Costa Maya is a rapidly growing region located between the country of Belize and the city of Cancun, Mexico. It is also located less than 100 miles south of Playa del Carmen. Costa Maya consists of two small villages, Xcalak and Majahual, that are known for their large coral reefs, sandy beaches, shopping centers, and eco-friendly resorts. Costa Maya is an ideal base for exploring Mayan ruins, such as the sites of Kohunlich and Chacchoben. The great thing about Costa Maya lodging is the fact most Costa Maya hotels are situated on the beach, yet they are cheaper and less crowded than the hotels of Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Some Costa Maya hotels offer day long excursions to Mayan excavation sites. Whether you seek a luxurious or a cheap hotel in Costa Maya, there is something here for you. If you’re looking for upscale accommodations in Costa Maya that offers privacy as well as peace and quiet, the Explorean Kohunlich offers everything you need. The hotel is located in the middle of the Quintana Roo jungle, yet is only 45 minutes from the nearest airport. Each bungalow at the resort has a private garden with a porch and a hammock, a reading sofa, and one king-sized or two full beds. The resort also has two cabanas that have their very own pool. Since the hotel focuses on connecting guests with nature, there are no TVs in the guest rooms. The hotel offers tours to several Mayan ruins, including the city of Dzibanche, which was once considered one of the most important Mayan cities of Mexico. 

Another option for Costa Maya lodging is Hotel Tierra Maya, a small locally-owned hotel. This cheap hotel in Costa Maya is located around three miles north of the fishing village of Xcalak, near the second largest coral reef system in the world. The hotel’s beach is perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and fly fishing. Bicycles and kayaks are available free of charge for guests to use. Each room is equipped with one king-sized or two queen-sized beds, a writing desk, and a TV. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request. 

The Forty Cannons Hotel is located in the Costa Maya village of Mahahual, right on the main street in town and the beach. This option for a cheap hotel in Costa Maya offers eight rooms, four of which are air conditioned. One of the rooms has a view of the ocean, while another has a large Jacuzzi. The hotel has a restaurant with a menu that changes nearly every day. The hotel bar serves wine and beer.

Costa Maya has a large cruise ship dock that can accommodate up to three cruise ships and 6,000 people every day.  The majority of tourists in Costa Maya are cruise ship passengers who are exploring the area for the day. So, even though the town may seem crowded, it's usually possible to find inexpensive Costa Maya hotels any time of year.

Once you've found your choice in Costa Maya lodging, check out all of the fun things to do in the area. If you're interested in animals and nature you may want to visit Croc World, a natural habitat for crocodiles and alligators. Visitors can observe alligators and crocodiles in a natural setting and learn about their behavior. Another option is the Costa Maya Mall. Located near the cruise ship pier, the mall has several upscale stores and a pool with a swim-up bar.