Top Costa Maya Culture in 2026

Discover Mexico's ancient Mayan history and beautiful landscapes during this shore excursion from the Costa Maya dock. First, head to the Chacchoben archaeological site for a guided tour of the ancient Mayan site that dates back to 200 BC. Then, head to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its colorful waters, and enjoy time to swim, sunbathe, or even kayak.

Explore the majestic Chacchoben ruins on this personalized small-group tour from Costa Maya, featuring round-trip transport, an expert guide, and jungle views —designed for all ages and abilities, with a family-friendly atmosphere and accessible experience for an effortless and memorable adventure!

Discover the Costa Maya’s history and spectacular nature on a full-day tour of ancient ruins and Bacalar—with the option to customize the day to fit your preferences. Whether you opt for laid-back Bacalar sailing or an adventurous ride through the Bacalar rapids, you’ll enjoy the personal service of a private guide throughout the day. And with an itinerary designed for cruise passengers, you’ll enjoy peace of mind other tours can’t match.

Skip the crowded cruise ship tours and enjoy a more personalized experience with Costa Maya Paradise. We specialize in small-group shore excursions led by certified local guides who bring the rich Mayan history to life. Our tours are designed for comfort, flexibility, and a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment without feeling rushed. With easy port pickup, comfortable transportation, and a guaranteed on-time return to your ship, we provide a safe and stress-free alternative to standard cruise excursions. A minimum of 4 participants is required for shared tours. If the minimum is not met, you may request a private tour, and we will be happy to provide a personalized quote. Experience Costa Maya like a local, not a tourist.

Make the most of your time at shore and learn more about Yucatan culture on this half-day tour to Bacalar. Start by visiting the Mayan village of Chacchoben to see daily life and enjoy a traditional lunch with recipes handed down over generations. Then visit the Seven-Color Bacalar Lagoon to swim, kayak, or relax at your leisure.

Take a break from tanning on the beach and discover the ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchobén on this half-day excursion. Go deep into the jungle to visit these 8th century ruins and learn about the Mayans who built the pyramids. After your guided tour, shop for local handicrafts, then return to the starting point.

Learn about Mayan and pirate history with a visit to both Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon. Dating to 200 BC, Chacchoben is one of the least explored Mayan sites in Mexico, while Bacalar, also called the Seven Color Lagoon, is famous for its beautiful waters in different colors and for being a haven for pirates. Relax by the water, swim or kayak, and enjoy a fajita lunch with refreshing aguas frescas.

As soon as your cruise ship arrives at Costa Maya Port, step back in time with a guided visit to the fascinating Chacchoben Archaeological Zone. After exploring the ancient ruins, continue to the nearby Maya village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet local Maya descendants and experience their traditions firsthand. Spend time with a local family and discover their everyday life, from the preparation of traditional corn tortillas to ancestral knowledge of natural remedies passed down through generations. No cultural experience is complete without food! Enjoy authentic Maya dishes prepared with time-honored recipes, fresh local ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. Perfect for history and culture lovers, this experience takes you beyond the ruins to connect with the living heritage, traditions, and flavors of the Maya people.

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to a rich variety of birds that even experienced birdwatchers have a hard time spotting. On this tour, explore the jungle, mangroves, and grasslands with a guide who helps you find the elusive birds. Get personal attention from your guide and don’t stress about packing lunch, as it’s included.

Discover the culture and Caribbean charm of Mahahual on this 4-hour Costa Maya shore excursion for cruise passengers. Enjoy a guided 1-mile walk along the boardwalk as your bilingual guide shares stories about Mahahual’s history, traditions, local lifestyle, and cuisine. Visit the iconic Costa Maya Lighthouse, a perfect spot for memorable photos. Then enjoy approximately 2.5 hours at a Mahahual beach club, where you can swim, relax, or purchase local food, drinks, and massages. With round-trip transportation from the Costa Maya cruise port area, you can easily explore Mahahual and still enjoy plenty of Caribbean beach time. Highlights Guided 1-mile Mahahual walking tour Discover local history, culture, and traditions Visit the iconic Costa Maya Lighthouse Enjoy 2.5 hours at a Mahahual beach club Bilingual guide and bottled water Artisanal tequila tasting Round-trip cruise port transportation

Visit the Maya ruins of Chacchoben on a private half-day shore excursion from Mahahual. You're taken directly from the port to the ruins, leaving you with peace of mind and more time to explore the archaeological site’s temples, ancient homes, and other structures. You’ll also have the chance to spot tropical birds and spider monkeys at the site.

