![]() ![]() Some offer tent camping while others provide a more hotel-like experience and everything in between. There are a dozen or more lodging options along the shore of the lake and the prices vary wildly. The fort is open to the public and a small fee is charged, which includes access to a museum, inside. A well-preserved Spanish fort sits right in the middle of town, steps from the town square, and central park. The village exudes charm with a couple of wonderful homemade ice cream shops not far from the main town square. The colors, in fact, mimic the turquoise and greens of the Caribbean Sea. Perhaps best known for Laguna Bacalar, this shallow, fresh water lake is often called the Lake of Seven Colors and is fed by a number of cenotes. Bacalar, Costa Maya ©/Rainer LesniewskiĬontinue south farther south on the highway and you’ll come to the beautiful and historic city of Bacalar. Chacchoben is small but readily accessible and worth the side trip. Just past Pedro Santos, turn right to discover one of the five Maya ruins in the area. Go back to the main road (Highway 307) and drive a short distance south. While some have stuck, many have moved on. Mahahual is off the beaten path and those considering making the move would be well served to spend time talking to the expats, currently in residence. Many businesses close during the summer months and reopen during snow bird season, the cold winter months up north. The reef is close, and snorkelers regularly swim to the reef, from the beach. Mahahual offers several small hotels and B&B businesses along with a number of beach bars and small restaurants. Driving north and south on the peninsula, along the beach will acquaint you with five or six small villages, the southernmost being Xcalak (Shka-lahk´) on the water border with Belize. It sits upon a shoe-shaped peninsula bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and creating Chetumal Bay, just above the toe. In fact, a relatively small number of expats call it home while a group of snowbirds, seeking the peace of a small, beachside community, return year after year. ![]() Mahahual is definitely worth your time to visit and may be your first stop while driving south of Tulum. There are beaches in Mahahual, however not all are great. Many cruise passengers get no farther than the terminal, as was the intention. The port, itself, presents as a well-stocked tourist depot with a couple of nice restaurants, food stands, and numbers of small souvenir shops as well as tour vendors. There, you will discover a small town that boasts the longest pier in Mexico to serve the cruise ship industry. From Highway 307, take the turnoff to Mahahual, a short distance past Limones. In fact, Mahahual is a primary city along the Costa Maya and they have named their cruise port, The Port of Costa Maya. The small town of Mahahual is a prime example, claiming that they and their cruise port, are “The Costa Maya.” Those searching the internet may be easily confused as businesses all want to connect themselves with a known brand. Much like the Riviera Maya, many want to capitalize on the brand, Costa Maya, and claim it for themselves. Your email address Get my free report Mahahual, Costa Maya ©/mundosemfim This special guide covers real estate, retirement and more in Mexico and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a free special report - Why Millions of Americans Are Moving to Mexico. Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. As the main road, Highway 307, is a few miles inland from the coast, beaches and surf are out-of-sight until you take one of the turn-offs. 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. 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. ![]()
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