Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip
Recommended by 96% of travelers
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Costa Maya, Mexico
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
When your cruise ship docks at the port of Casa Maya, don't waste time waiting for buses or haggling with taxis. Instead, maximize limited time on a shore excursion to the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben. Learn more about the archaeological site with a guide as you admire relics that were only discovered in the late 20th century. Round-trip transport from the port in an air-conditioned minivan is included so you don't need to worry about getting back in time.
- Save time planning logistics on this convenient shore excursion
- Drive deep into the jungle where the Mayan city once lay buried under foliage
- Go beyond the guidebook with insight into archeological ruins of Chacchoben
- Spot native plants and animals such as howler monkeys and armadillos
What's Included
- Local English- and Spanish-speaking guide
- Bottled water and soda
- Port pickup and drop-off
- Worry-free Shore Excursion guarantee
- All Fees and Taxes
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Av. P.º del Puerto 1286, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
After disembarking, find the exit to the shopping facilities of the cruise port. Pass the parking lot and taxis. Our office is located one block outside of the port facilities. In the right side of a really big mayan pyramid replica.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Arranged start time
Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
- 01/01/2026 - 31/12/2026
Itinerary
Meet your driver at the port of Costa Maya and begin your archeological odyssey to the ruins of Chacchoben. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned minivan, sipping complimentary bottled water for the journey until you reach your intriguing destination in the heart of the verdant jungle. Greet your professional archeologist guide and circumvent the site as the significance of the city’s excavated temples, pointed pyramids, and ancient walls are explained.
Gain insight into the mysteries of the Mayans as your guide unravels the history of a civilization that dates back to the pre-Classic period of 200BC; hear about how the ruins were discovered by local farmers in 1970 and learn about the complex archeological techniques employed to excavate the structures. Note the red pigment used to decorate the temples and decipher the enigmatic hieroglyphics at the base of the principal pyramid.
Immerse yourself in the atmospheric splendor of the jungle as you awaken your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Identify fascinating flora and fauna as your guide shares insightful knowledge, listening and looking out for howler monkeys, toucans, armadillos, spider monkeys, and gray foxes. Gasp as you learn of the nearby presence of jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
Peruse the gift shop for special souvenirs before returning to the port in your comfortable and air-conditioned transportation.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Costa Maya cruise port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Gain insight into the mysteries of the Mayans as your guide unravels the history of a civilization that dates back to the pre-Classic period of 200BC; hear about how the ruins were discovered by local farmers in 1970 and learn about the complex archeological techniques employed to excavate the structures. Note the red pigment used to decorate the temples and decipher the enigmatic hieroglyphics at the base of the principal pyramid.
Immerse yourself in the atmospheric splendor of the jungle as you awaken your senses to the sights and sounds of nature. Identify fascinating flora and fauna as your guide shares insightful knowledge, listening and looking out for howler monkeys, toucans, armadillos, spider monkeys, and gray foxes. Gasp as you learn of the nearby presence of jaguars, pumas, and tapirs.
Peruse the gift shop for special souvenirs before returning to the port in your comfortable and air-conditioned transportation.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Costa Maya cruise port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
1
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (2)
Q:Where is the meeting point?
A:After disembarking find the exit of the shopping complex and parking lot of the Cruise Terminal. We are located half block outside of the first security gate of the Cruise Terminal. On the left side walk, passed the yellow taxis. Please look for MAYAN TRIPS signs and we will have a slate with your name.
Jul 2019
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 1,158 reviews
Kelly_H, May 2026
Great day off the RC ship in Costa Maya! We had a big group and we were accommodated with two vans. Octavio and his female co-worker (can’t remember name as she was in other van - and they loved her!) were super knowledgeable about the ruins. Our group learned a lot and even stopped for some tacos and fruit on the way back to the ship. Smooth day - very satisfied!
David_G, May 2026
Tour guide was excellent. He knew his history and made it exciting to learn about the ancient Mayan culture.
GregF, May 2026
Most Enjoyable learning experience with a terrific guide, Ishmael. The Mayan ruins were amazing. Comfortable ride and hospitable people.