Get ready for an adventure that combines history, culture, and nature at their finest. You won’t just visit the impressive Chacchoben Archaeological Site —you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. Our expert guides will lead you through sacred temples and thousand-year-old structures, revealing stories, legends, and secrets that turn every stone into a portal to the past. But the adventure doesn’t end there… the stunning Bacalar Lagoon awaits —a natural paradise famous for its seven shades of blue. You’ll board a comfortable pontoon boat and enjoy a relaxing ride across its crystal-clear waters, exploring its channels and cenotes. This tour is designed especially for cruise passengers, with schedules tailored to your itinerary and a back-to-ship guarantee. With personalized attention, certified guides, and an experience crafted for you to enjoy every moment… Explore, discover, and live the Caribbean like never before.

Discover the authentic culture of Costa Maya with a special visit to a local Maya family. Step into their everyday world, learn about traditions passed down through generations, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal prepared especially for your visit. Get hands-on with a traditional tortilla-making demonstration and try preparing your own tortillas! Then, sit down to a flavorful lunch featuring homemade tamales and other traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients and authentic Maya spices. For those who enjoy a little heat, choose from mild or spicy habanero sauce to add an extra kick. Your adventure continues at the breathtaking Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, Mexico’s largest freshwater lagoon, famous for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular shades of blue and turquoise. At Bacalar Lake, enjoy free time to swim, kayak, or simply relax by the water with a refreshing drink from the bar, offering a selection of international cocktails and spirits.

Make the most of your private shore excursion with a visit to the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins. Journey through the rolling hills and tropical rainforest of lower Quintana Roo, passing by Bacalar Lagoon. At the site, explore the elaborately planned city with pyramids, citadels, and plazas, and admire the massive, well-preserved Sun God masks.

Explore the ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and unwind at Mahahual Beach on this engaging 5-hour tour from Costa Maya. Enjoy the company of a dedicated guide exclusively for you and your group, providing a personalized experience and fascinating insights into Mayan history, culture, and traditions. After exploring the ruins, relax and soak up the sun at the beautiful Mahahual Beach, known for its crystal-clear Caribbean waters and laid-back atmosphere. This tour is perfect for families, couples, and history enthusiasts looking for a more private and customized adventure. Roundtrip transportation with air conditioning and bottled water is included for a comfortable and worry-free journey.

Learn about ancient Mayan culture with this guided half-day tour to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya. Dating to 200 BC, Chacchoben is one of the least explored Mayan sites in the region. Walk through the jungle and learn all about this ancient site from a certified guide, who will also teach you about the local flora and fauna.

Enjoy a private day in Costa Maya combining Mayan history, Mexican culture, and beach relaxation. Travel in a private vehicle with your group to the Chacchoben archaeological site, where a private certified guide will accompany you during your visit. Continue to Tequilera Doña Engracia Mahahual for a cultural agave experience and guided tequila tasting. Finish your day relaxing at Captain Mono Beach Club with a welcome cocktail, reserved table, lounge chair, kayak access, Wi-Fi, and club amenities. The entire experience is coordinated around your cruise schedule.

Combine two top attractions while on shore at Costa Maya. Get picked up at the cruise port and travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Seven Colors Lagoon, to swim, kayak, or relax by the water. Afterwards, visit the historic Mayan ruins at the Chacchoben to meet a Mayan family and enjoy lunch and a cooking demonstration.

