Whether you're visiting or buying coastal Caribbean property in the Costa Maya, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied for quite some time. In addition to snorkeling along the second largest coral reef in the world, beach side horseback riding, and relaxing in the areas natural ceynotes, there are five unique Mayan ruin sites in and around the Costa Maya.



The Dzibanche Ruins:

Close to Majahual, the major seaport town in the Costa Maya, is nestled the Dzibanche ruin site. Dzibanche is a large ruin site and a favorite among ruin enthusiasts. Perhaps the most impressive sight at Dzibanche is the Temple of the Masks where large intricate sculptures are carved into stucco slabs. The wonderful thing about Dzibanche, at least for now, is that you'll be able to explore this ancient Mayan town with very few other tourists.

The Kinichna Ruins:

Located near Dzibanche, Kinichna is one of the smaller ruin sites in the area. However, its main temple is enormous and offers an exciting climb to the top with a view that is stunning. Kinichna literally means "house of the sun" and was built somewhere between 200 and 600 AD. If you've traveled the Costa Maya in the past and visited some of the ruin sites, you may have missed Kinichna as it was just recently opened to the public.

The Kohunlich Ruins:

The fact that this rather large ruin site wasn't officially 'discovered' until 1967 just goes to show just how natural and uninhabited the region is. Today in 2006, the Costa Maya offers the last remaining stretch of virgin Caribbean beachfront anywhere in the world. If you enjoy the Temple of the Masks at Dzibanche, you'll love the Pyramid of the Masks for which Kohunlich is best known.

The Oxtankah Ruins:

Oxtankah is located south of the Costa Maya near Belize and is thought to have been a very important trading port. The years between 200 AD and 600 AD when Oxtankah was constructed were some of the most magnificent years of Mayan architecture. At Oxtankah you'll find temples, chultunes, and wells built by the ancient Mayans as well as a chapel and residential dwellings built by the Spaniards after their arrival.

The Muyil Ruins:

The Muyil ruins are north of the Costa Maya, closer to Cancun and Cozumel. Of the Mayan ruin sites in this area of the Yucatan peninsula, Muyil has a different feel than many others. Unlike other Mayan architecture, the structures in Muyil have rounded edges and many subterranean chambers to explore.

Though the Costa Maya is poised for serious growth in the way of tourism and real estate development similar to that of Cancun, the government has planned the region as an ecotourism location. So although the property values and the interest in tourism will grow in the area dramatically, there is no fear that these ancient and amazing Mayan ruins in and around the Costa Maya will someday be sharing a parking lot with the local Starbucks.