Grand Costa Maya
Relax - Wander - Breathe
Grand Costa Maya
The best kept secret of the Mexican Caribbean
Grand Costa Maya brings together Chetumal, Bacalar and Mahahual: bay, lagoon, reef and jungle less than two hours apart, far from the crowds.
Chetumal, the state capital, is the gateway to the region. Bacalar and its Lagoon of Seven Colors are about 30 minutes away, while Mahahual and Banco Chinchorro are roughly two hours away. Inland, you'll find archaeological sites such as Kohunlich and Dzibanché.
- Right now
- 85°F (30°C)Cloudy
- Best for
- Reef, archaeological sites and road trips
- When to visit
- Year-round; the most pleasant weather from November to May
- Manatees
- Sanctuary in Chetumal Bay
Getting here
Airport
Tren Maya
Bus
Cruise
The reef
Dive Banco Chinchorro, Mexico's largest atoll
The Mesoamerican Reef runs along Mahahual and Xcalak just a few yards from the beach, and farther out lies the Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, home to turtles, dolphins, manatees and shipwrecks scattered among the coral. You can snorkel, dive or kayak right from the beach, and Mahahual's boardwalk is easy to explore by bike.
Maya heritage
The Maya cities of the south: Kohunlich, Dzibanché and Ichkabal
Kohunlich and its Temple of the Masks, Dzibanché, the first seat of the Kaanu'l dynasty, Kinichná, Chacchobén in the jungle, Oxtankah by the bay and Ichkabal, the latest to open to the public: six Maya sites all under two hours from Chetumal.
Fresh water
Sail the Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar
Half an hour from Chetumal, the Pueblo Mágico of Bacalar sits on the Lagoon of Seven Colors. You can kayak, sail or paddleboard over its shades of blue, visit the San Felipe Fort and its museum, or see the stromatolites along the Pirates' Canal.
The capital
Chetumal, the gateway and its Boulevard Bahía
Chetumal, the state capital, is the gateway to the region. Boulevard Bahía follows the shoreline of the bay, a designated manatee sanctuary, passing monuments, cafés and restaurants. The Museum of Maya Culture and the scale model of Payo Obispo tell the city's history, and nearby Calderitas serves fish and seafood on the bay.
More about Grand Costa Maya
September 30, 2024
10 Things to Do in Grand Costa Maya
Discover the top things to do in Grand Costa Maya: Chacchoben, Banco Chinchorro, Bacalar Lagoon, Mahahual's beaches, diving and more.
Read the article
September 30, 2024
Exploring the Archaeological Sites of the Grand Costa Maya
Explore the archaeological sites of the Grand Costa Maya: Kohunlich, Chacchoben, Dzibanché-Kinichná and Oxtankah, ancient Maya cities near Chetumal.
Read the article
September 30, 2024
The Flavors of the Grand Costa Maya
Ceviche, tikin xic, cochinita pibil and Rice and Beans: a guide to the flavors of the Grand Costa Maya, from Chetumal's markets to Mahahual's beaches.
Read the article- Thu85°F74°F
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