Some Further Thoughts on Costa Maya

First of all, Costa Maya was better than we had expected. But it is an artificial situation. This is all brand new and fabricated. It's been called the "Disneyland of Mexico." Not that there are rides, or anything. But it is what the tourist would expect Mexico to be.

In the long run, this is good for the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico in general. It is helping their economy and it has already brought electricity to an area that had none. But it is also bringing cultural changes. Out in the countryside, where the indigenous Mayans live, the effect is ironic: Mayans living in traditional houses made of sticks and leaves have satellite dishes attached. They could never have done this prior to the government running the electricity to the coast.

The beach here (right in Costa Maya) is non-existent. There is a nice pool. But the beach is supposed to be better down the road in the fishing village of Majahual. There are, reportedly, some excellent bar/restaurants there.

One of the top things to do there is to connect with one of the tours going to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben. We can really recommend the tour given by David and Ivan (two local Mayans). Our tour was conducted by Katarina, who was fabulous. We came away with a deep understanding of both the ancient and the present Mayan culture.