Amy_E, May 2026
Short walk from terminal with clear directions. Van was waiting for us and ac on for us to cool down. Lots of bottles of water available. The driver was great and the guide was very knowledgeable. We even stopped for fresh pineapple! Yummy! Great paced tour! We enjoyed it!
Toni_N, May 2026
The direction were a little hard to interpret. The ride was long and a little warm. Our guide JC was very nice and informative He really knew everything we asked him.
Kendra_S, May 2026
Very nice guide. Great way to see city. Monkeys and sloths were great! Great way to get scenic pictures!
Lynbn_W, May 2026
Knowledgeable tour guide. Long van ride from the port to the ruins. Nice stop on our return at a local fruit stand. The fruit was OUTSTANDING!
Robert_J, May 2026
Great excursion JC was very informative and a great guide. He and John were very friendly and hospitable throughout the tour, making sure everyone had a great experience.
BeatrizCuencaBarberi, Apr 2026
Great way to get in some history in between margaritas and the beach. Our guide Siomara was very knowledgeable and did an expert job leading our group of 8 through the archaeological park.
Carole_H, Apr 2026
Siramosa (idk if spelled right), young girl with long curly hair, was our guide. She was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and eager to answer all questions. Learned a lot about the Mayan culture, temples, flora and fauna. Really enjoyed our time.
Ana_W, Apr 2026
We took this excursion as part of an extended family cruise trip. Great experience! Glad we chose this experience. Chacchoben is amazing. CM Tours is a great company. So glad we found this experience in Viator.
Must do if taking this tour from the port: Make sure to follow the map provided to get outside the port to the tour company building. Plan 30 minutes to be safe. It took my husband and I about 15 minutes and we stopped to take a few pictures. But we followed the map carefully.
Ismael, our guide, was fantastic. If we could give him more than 5 stars we would. Victor, the driver, did great. Drove safely. We felt safe throughout. Our trip was 45 minutes each way. 3.5 hours total tour. The van was also modern, had working seatbelts and AC.
There were four of us on this tour: me, husband, another couple, also from our cruise. We didn’t know them until we took the excursion.
Chacchoben site is worth it. Super impressive. Definitely a must visit. We would definitely go again.
A shout out to our driver and guide; on the way back we got to stop at a pineapple vendor stand and get fresh pineapple, at no additional cost— Costa Maya is a large producer of pineapple. We visited in early April, for reference. Perhaps the sweetest pineapple we ever had.
If you are traveling on a cruise, please know the port area is very nice, but not near any major sites.. Would highly recommend a planned ahead excursion to make the best of your visit.
Disclosures for anyone with physical disabilities: Chacchoben can be visited by someone on a wheelchair— person can see parts of the site—but the visit will be limited. Also the ground is mostly okay but not perfectly flat. In order to see some amazing things We climbed multiple steps. My husband and I did fine. We are very mobile, but someone not as mobile may have to adjust part of the experience. Definitely talk to your tour company ahead of schedule, if you have someone in your party with a disability or lacking mobility.
David_D, Apr 2026
This Guide was a no call no-show so I was left in a foreign country. I had to walk out of the pier and then three more blocks to our meeting Place and he never showed up.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear David,
We provided clear meeting instructions and a map well in advance for our scheduled 8:00 AM departure. The evening before the tour, you unilaterally requested to push the start time back; however, you arrived after even that requested window.
To ensure our other guests returned to the cruise ship on schedule, the tour had to depart. Despite this late arrival, we issued a full refund immediately as a courtesy. We regret that the timing didn't work out
Masood_K, Apr 2026
comfortable ride and octavio was very knowledgeable about the historical site. would recommend to everybody!
Lori_P, Apr 2026
I enjoyed our small group, the tour guy, Ismael (not spelled right probably)and the driver Victor were very informative. The van was comfortable. He gave great information and was very knowledgeable, being a local. We had a great experience
Heather_N, Apr 2026
Great experience! Octavio was a great tour guide. It was a lot of walking though for if you have any elderly in your party.
