Where Ancient History Meets Vibrant Life
Once we stepped off the ship and met our first tour guide, the journey truly began. The nine of us piled into a van and wound our way through small, quiet Mexican villages, places untouched by hurry, rich with everyday life and history. As we passed modest homes, roadside stands, and locals going about their day, I felt that familiar shift that happens when travel stops being about distance and starts being about presence.
There’s something incredibly powerful about stepping into a place that feels ancient and alive at the same time…where the past isn’t behind you, but woven into the rhythm of daily life.
This trip through Central America was a true departure from our usual holiday traditions. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about spending Christmas on a cruise. But wow, I was so pleasantly surprised, and that unexpected joy is what made the experience even more meaningful.
This post is the first in a travel series documenting that journey, and it begins in a place that captivated me in the best possible way: Costa Maya, Mexico.
From the moment we arrived, Costa Maya felt rich with history and soul. This region is deeply rooted in Mayan civilization, and you can feel it — not just in the ruins, but in the land itself, the stories passed down, and the people who continue to carry that legacy forward. It reminded me of something Gustave Flaubert once said: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
Standing there, surrounded by centuries of history, it was impossible not to feel humbled, grounded, and deeply connected to something far greater than ourselves.
Walking Through Mayan History
Exploring the Mayan ruins was soul-stirring. These structures weren’t just remnants of the past; they were reminders of an advanced, intelligent, deeply spiritual civilization that understood astronomy, architecture, and community long before modern tools existed. Standing there, surrounded by jungle and stone, it was impossible not to slow down and listen to the quiet, to the history, to the sense of endurance that lingers in the air. It was truly stunning and profound.
Our tour guide was truly exceptional…knowledgeable, passionate, and deeply proud of his heritage. He didn’t just recite facts; he told stories. He brought the ruins to life in a way that made them feel personal and relevant, not distant or forgotten. It was one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Local Flavor & Lagoon Views
After soaking in the history, we shifted into pure enjoyment and headed for local, fresh tacos, fun, and refreshing drinks at a stunning lagoon that felt like something out of a postcard. Bright water, warm air, laughter & chatter, and plates of food made with care, it was simple and perfect.
There’s something very grounding about eating food that’s grown and prepared locally, surrounded by the very culture that created it. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t curated for social media. It was real and shared with us with great pride.
More Than a Stop on a Map
Costa Maya wasn’t just a port stop, it was an introduction. An invitation to see Central America not as a checklist of destinations, but as a collection of stories, traditions, and people worth paying attention to.
This trip also came with an unexpected gift: disconnection. With limited access to WiFi and news, my phone became a camera, not a constant source of noise. And in that quiet, I felt more present than I had in a (very) long time.
This is just the beginning.
In the coming posts, I’ll share more from Belize, Roatán, and Cozumel, each with its own magic, lessons, and moments of awe. But Costa Maya set the tone: slow down, look deeper, and let the place teach you something.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. 🇲🇽✨
Denise xo
P.S. We cruised with Royal Caribbean aboard Grandeur of the Seas—the smallest ship in their fleet and exactly what we were looking for. Traveling with a group of nine, including two little ones (5 year olds), made the experience even more special. Seeing this part of the world through their eyes added a layer of joy, curiosity, and laughter that we’ll never forget.
If you’d like these stories delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next stop.
Beyond the Hustle 
Leave a comment