As prefaced in my previous blog, Mr Maximalista and I began our 2026 with a very relaxing Caribbean cruise! Starting as we mean to go on, as my grandmother would say.
Our first port of call was Costa Maya, on the Southeastern coast of Mexico.
The excursion we had booked for that day was scheduled to begin at 8:30am, which meant we had to pass through the tantalizing shopping district on our way to the meeting point on the quai.
As we walked through the marketplace, I made a mental note of the places I would check out once we got back from our excursion; I hoped to find locally-sourced wares rather than the bulk items sold in port, which are generally made in the PRC.
It has been almost 15 years since I was last in Mexico. Back then, I went to Cozumel, where I took a cultural tour of a traditional Mayan village, visited a tequila distillery, and basically spent the rest of my time there sunning myself at the beach, rotisserie-style, whilst sipping daiquiris.
This time around, though, we booked a day trip to the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, not far from Bacalar. It took about an hour to get there from Costa Maya, the bus bumpily driving us through some poverty-ridden streets, before getting to the main road taking us straight to the ruins.
Seeing any country at ground level is a fascinating journey. It always humbles me when I see feral dogs and free-range fowl pecking around refuse-laden yards, which surround the tightly-packed tin-roof shacks in the Caribbean where the locals live. It’s only through the accident of birth that I wasn’t born and raised there myself.
I’m reminded to count my blessings.
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The tropical lushness of the grounds at Chacchoben was also humbling in a way, seeing how quickly and easily Mother Nature takes command of terra firma, when left to her own devices.
Chacchoben is zoned as an archaeological dig, with small areas cordoned off for future investigative restoration. Sadly, the Mexican government cannot afford to allocate much money toward funding, all the more sad because there are literally thousands of similar ruined pyramid settlements throughout the country.
Tourism really is the major supplement to the Mexican economy, and I am perfectly happy to support the unearthing of historical jewels which have been eaten – thus perfectly preserved – by the jungle.
Our tour guide at Chacchoben was excellent. Knowledgeable. Friendly. Factual. Interesting.
There was a torrential downpour which started within minutes of our arrival at the site, creating a bemusing situation whereupon our small group was huddled under the canopy of palm trees, trying to dodge the massive drops of water whilst attentively listening to our guide talking to us variously about the flora and fauna, human sacrifices, jaguars, Mayan society, and fish ponds.
Because I was wearing a linen sundress with a gossamer-thin cardigan – more for sun-protection, ironically, than warmth – I purchased a thick cotton blanket from a local vendor, putting it over my head and shoulders to keep myself warm and dry. I have to smile when I see myself in the photos we took that morning, wearing this rustic blanket on top of my smart holiday outfit!
The moss and lichen on the stones at the site were extremely slippery, so I ended up climbing the thick, steep steps without the aid of Mr Maximalista, who sensibly stayed downstairs due to fears of blowing out his knee again.
It’s too bad, because the temple at the top was really special to behold. I took a video to show him, which I’m now sharing with you here:
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Back at Costa Maya, the sun was shining, with that morning’s rain long forgotten. We had walked around the little market at Cacchoben (I purchased a large hand-painted tile, as well as the blanket), whetting my appetite to do some serious shopping.
The port itself was of typical portishness. Crowded with wide-eyed tourists. Restaurants with outdoor seating, against a backdrop of pastel stucco. Lots of t-shirt shops selling all kinds of touristy tat. Jewelry shops luring in bargain hunters on the lookout for cheap gems. Street performers wearing traditional costumes, posing with tourists, and passing around their donation boxes.
It’s fascinating to simply spend a casual hour people watching… Which is what I left Mr Maximalista doing, whilst I occupied myself with one of my favourite pastimes: SHOPPING!!
There are three things I always look for, whenever we travel to someplace new:
- Christmas tree ornaments, preferably hand-crafted
- Original artwork by local artists or artisans
- A travel guide or book detailing wherever we have been that day
And THIS, in case you were wondering, is how I managed to create the well-stocked Museum of Me at my house!
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Next up, please join me in Belize, which will be the subject of my next blog.
Lots of love,
M xo
The English Maximalista 
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