We take a $10 taxi ride to Chankanaab Park, located just 10 minutes away on the south coast. What awaits us is a clean and beautifully landscaped park with peaceful lounge areas, friendly service, and crystal-clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

While snorkeling, you can discover a cannon barrel, a Jesus statue, and "Inca statues." Diving & swimming with dolphins, as well as Snuba, are also available.

The park features a village with Maya replicas, a beautiful botanical garden, iguanas, showers, and restaurants — and it's wonderfully quiet. During the guided tour, we also learn that German universities have played a major role in the scientific study of Maya culture.

Insect repellent is a good idea, but don't bother bringing your own — the mosquitoes here will have it for breakfast.