Step into the world of the ancient Maya at Chacchoben, one of the most fascinating archaeological sites near Costa Maya. Hidden deep in the tropical jungle, this ancient city dates back to around 200 BC, with impressive temples and ceremonial plazas rising above the surrounding vegetation. Explore Chacchoben with a certified guide who brings the ancient city to life, sharing the stories, traditions, and history behind the structures you see along the way. Walk beneath the jungle canopy, discover the remains of ceremonial centers and areas once used by Maya nobles, and learn how this remarkable civilization lived and flourished here centuries ago. Chacchoben is also alive with nature. Keep your eyes on the treetops for spider monkeys and tropical birds, while discovering native plants and the jungle that has surrounded these ruins for generations. Ancient temples, Maya history, wildlife, and tropical jungle experience a completely different side of Costa Maya beyond the cruise port.

Explore the wonders of the ancient Mayan civilization with an expert guide who will unveil the history and secrets of the majestic Mayan temples. Following this enriching experience, dive into the stunning Lagoon of Seven Colors, where you can swim in its crystal-clear waters. Conclude your day with a delicious Mexican dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of the region, ensuring a memorable culinary experience that deepens your appreciation for Mexico. This adventure promises to be a highlight of your travels, leaving you with lasting memories. - Discover the rich history of the Mayan culture with an expert guide. - Explore ancient Mayan temples and uncover their hidden secrets. - Swim and navigate in the beautiful Lagoon of Seven Colors. - Enjoy a delicious traditional Mexican meal to enhance your experience.

Experience the living traditions of the Maya in Chacchoben Village, where a local Maya family welcomes you into their community to share daily life, traditions and recipes passed down through generations. Interact with your hosts, learn about local ingredients and tortilla making, and enjoy authentic home-cooked dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, Maya spices and family recipes. More than a visit, this is a chance to connect with the people keeping these traditions alive today. Then add the perfect refreshing touch to your day at Bacalar’s spectacular Seven Color Lagoon, once a famous haven for pirates. Swim in its crystal-clear waters, explore by kayak or simply relax by the lagoon with a tropical cocktail in hand and incredible shades of blue all around you. This tour brings together living Maya traditions, authentic flavors and the breathtaking waters of Bacalar in one unforgettable Costa Maya experience.

What makes my tour truly special is the personal connection I bring to every experience. I’m not just showing you the sights; I’m sharing the rich history and culture of Costa Maya with you in a way that feels authentic and intimate. We’ll explore ancient Mayan ruins and hidden local gems at a relaxed pace, giving you time to really take it all in. You'll taste honey pineapples straight from the fields, learn about native plants, and visit the iconic Mahahual lighthouse—all while I share stories and insights that only a local can provide. I’m passionate about making this more than just a tour; it’s a journey into the heart of Costa Maya that you’ll never forget.

Explore the natural and historical wonders of Costa Maya with personalized private tours designed exclusively for you. Discover the ancient ruins of Chacchoben and enjoy the best beach clubs in Mahahual. With certified guides committed to your safety and comfort, every moment is meant to be unforgettable. Enjoy hassle-free roundtrip transportation, ensuring punctuality and a worry-free experience. - Private tours offering personalized experiences in Costa Maya - Visit the archaeological site of Chacchoben and the impressive lagoon of Bacalar - Relax at the best beach clubs in Mahahual for a day out - Certified guides prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the tour

Chacchoben is the heart of this experience — but the journey reveals a little more of Costa Maya along the way. Explore an ancient Maya city surrounded by tropical jungle, walking among temples, ceremonial grounds and plazas as your professional guide brings Chacchoben’s history, beliefs and astronomical knowledge to life. Beyond the ruins, discover small glimpses of the region as you travel. Learn about locally produced honey and traditional salsas, pass through Pedro Santos, a present-day Maya community known for its sweet honey pineapples, and see another side of Maya life beyond the ancient city. Your journey eventually brings you back to the Caribbean coast, with a stop at the Mahahual Lighthouse for views and photos before returning to Costa Maya Port. Come to discover ancient Chacchoben and leave having experienced a little more of Costa Maya along the way.