Welcome to Mahahual
Mahahual changed forever when the cruise ship dock was completed, and it grows larger every year. Despite the (literally) boatloads of tourists, there's a lovely, relaxed, Caribbean vibe that you won't find further north, and once the passengers have returned to their ships, a quiet calm settles over the town. Mahahual is the only spot in the Costa Maya that's large enough to support a diversity of sleeping and eating options, while still being right on the beach.
Top experiences in Mahahual
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Mahahual activities
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve from Costa Maya
Your tour begins with hotel pickup in Mahahual or Bacalar. You'll board a vehicle and start a 3-hour drive to Calakmul. Once there, you'll enjoy a 3.5-hour visit. Admire the wonderful flora and fauna surrounding the archaeological zone and maybe spot endemic birds or deer. You'll have a chance to climb the Great Pyramid and, from there, get a 360-degree view of the entire area. Learn about the importance of this site and how it served the Maya civilization during the Classic period. There are more than 6,500 structures here and the site has already been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will then have time to eat lunch and then board a vehicle back to Bacalar or Mahahual where you will be dropped-off at your hotel.
Costa Maya Adventure Kohunlich and Becan Arqueological Sites
Your tour begins with hotel pickup in Mahahual or Bacalar. You'll board a vehicle and start a 3.30-hour drive to Kohunlich in Quintana Roo state. Once there, you'll enjoy a 2 hours of visit. Admire the wonderful flora and fauna surrounding the archaeological zone and maybe spot endemic birds, or with a good luck howler monkeys. After a 7-8:30 am pickup at your hotel, depart from Bacalar or Mahaual in (According your selection) air-conditioned minivan for this full-day cultural and archaeological tour. Your first stop is the Kohunlich archaeological site that is a Spanish derivative of ‘Cohune palm tree’, once an important Mayan capital city. The ruins date back to 200 BC and are surrounded by jungle. The site is large, 21 acres, but like most Mayan ruins many of the buildings remain untouched. Spend two hours on a guided tour, learning about Mayan culture and what life was like during the peak of this fascinating civilization. Some building of interest you must see are Temple of the Masks, 27 steps and Residential Buildings.Your second stop is the archaeological site of Becan in Campeche. The site is academically classified by researchers as a Regional Capital in one of the most important architectural areas of the state of Campeche included in the Río Bec region. The name Becán means “ravine formed by water, (‘Be’ meaning roadway and ‘Kan’ meaning serpent) a contemporary Yucatecan-Maya name that Ruppert and Denison selected for the site. The ancient Maya name is not known. It is this architectural feature that sets Becan apart from other Mayan settlements. The words Río Bec (Bec River) refer to an architectural style prevalent in the central Maya lowlands, a region located in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. This unique construction and design appears during the 7th Century A.D. and continued into the early 12th Century A.D.You will then have time to eat lunch and then board a vehicle back to Bacalar or Mahahual where you will be dropped-off at your hotel.
Best of Central America
From ancient ruins to active volcanoes, get off the beaten track and discover extraordinary Central America. Make sure your passport has space because this exciting 33-day trip hits most of Central America, as it covers tropical rainforests, volcanoes, colonial cities, and all the breathtaking scenery in between. Explore Indigenous Mayan villages and soak in the region's incredible culture. Our CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) will ensure your accommodation and transportation are covered — so you can choose the activities and sights that interest you most — the adventure is yours to choose!
Mayan Sun–Northbound
Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white-sand beaches under the Caribbean sun. Check out Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico and experience the region’s diversity. Wander colonial Antigua’s cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlán, its Indigenous Mayan villages, and striking volcanoes. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement, and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.