Costa Maya: Belize's Tropical Paradise

Costa Maya is a small tourist region in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The area is known for its beaches, water sports, and Mayan ruins. It is also home to the Costa Maya Festival, a celebration of music, dance, food, and culture from Central American countries, including Belize, which is held annually in August. Belize City, on the other hand, is a cruise port located 77 miles (144 km) south of Puerto Costa Maya. It is a popular destination for cruise ships, with many attractions and amenities for passengers.

Costa Maya is a small tourist region in Mexico, near the border with Belize

Costa Maya is a small tourist region in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, near the border with Belize. The area has been rapidly growing since the construction of a large pier to accommodate cruise ships. The port of Costa Maya is one of the closest access points to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and Kohunlich, which are substantially less excavated than the pyramids of Tulum and Coba to the north.

The beach in Costa Maya extends from Xcalak in the south to the southern border of Sian Ka'an in the north, a distance of approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles). The fishing village of Mahahual is only about 3 kilometres away from the port, and cruise ships can easily be seen from the village. Mahahual has soft sand beaches, grass thatched palapas, and a coral reef called Banco Chinchorro, as well as several bars, restaurants, and shops.

Costa Maya's port has a modern tourist shopping mall with a central plaza featuring saltwater pools and 'swim-up' bars. The port area is neat and well-maintained, and the local population is very friendly and speaks English reasonably well. The port offers a variety of attractions, including a Mayan museum, a dolphinarium, a chocolate factory, a tequila museum, and a traditional artistic flying show.

The Costa Maya region is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The Maya were predominant in three areas: the Yucatán Peninsula, the Petén area, and the lowlands bordering Belize. The first Maya-like culture appeared around 200 BC in the south of Mexico, and the agricultural skills of the Native Americans evolved over time, allowing them to build the beautiful cities we know today.

The Costa Maya Festival is a four-day multicultural celebration held in San Pedro, Belize

The festival is held in the streets of San Pedro, with participants from five Central American countries: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and, of course, Belize. These countries make up 'El Mundo Maya' or 'the Mayan World'. Each year, they come together to celebrate their shared heritage with live music and other festivities, promoting goodwill and encouraging visitors to the region.

The festival features parades, music, dancing, food, competitions, and the 'Reina de la Costa Maya' or 'Queen of the Mayan Coast' beauty pageant, which takes place on the first night. The representatives from each country showcase their cultural costumes, swimwear, and evening gowns.

The streets of San Pedro are filled with entertainers offering a diverse range of music, including Punta, Reggae, Soca, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, and traditional Maya music. Alongside the musical performances, there are also dances that tell the story of Mayan culture, traditions, and heritage. Booths displaying arts and crafts, games, clothing, and food line the streets, alongside rides and carnival games.

The festival is a celebration of the rich cultural history of the region and provides an opportunity for the participating countries to showcase their talents and traditions. It is a testament to the enduring significance of Mayan culture and its influence on the modern world.

Mahahual is a beach and village near Costa Maya

Mahahual is located about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) from the Costa Maya cruise port, and cruise ships can easily be seen from the village. The village has soft sand beaches, grass thatched palapas, and a coral reef called Banco Chinchorro a short distance off-shore. Mahahual also offers several bars, restaurants, and shops. When ships are in port, the village is busy with cruise passengers.

The Costa Maya cruise port features a new and modern tourist shopping mall with a central plaza, saltwater pools, and 'swim-up' style bars. There are several jewellery stores and souvenir shops, usually only open to cruise ship passengers.

Mahahual is a popular destination for tourists, particularly American cruise ship passengers, and prices are often quoted in US dollars. The beach is lined with beach tents and sunbeds, and the walkway is filled with souvenir stalls. Despite this, Mahahual offers a charming and laid-back vibe, with crystal clear waters and a variety of restaurants, beach clubs, and bars to choose from.

The Costa Maya cruise port is a short distance from Belize City

The Costa Maya cruise port is a private port, with excellent services and amenities for passengers, including a large saltwater swimming pool, bars, restaurants, and shops. The port is safe and family-friendly, with English widely spoken by the local, friendly population. The port is also accessible for those with disabilities or walking difficulties. The port has T-shaped piers that can accommodate up to four mega-cruise ships.

The port is within walking distance of the village of Nuevo Mahahual, with a population of under 920 people. Mahahual beach is a short distance from the port, around 2.3 miles (3.8 km) away, and is a popular destination for cruise passengers. The beach is narrow and often packed with chairs and tables for hotel visitors, and cruise lines offer shore excursions to the beach. Mahahual village is around a 40-minute walk or a short taxi or shuttle bus ride from the port.

The port is also the gateway to several Mayan ruins, including Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichná. These sites are substantially less excavated than the famous pyramids of Mexico and offer an excellent opportunity to explore ancient history. The closest, Chacchoben, is around 43 miles (69 km) from the port, while the other sites are around two hours away.

Belize City, meanwhile, is the largest urban centre in Belize, with a population of around 110,000. The city has a few interesting landmarks but is not particularly appealing or safe for tourists to explore on their own, especially those with walking difficulties. The cruise port in Belize City is known as Fort Street Tourism Village, and it is located a short distance from the city's downtown area. The port offers many typical shops and restaurants found in the Caribbean, as well as basic services and amenities. However, there is no shuttle bus service from the port to the city due to their proximity.

Belize City and the surrounding area offer several attractions for cruise passengers, including Mayan archaeological sites such as Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Lamanai. These sites are located between 33 miles (53 km) and 78 miles (126 km) from the cruise terminal. The area also boasts wildlife adventures in the ocean and lush tropical forests, as well as outdoor activities like cave tubing, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking.

In summary, the Costa Maya cruise port and Belize City port are both appealing destinations for cruise passengers, offering a range of activities, attractions, and cultural experiences. While Costa Maya is a purpose-built cruise port with excellent facilities, Belize City provides access to ancient Mayan sites and natural wonders. Both ports offer a unique blend of modern amenities and historical charm, making them popular stops on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries.

The Costa Maya Beach Cabanas are located on Caye Caulker, an island in Belize

The Costa Maya Beach Cabanas offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and provide a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The property has a total of 12 rooms and a penthouse suite, all with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, TVs, and free WiFi. The penthouse suite, located on the fourth floor, features a wrap-around balcony and 360-degree views, including a spiral staircase leading to the rooftop for breathtaking views of Caye Caulker.

The cabanas are situated by the famous Split, at the northern end of the main island. They have a small beach and a private dock with a palapa hut, which is a popular spot for guests to relax and enjoy the shade and breeze. Each of the six unique cabanas offers a different experience, with three beachfront views and three partial beachfront views. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, coffee-making facilities, and cable TV. Guests can also take advantage of the free use of canoes, bicycles, and wireless internet access.

The motto of Caye Caulker is "GO SLOW", and the Costa Maya Beach Cabanas embody this relaxed attitude, providing a tranquil and comfortable "home away from home" for their guests.

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