Me coast from south of the Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka'an to the small fishing village of Xcalak ('shka LAK') is often referred to as the Costa Maya. Unknown and difficult to access until 1981, it is now drawing increasing numbers of adventurous travelers in search of that fast disappearing natural asset undeveloped coastline.

Today, despite the recent paving of the road linking the town with highway 307, Xcalak remains a relatively primitive part of I Mexico. Xcalak's appeal lies in its quiet atmosphere older Caribbean style wooden homes, swaying palms and pretty beaches. little explored (and thus unspoiled) Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the Northern Hemisphere, is 40km away Aventuras Chinchorro offers dive and snorkel trips to the atoll and rents equipment.

It's possible to get to Xcalak by bus, but it's tricky. From Chetumal or Felipe Carrillo Puerto, take a bus that would pass through Limones, which is near the highway 307 turnoff for Xcalak. In Limones, there are somewhat regular but infrequent buses to Xcalak. The other option is to hire a taxi, but it's expensive and taxis aren't always available in Limones. With some negotiating, it should be possible to take a cab to Xcalak for US$90 now that the road's in good shape. The vast majority of tourists who reach Xcalak do so in a rental car).