Tuesday, 15 Dcember 2015
Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya is a small port on the coast of Southern Mexico, just a few kilometers north of Belize.  It was built recently just for the purpose of hauling in large cruise ships.  There is a large shopping center and some very tacky fake Mayan decorations; the closest real town--with a very nice beach--is Mahahual, only 3 km away.  But the port is the gateway for tourists to reach several authentic Mayan ruins and to experience their history and culture.

After another in-suite room service breakfast, we head to the Riviera lounge to await our first shore excursion on this cruise:  a full-day trip to two Mayan sites buried deep in the foliage of the southern Yucatan:  Dzibanche and Kohunlich.  This turns out to be a very long day, with 2.5 hour bus rides each way, hour-long visits to each of the ruins, and a very late lunch at a roadside cafe on the way back to the ship--all told about 8 hours.  The journey itself is not particularly interesting, but the bus is air-conditioned and comfortable.  Besides the driver, there are two local tour guides who share their knowledge of Mayan culture (both come from long Mayan bloodlines).

Roadside Soda Stand

Roadside Graveyard

Our first stop is at Dzibanche, the ruins of a city being consumed by the jungle.  The site comprises several pyramidal structures, some with pictograph inscriptions, others covered with foliage.  A central grass area--originally paved with stone--is the site of games, political meetings, and religious services. From here it is a 9km drive to Kohunlich, a much-better preserved and landscaped series of dormitory rooms and temples.  The more hardy souls can climb to the tops, but Will and I are content to view these marvels from the ground.  It is very hot and humid at both locations, but the trees and grass at Kohunlich provide some relief from the weather.  Blessedly, the sky is clear and the sun is shining, so the mosquitoes are staying home and out of our way.

About half-way back to the ship we stop for a late rather-disappointing lunch of chicken or beef fajitas and soft drinks.  We arrive back at the pier just in time for the final boarding at 5:30 and casting off the lines at 6pm.  We have a reservation at Jacques at 9pm, so we can have a brief rest before dressing for dinner.