Inspiration for the setting of Malaan

My husband Keanan and I went on a cheap cruise to Mexico for our 5th anniversary in December 2013. It was our first ‘real’ vacation that we worked hard to save up for!
I was captivated by the guacamole-loving iguanas, prolific reefs, and the ancient cenote of Dzibilchaltun… along with oppressive heat, mosquitoes, and foul stagnant…