Here we took a tour of the ruins in Mexico, and then a short beach stop. Everything is far from the port, as Costa Maya has been created as just a cruise port. I really enjoyed this port, really great beach and the ruins were very interesting.

Puerto Costa Maya is something of an artificial port-of-call. It was created as a destination for cruise ships. Cruise ships dock here and the pier is large enough to accommodate four or more ships at one time. On our day in port, Carnival Valor was also present.

Mayan-attired greeters welcomed us as we left the ship. We walked down the pier to the tourist area, as it is called. There is a strip mall with Caribbean stores like Diamonds International and two souvenier vendor huts. Bargaining is most defitnitely the order of the day in Puerto Costa Maya, whether shopping in a retail store or a vendor cubby. In the port area, my son was able to negotiate a good deal on a watch and my daughter on two Mexican style dresses.

For those who do not wish to venture beyond the immediate port area, food, drink, a pool, and beach are available here. However, we wanted to see more. We had heard about the nearby village of Mahahual and and already decided we would go there. But, how best to get there?

One option is to rent a golf cart. One can drive the golf cart and take up to four to explore out on the road.  Another option is to take a combination of bus and taxi. It appears the local bus and taxi companies have worked out an arrangement. The bus will take you to Mahahual for US$5 and the taxi will bring you back for US$3. (You can't go there in a taxi and come back on the bus. It just doesn't work that way.) This is how we elected to travel to Mahahual. So, our bus swung out of the gated port area and onto a newly constructed street connecting with the costal highway. Construction is everywhere along this road: new hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores are going up. The arrival of the cruise ship destiantion has definitely sparked development. I overheard some people lamenting that there was no Señor Frogs here. That day is no doubt coming. I'm glad I saw the area when I did.

It was not long before we arrvied in the village of Mahahual.

Went to see the ruins of Chocchoben.  Half excavated, half hidden.  Beautiful ruins and a wonderful tour.  Hidden under the jungle, there is plenty of shade.  You also get the feel of Mayan life in the preclassic period.