Day 7: Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya isn't the most exciting cruise port unless you want to shop, swim, or hang out at the bars at the arrival area.  The most popular ruins near Costa Maya are Chacchoben which means the place of the red corn.  Three words:  jungle, ruins, monkeys . . . I was hoping to see all three today.  I picked this excursion and my parents just went along because they are easy going!  We are headed to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins.  I picked a small group excursion in a van with only 10 people . . . it only cost $10 more per person!  So much better than a big bus of 50 people.  The drive was about an hour so not too bad.  

The first human settlement dates back to around 1000 BC.  Our guide did an excellent job sharing historic facts, how the site used to be, what was eaten by the people and how life in this lush jungle area was for them from day to day.

Beautiful plants growing out of trees.

More remains of a pyramid/temple base.

Steps that we did not climb . . . apparently the view was amazing on the other side.

It is a very well kept area . . . easy walking path that is clearly marked.  The grounds were so full of lush plants and vines.

I found this interesting as it looked like a pinecone but was actually a variety of coconut.  Each one was the size of a large nut.  The individual pods were hard but inside was a smaller pod that was the actual coconut/nut.  I do not remember exactly the name or what they are called but they are pretty cool.

. . . and finally the grand ruins of Temple One.

It was a quick hour drive back to the ship . . . we were pushing it on time which I hate but knew the ship would wait since we were on one of the ship's organized excursion.  We got back onboard with 10 minutes before the all on board time and had a nice lunch at The Local.  We were only in port for 5 hours so everyone was out and about making it crowded on board . . . and we were over an hour late leaving due to some tardy parties that didn't seem to think the all on board time was for them.