Costa Maya offers visitors a true insight into the essence of Mayan culture and the heritage of the Mexican Caribbean, with its acres of unspoiled coastal land, vast natural resources and rich historic and cultural influences,  Costa Maya has the highest concentration of Mayan archeological sites and the largest existing Mayan population in Mexico. The region is home to some lesser known (but still important) Mayan ruins. The site most people come here to see is Chacchoben, it was  unexplored until 1999, this Mayan site dates back to 360 AD BC, when it played an important role in the distribution of highly valued items such as wood, jade and exotic birds. Another place worth visiting beyond Costa Maya's boundaries is the seaside village of Mahahual. Once a simple haunt for fishermen, now there are seaside huts serving fresh ceviche, and there are lovely white sand beaches with shallow surf.