Located 15 miles south of Mahahual, Xcalak is a secluded stretch of Costa Maya with stunning marine life in the Xcalak National Reef Park. It extends over 25 miles as part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Activities are plentiful and include fly fishing, scuba diving, Standup paddleboarding, kayaking and more. Without the hustle of nearby popular resorts, this is also a perfect place for peaceful strolls or romantic sunsets on the beach.

Under the shelter of lush rainforest, the archeological site of Kohunlich is an outstanding example of Maya architecture. Palaces, citadels, temples, such as the top attraction Temple of the Masks, and other elaborate structures are scattered over an area of more than 20 acres, with most landmarks dating back to as early as 250 to 600 AD. Chetumal is a common starting point to visit Kohunlich, but tours are available at the Costa Maya Cruise Port as well. If you are in the area, don't miss out on the opportunity to visit Dzibanche, another outstanding Maya landmark around 20 miles away from Kohunlich.

Surrounded by a beautiful park, this stately edifice was built between 1904 and 1910 at the command of King Leopold II. This museum is home to the largest collection of ethnographic objects from central Africa. Liberally sprinkled with pictures, masks, everyday objects, jewels, decorative elements, musical instruments and a wide range of exotic animals, it showcases the richness and diversity of the African continent. Now, a new impetus is driving this respectable institution. Going beyond the traditional museum concept, it intends to present an open window on the African continent, a change clearly reflected by the desire to understand Africa and its Belgian colonial past in a more critical and objective way. To fulfill this goal, the museum closed its doors for a necessary renovation period. During its closure the museum "pops-up" with temporary exhibitions and activities in different places. The reopening of the completely revamped Royal Museum for Central Africa, a major event, is planned for December 2018 (check the website for the exact date).