From Wikitravel

Mahahual (also spelled Majahual) is a city on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, a short distance northeast of Belize.

[edit] Understand

This small town is quiet and friendly and has good diving. It's currently off the beaten track, but the construction of a cruise ship dock/port dubbed "Costa Maya" just up the beach and plans to build "New Mahahual" as a resort destination, mean that's likely to change in the coming years.

Hurricane Dean (August 2007) landed just south of Mahahual and heavily damaged the cruise ship dock, destroying also much of the small village. Residents are rebuilding but cruise ships will be unable to dock until late January 2008 (at the very earliest). A non-profit news site has been setup by the locals to keep the world informed about progress http://www.mahahualafterdean.com

[edit] Get in

Organized tours are also available from a variety of companies, including Tours Aldebaran [1].

You will not necessarily be over run with the tourists from the cruise ships, when they leave you have this sleepy town to yourself. Things switch quickly from bustle to mellow.

Staying just a few km outside of town will keep you from the majority of the cruise traffic.

[edit] Get around

Your best bet is to rent a car. Most travelers land in Cancun. Get a car they are get ready for the drive down. It will take over four hours but do not confuse this area with Cancun. Four hours gets you to an entirely different world.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Mayan ruins

There are several sites of Classical Period Mayan ruins close enough for a day-visit. Note that Mexican law requires a fee of about US$9 for the use of video cameras at these sites.

• Chacchoben - Dates to the 3rd-8th centuries. The tallest pyramid rises above the trees and for those physically and psychologically equipped to climb it, offers a view of the countryside. Several smaller ruins at the site may have been the houses of nobles.

• Kohunlich - A ceremonial center and the capital of a powerful dynasty. The Temple of Masks features five stucco masks with the features of the Sun God, along the its stairs. It also contains the ruins of residences and a ceremonial ball field.

• Dzibanché - A (formerly) important city, featuring stone plazas bordered by temple pyramids, including the Temple of the Owl and the Temple of the Cormorants.

[edit][add listing] Do

If you are interested in conservation, ask for directions to GVI (Global Vision International) at the south end of town. This is the base for marine conservation work carried out by a young and enthusiastic group of full-time staff with the help of 16 volunteer divers, in liaison with Mexican partner organisations. Staff and volunteers are from around the world; they will be happy to tell you about the project and how you can become a volunteer yourself. Food and living conditions are basic but the experience is unbeatable.

The barrier reef just off shore offers opportunities for snorkeling or scuba diving, and keeps the waters of the Caribbean safe for kayaking. Two of the primary operators are Dreamtime Diving [2] who also provide accommodation and Bucanero Diving.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Casa del Mar Serves excellent shrimp tacos.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Almaplena Beach Resort (almaplenaresort@gmail.com), [3].  edit

• Cabanas del Tio Phil Carretera Antigua a Xcalak
• Dreamtime Diving [4]
• Hotel Maya Luna [5]
• Margarita del Sol Oceanfront Suites [6]
• Maya Palms Resort & Dive Center [7]
• Mayan Beach Garden Bed and Breakfast, KM 21.5 N Camino Costera Rio Indio-Uvero (Drive north on the Tampalam road - this is the first paved road you can drive north on from the Cafetal to Mahaual highway - then turn right at km 22.5 then right on the beach road 3 km) (info@mayanbeachgarden.com), [8]. Check in: 3:00 PM; Check out: 11:00 PM. See Mayan Beach Garden website for rates.  edit

[edit] Get out

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