Costa Maya And Belize: A Stone's Throw Away

Costa Maya is approximately 64 km or 39.7 miles from Belize, directly. The driving distance via the Northern Highway, crossing the Belize-Mexico border, is about 391.1 km or 243 miles. The Costa Maya region stretches all the way to Mexico's border with Belize and is known for its unspoiled beaches, lagoons, reefs, and cenotes.

The village of Mahahual in Costa Maya is 64km or 39.7 miles from Belize

The distance from Mahahual to Belize is approximately 64km or 39.7 miles. The driving distance is much longer, at 391.1km or 243 miles, via the Northern Highway, crossing the Belize-Mexico border. Mahahual is a convenient place to visit from Belize, and it is possible to travel between the two by boat. The village is also accessible by bus from Chetumal, the state capital, and Cancun.

Mahahual is known for its soft sand beaches, grass-thatched palapas, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which runs along the coast. The village has many hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops, and its population in 2010 was 920. Mahahual is set to become an even larger tourist centre, with plans for an airport and a large dock for cruise ships.

The Costa Maya region, of which Mahahual is the central point, stretches about 100km (62 miles) along the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The area was previously undeveloped but has grown rapidly since the construction of the Costa Maya cruise port in Mahahual. The port has a modern tourist shopping mall with saltwater pools and bars, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops.

The driving distance from Mahahual to Belize is 391.1km or 243 miles

The driving distance between Mahahual and Belize is approximately 178 miles, and the journey should take around 4 hours and 23 minutes. However, the border crossing can take between 1 and 2 hours, so this should be taken into account when planning a trip.

The cheapest way to travel between Mahahual and Belize is by shuttle and bus, which costs between $9 and $14. This journey takes around 6 hours and 50 minutes.

Costa Maya is south of the Riviera Maya, with Mahahual as its main attraction

Costa Maya, a gateway to incredible natural wonders, ancient Mayan ruins, and some of Mexico's best diving spots, is located south of the Riviera Maya, with Mahahual as its main attraction. The distance between Mahahual and Cancun Airport is 272 km or 169 miles, while the driving distance is 338.5 km or 210 miles. Mahahual is also approximately 287 km or 178.3 miles from Cancun, with a driving distance of 353.3 km or 219.5 miles.

Mahahual, a small fishing town, offers a glimpse into the history of the Yucatan Peninsula and the daily life of locals. The town boasts pristine beaches, including the powder-white sands of Tulum, without the crowds. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, swimming with sea turtles, and exploring shipwrecks on guided dives.

Costa Maya, known for its well-preserved Chacchoben Ruins, provides a glimpse into over 3,000 years of Mayan history. The ruins include temples, steps, and a towering ceremonial centre, with the opportunity to climb to the summit of Gran Basamento for sweeping jungle views.

In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Costa Maya offers a range of outdoor activities. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, one of the world's best scuba diving sites, is located just off the coast. Visitors can also go tubing at Bacalar Lagoon, explore the Mexican jungle on ATVs, or swim with dolphins at dedicated centres.

The region is easily accessible from neighbouring airports, particularly Cancun and Chetumal, as Costa Maya itself does not have an airport. The Chetumal International Airport is the closest, located just 70 km west of the region, while the Cancun International Airport offers more flight options.

Costa Maya is a remote, unexploited, and unpopulated region

The Costa Maya region is home to small fishing villages, pristine beaches, and tranquil isolation. The largest city in the area is Chetumal, which serves as the capital of Quintana Roo and is known as the crossover point between Mexico and Belize. Mahahual, Xcalak, Bacalar, and Chetumal are some of the important cities and resorts in the region. Mahahual, in particular, has gained popularity as a cruise ship port and offers a range of accommodations, from rustic beachfront cabins to luxurious resorts.

The Costa Maya boasts a variety of natural attractions, including pristine beaches, lagoons, reefs, and "cenotes," Mexico's unique sacred sinkholes. The Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve, the largest coral atoll in the Northern Hemisphere, is a popular spot for divers due to its abundance of shipwrecks. The area is also known for its excellent fishing, attracting saltwater fly fishers from around the world.

Despite its growing popularity, Costa Maya remains a relatively unexploited and undeveloped region. The construction of a new international airport in Tulum and ongoing development plans by FONATUR, Mexico's government agency for resort development, indicate that this remote shore will likely become a target for expat living and year-round tourism in the near future.

The distance from Costa Maya to Belize is approximately 64 kilometers (39.7 miles) directly and about 391.1 kilometers (243 miles) by road via the Northern Highway crossing the Belize-Mexico Border.

The Chetumal Airport is the closest airport to Costa Maya

Chetumal Airport is located in the city of Chetumal, the largest city in the Costa Maya area and the capital of the state of Quintana Roo. Chetumal is known as the crossover point between Mexico and Belize, as it sits right by the border. The city has a population of over 120,000 people and is a major trading centre between Belize and the rest of Mexico.

In recent years, Chetumal Airport has seen a reduction in flights. Mexico's main carrier, Aeromexico, no longer flies to Chetumal, and flights are now limited to Mexico City on cheaper airlines. Despite this, the airport is set to receive funding for expansion, which will hopefully increase the number of routes and improve accessibility to Costa Maya.

For those travelling to Costa Maya, Chetumal Airport is a convenient option. Car rental services are available at the airport, and the road conditions are considered good. The driving distance from the airport to Mahahual, a popular destination in Costa Maya, is approximately 90 miles.

Frequently asked questions