As I mentioned in my last travel blog, our family split up in the port of Costa Maya. While four of us discovered the rich Mayan history around us...my DD and DSIL became beach bums for a day! While I wouldn't trade our Mayan experience for the world, I do think the next time I am in Costa Maya that beach experience will be calling my name.
Majahual (pronounced Ma-ha-wall) is a small coastal village about 2 miles south of the fancy new port of Costa Maya. There are some who complain that you have to travel to get to the beach...and the village is a fishing village and rather poor...but it is worth it!
My DD and DSIL spent the day at a beach club. I had done extensive research for them on the best choice and recommended Pez Quadro. I must have done well, because they returned happy and relaxed, with a glowing report of the establishment.
Now be warned, these are not the kind of beach clubs you will find somewhere like Cancun. This a small village, not a renowned resort area...at least not yet. None the less, they had a wonderful time.
A package was purchased for $35 per person that included lounge chairs, an umbrella or palapa, nachos, and an open bar for the entire day. They certainly got their moneys worth, and DD managed to snag a massage on the beach as well.
Though I only stepped on to the beach for a few minutes that day, I can report the following per my kids...
- the beach was clean
- the sand was white
- the service was excellent
- the drinks were wonderful
- the food was good
- the area was not overcrowded
- the dancers/singers from the ship hung out there
- the water was clear
- there is a great view of the ships
- you can buy from local vendors
- you can buy great cigars
- the bathrooms/showers are clean and quite nice
- they have really cute menus
Really a great way to spend a relaxing day in port in a still fairly unspoiled area. Enjoy it before the big hotels move in!
Bon Voyage ~Marla
Costa Maya, Mexico. A port made specifically for cruise ships. Yep, look up the history of Costa Maya and you will find it is quite short, as in non existent. Built by savvy developers in 1995, its purpose is simply to bring in tourists.
As a port it tends to bring mixed reviews. The shoppers are not impressed, though the pier does offer the "International" experience, Diamonds International, Tanzanite International, color changing clothing International...OK, you get the idea. But if you want to hang out in a fancy pool all day, it does have that! Seriously though, it is a great area...if you get away from the port.
We did just that, though we did divide up. DH and I, along with our DS and DDIL, decided to explore the nearby Mayan ruins. Meanwhile, DD and DSIL decided a lazy day at the beach was more their speed. We all had a wonderful day, but today I will focus on the Mayan experience.
Once again, after some intensive research, I decided to forgo the cruise ship tour and go with an independent local company. What ensued was one of the most memorable days of my cruising experience. I found a gem in this company, and we had an amazing experience that put the cruise ship version to shame. Our trip to the Chacchoben ruins was led by a man who actually grew up playing among the ruins. The Native Choice is run by Ivan Cohuo, who's father built next to the ruins in the 1940's. His knowledge is incredible! You will not find this on any cruise ship excursion.
Chaccoben was wonderful, and as Ivan was training to be a Mayan healer, his botanical knowledge was fascinating! We learned so much, and with a small group it was easy to ask questions.
Additionally we had the experience of eating a traditional meal with a Mayan family at their home in the nearby village. Again, a very unique experience that the ship didn't offer.
They had the typical Mayan kitchen...a small open air hut separate from the main room...so if there is a fire their home will not burn down. No gas, propane or electricity to cook with, Just good old man made fire.
We learned to make corn tortillas and learned a lot of fascinating cultural facts. Mainly that a bride is valued mostly for her tortilla making skills! You see here our DDIL trying her hand at it. Behind her is Ivan.
The meal was delicious and most the ingredients are actually found in the garden surrounding the home. The Hibiscus tea was wonderful!
After lunch one of the woman put on traditional dance clothes and shared their dances with us. She began with a traditional woman's dance which included a beer bottle balanced on her head, then had others join in. My DS and DDIL had a blast!
We finished with a tour of their home, a single room hut. They are actually quite well to do, as they have a concrete foundation and electricity in their hut. They even had a 10" TV and a sewing machine. And yes, they do sleep in the hammocks, which are tied up out of the way during the day.
They were a wonderful, gracious family, and we enjoyed our time with them. Looking at this picture you can see why we decided that our DDIL must be of Mayan descent! My DS, at 5'10", was a GIANT!
Upcoming: DD and DSIL's beach experience in Majahual.
Bon voyage! ~Marla
