small and quiet city with plenty of options for those seeking culture, adventure, and relaxation. Their dazzling cenotes, lagoons, unspoiled beaches, archaeological sites, and attractions make this a haven of leisure, fun, and history.Ĭhetumal, the southern capital of Quintana Roo, is an excellent starting point for the traveler who wants to discover Grand Costa Maya. Grand Costa Maya straddles diverse destinations like Chetumal, Bacalar, and Mahahual. This natural paradise receives fewer visitors than the more well-known tourist destinations of Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, despite the fact it’s a short 2-hour journey away. To the south of the Mexican Caribbean, there’s a region adventurous traveler should not miss: The Grand Costa Maya.
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