Where the Jungle Meets the Caribbean
Costa Maya or Mahahual — What’s the Difference?
Although the names are often used interchangeably, Costa Maya and Mahahual are not quite the same thing.
Costa Maya refers to this beautiful stretch of Mexico's southern Caribbean coast and is also the name associated with the area's cruise port. Unlike the highly developed resort areas farther north, this part of Quintana Roo remains known for its beaches, reefs, tropical jungle, mangroves and smaller coastal communities.
Mahahual is the charming seaside village located just a few miles from the Costa Maya cruise terminal. Once a small fishing village, Mahahual has grown into a laid-back destination filled with locally owned restaurants, beach clubs, shops, dive operators and a waterfront malecón—all while maintaining much of its easygoing Caribbean personality.
A Little History
Long before travelers discovered Costa Maya, this region was part of the world of the ancient Maya. Communities flourished throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, and Maya trade routes connected settlements along the Caribbean coast with cities throughout the region.
Remnants of that remarkable civilization can still be explored today at nearby archaeological sites including Chacchoben and Kohunlich.
For generations, Mahahual remained a small and relatively isolated fishing community. That changed with the development of the Costa Maya cruise port around the turn of the 21st century, bringing travelers from around the world to this once-quiet stretch of coastline.
In 2007, Hurricane Dean devastated much of Mahahual and severely damaged the cruise pier. The community rebuilt, and today's Mahahual blends its fishing-village roots with a growing collection of restaurants, shops, beach clubs and adventures.
Our Villa Location
The villa is at 19°00'29.7"N 87°35'25.2"W, about a 2.5 hour drive from Tulum and a 4 hour drive from Cancun. If your flight arrives in the afternoon, you may care to spend the first night in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal or Tulum and enjoy a relaxing drive the following day. We do not recommend driving in the dark. But, even if you were to arrive late, our caretaker would expect you and help you move in.