Costa Maya
Turquoise, coral & soft white sand
In the lesser-known region of the Mayan Riviera—with its rich history, quaint beaches, and blue lagoon cenotes—towns like Mahahaul and Xcalak make Costa Maya the Mexican port you didn’t know you needed.
Raw and less-curated than other ports in the region, beach towns Mahahaul and Xcalak give you a glimpse into a somewhat undisturbed side of the Yucatán Peninsula—often feeling like Tulum before it became Tu-lum. Drenched with reminders (and ruins) of the Mayan history that built the region, exploring the area feels like a study in contrasts—a dynamic balance of who it was and what it’s becoming.
Discovering the Yucatán Peninsula
The history. The geography. The culture.
Kohunlich & Dzibanche Mayan Ruins
Tour the two Mayan cities that once ruled the Yucatán Peninsula
Uchbenkah Jungle Retreat & Blue Lagoon
Explore the jungle and iridescent-colored lagoon
Mahahual Biking Tour & Brunch
See Costa Maya's quaint fishing town while getting a leg workout
Kohunlich & Dzibanche Mayan Ruins
Traveling toward the border of Belize to the ancient cities of Dzibanche and Kohunlick, you’ll explore the ornate temples — and the high stairs and sculpted masks that line them.
Uchbenkah Jungle & Blue Lagoon
Located in a secluded part of the jungle, a day at the Blue Lagoon is the ultimate form of relaxation — complete with wading through iridescent and ever-changing blue spring water while being tended to by your own personal staff.
Mahahaul Biking Tour & Brunch
One of the best ways to explore the Yucatán Peninsula’s charming towns is by bicycle. You’ll explore the ins and outs of the quaint town of Mahahual while stopping at famous spots along the way.
Okay, but what is a cenote? A natural well formed by the collapse of limestone — exposing water below.
Shore Things
Stray (far off) the course
For the especially curious, hop into your Jeep and caravan through the quiet fishing village of Mahahual for an off-roading excursion through Costa Maya — the less expected way to navigate the jungle, beaches and unexplored parts of the region.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
Leaving the region, it’s clear you’ve parted with a place whose identity is rooted in duality—a place aware of the lure of it’s natural beauty and eager to celebrate it, but also managing to preserve the cultural and environmental sanctity it has sustained for so long.
For a country whose tourism is tied to famous destinations like Cancun, you can’t help but leave feeling like you’ve found a secret spot. It’s not true, of course—but in the quiet, sleepy moments on the beach savoring fresh ceviche—it might as well be.