Kelly_L, Apr 2026
Really interesting ruins in a beautiful location. Our guide did a great job giving us background info about the Mayan culture.
Bryan_H, Apr 2026
This tour was so much fun! The ruins were beautiful and our tour guide was so fun & knowledgeable. I forgot her name, sadly....19 year old girl, she was great!
Helen_T, Apr 2026
The meet up location is easy to find if you follow directions.
The ride out, the tour guide was very detailed about the history behind the temple and the culture of the Mayans.
Although you don’t get to spend a great time at the destination, that’s because your boat is leaving at 12:30. They are very conscientious about getting you back to the boat in time.
Matt_K, Apr 2026
Booking was extremely easy! Directions to the meet up point were excellent. The staff were very friendly and the time at Chacchoben was just right. Being part of a smaller group made it easier to move around the park and gave us a little more time at each stop. We even got to follow a family of monkeys moving through the trees for several minutes!
Kiel_B, Apr 2026
Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun!! We are glad we took water and sensible shoes. There are alot of roots and uneven ground but very worth it!!!
Griselda_M, Mar 2026
Great experience short and to the point, love the people who took us there they are so nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Heather_L, Mar 2026
Tour guide was really knowledgable and easy to understand. Our kids enjoyed the ruins and brief stop for snack afterwards (fruit stand). Our guide ended up staying at the ruins to wait for another tour so we returned with just the driver. Complimentary water, soda, cerveza offered for the return drive. Four stars for the slightly awkward ending and the walk to get to the meeting spot. We did not realize the port shopping area was going to be such a maze to get out of and it was a 15 minute (brisk) walk from disembarking to the meeting spot.
Crystal_R, Mar 2026
Octavio was the best! So very knowledgeable and super patient with our questions. This is first time to the ruins but will certainly not the the last!
Joshua_S, Mar 2026
The trip was absolutely excellent. You can really tell our tour guide was passionate about the history and culture of the area and was this very informative about it to us.
Linda_C, Mar 2026
Really interesting tour around the three temples once you get there, however, bear in mind that the temples have been rebuilt so may not be the ruins that are expected. Our tour took about 4 hours of which 2 and a half hours was travel time. The tour around the temples is quite pacey and I was hoping for a bit more time for a gentle meander and photo opportunities.
Our guide, Ismael, was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Sheryl_T, Mar 2026
This was a great way to explore with a local company. Our tour guide, Siomara, was knowledgeable and friendly. She knew about history and nature and shared many interesting facts. On the way back we stopped at a roadside pineapple stand where we enjoyed fresh pineapple. I opted to purchase homemade upside down pineapple cake and fresh salsa. They also dropped us off a Mahahual at our request so we didn’t have to take a taxi back there from the port. Overall, a great day with a wonderful local business! Highly recommend.
Courtney_M, Mar 2026
Our drivers and tour guide was so nice and informative. We learned a lot and seen beautiful history.
Roger_D, Mar 2026
Excellent tour with only 8 travelers. Makes it more personal. Our tour guide had lots of knowledge of the Mayan Ruins, cullture and history.
Barbara_C, Mar 2026
Wonderful experience for our family, even with our three-year-old. The guides were friendly, patient, and the small group minivan made the tour feel very personal. We loved stopping for roadside lunch for a true local experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes, the terrain is uneven and includes climbing some temple steps.
Richard_C, Mar 2026
Make sure you give yourself about 25 minutes to get to this location, as we almost missed the tour. It wasn't their fault, it was ours. Their offices are only a little over a block from the port exit, but it takes forever to get from your ship down the long pier, through the entire shopping area, and then out the long driveway.
Having said that, it was a great tour. We enjoyed every minute of it. Siamora was impressive and knowledgeable, and very engaging. Hard to believe she is still in high school, very well done. We loved also that it was a small group, 9-10 people would be max, we were able to move around the ruins much easier than the big groups, get ahead of them, and then have the areas to ourselves for picture purposes. I would absolutely do it again. Do note that from the port to the ruins is about an hour and 15 minute drive.
From $64.11
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip
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