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Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour with Certified Guide

Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Costa Maya, Mexico
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Learn about ancient Maya culture with this guided tour to Chacchoben Maya Ruins from Costa Maya. Dating to 200 BC, Chacchoben is one of the least explored Maya 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, including a population of resident spider monkeys.
  • Explore Cacchoben Maya Ruins with a certified guide
  • Hear stories and legends you won’t discover on your own
  • Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Round-trip transfers from the Costa Maya cruise port

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • English Speaking Certified guide
  • $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
  • The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City.
  • Souvenirs
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Av. P.º del Puerto 1180, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico

    Your tour will depart one hour after your cruise docks, starting from the conveniently located Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Port. Please consider the total time to walk from your cruise to the excursion office is about 15 minutes.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Arranged start time

Confirm time with the local provider in advance of your experience.
  • 07/13/2019 - 05/06/2027

    Monday - Sunday : 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Itinerary

1

Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben

1 hour 50 minutesAdmission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Infant seats available
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
  • Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
  • No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
  • IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship and docking time
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 80 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Scott_W
We booked a local small tour instead of one of the large group tours offered by the cruise line. So glad we did. The small group was perfect for us. Very nice and comfortable ride with a great driver. Our tour guides were David and Alyssa. Both were very friendly, and David’s knowledge of the archaeological site, and the history and customs of the local area was amazing. Would definitely book a tour with them again!

Reviews

4.8
based on 26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Mayan village

Krissy_H, Nov 2025
Hard to get out of the port shopping area, ask others for directions, once out, hard to find travel guide, not well marked. Once we did find them, took about :40 to get there. We had plenty of time 1:30 to tour the village. Was worth the trek. Not very well suited for handicap access. Climbing to top of ruins was slippery and treacherous.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hi Krissy_H, So happy to hear you enjoyed your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour with a Certified Guide during your cruise vacation onboard the Allure of the Seas! We truly appreciate you choosing to spend your day with us at Costa Maya – Perfect Day Mexico, right here in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Thank you for sharing your honest experience and helpful tips for future travelers. Chacchoben is an incredible ancient Mayan archaeological site, and we’re glad you felt the journey was worth it and that you had plenty of time to explore and learn about the ruins. We also appreciate you noting the physical aspects of the site, as preserving these historic ruins means access can be challenging in some areas. Thanks again for exploring Costa Maya, Mexico with us! Feel free to share your travel stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @NextExperienceTravel so other cruise travelers can discover this amazing destination too. Hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴

Really neat tour with 3 Mayan pyramids

James_B, Jun 2025
We did this tour from a cruise ship early June 2025, weather was great, very few mosquitoes. An easy 1 hour bus ride, air conditioning worked well. There are 3 pyramids there, one at ground level, but the other two are up a hill with some steps to climb maybe 30 feet high that could be tough for someone either limited mobility. It is worth it though, very interesting, and the pyramids are in good condition. We liked this tour and would recommend it.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Hi James, We’re thrilled you enjoyed your visit to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady! It sounds like you had a great day exploring this incredible site—thanks for pointing out those helpful tips for fellow travelers too. We’re so glad you chose to spend your day in Costa Maya with us in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! Don’t forget to share your stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—we’d love to see your photos and inspire other adventurers out there! Hope to welcome you again soon! Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴

Booking Cancelled by Tour Operator without Notice

Francis_R, Apr 2025
This was a terrible experience. The tour operator canceled our reservation without notice. I received a confirmation email and my credit card was charged three days before the scheduled tour only to be told on the day of that it was cancelled. When speaking to them via phone they attempted to blame me and offered no option other than refunding my money. It’s now two days later and no refund has been processed. The Viator app indicates that we took the tour as they show rewards added to my account. This tour of the Mayan Ruins in Costa Maya Mexico was to be the first time back in Mexico for family members with deep Mexican roots. They of course were very disappointed.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Hi Francis, Thank you for choosing us during your vacation in the beautiful Costa Maya, in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. We’re truly sorry to hear about your experience. Shortly after your booking, we informed you via email that the tour was already sold out due to high demand during peak season. We also sent follow-up reminders but didn’t receive a response before the tour date. Please know we’re not placing blame—just explaining what happened. Since the booking was made through our trusted partner Viator, your refund was processed through them. Refunds typically take 5–7 business days to appear on your original payment method. We understand how important this visit was for your family and regret that we couldn’t be part of that special moment. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future for a much better experience. Warm regards, Next Experience Travel Team

Long walk from ship

Roger_T, Mar 2025
The guide and driver were awesome. The walk from the cruise ship to kiosk was way to long. The company that provide the excursion should allow the use of a scooter from ship to kiosk and store in their new office.

Response from Host, Jun 2025

Hi Roger_T, We’re so glad you had a great time visiting the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise on Carnival Jubilee! It's awesome to hear our guide and driver helped make your day special. We understand the walk through the cruise terminal can feel long—thanks for pointing that out! Our meeting point is just outside the port area, and while the distance is beyond our control, we’re always happy to assist however we can. Thanks again for spending your day in beautiful Costa Maya with us! Feel free to share your photos and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—we’d love to see your adventure and inspire fellow travelers! Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴

Great Experience

Michael_S, Jul 2024
Experience was wonderful (especially the air-conditioned bus) and our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the ruins and Mayan civilization.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Dear Michael, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time on our Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour during your Carnival Cruise Lines' Carnival Jubilee vacation. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the air-conditioned bus and our guide's insights into the Mayan civilization. We’d love to see your photos and stories from the day! Feel free to tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so others can enjoy the beauty of this destination too. Safe travels and we hope to see you again! Best, The Next Experience Travel Team

Recommend this excursion

Samantha_C, Jun 2024
Our guide was very informative. Very cool seeing the Mayan temples and the area. It was very hot and humid to make sure to bring lots of water!

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Dear Samantha, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you had an amazing time exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us. It's wonderful to know our guide made your experience informative and memorable. We're grateful you chose to spend your day at Costa Maya with us during your Royal Caribbean cruise vacation on Harmony of the Seas. Feel free to share your stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel. We can't wait to see your adventures and inspire other travelers to visit this beautiful destination! Safe travels and hope to see you again! Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins tour

Susan_P, Jun 2024
Rosie was a great guide, very knowledgeable and always looking for ways to avoid the crowds. She carried extra cold water and took care of getting rid of our empty bottles. Definitely bring and use bug spray! Lots of mosquitoes and biting bugs.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Dear Susan_P, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Rosie. She is indeed an exceptional guide who loves making each tour special by avoiding the crowds and ensuring everyone stays comfortable. We’re delighted that you chose to spend your day at Costa Maya with us during your cruise vacation on the Carnival Breeze. Your tip about bringing bug spray is invaluable for future travelers! We’d love to see your stories and photos—please feel free to tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel. Thank you for helping us share the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean with the world! Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team

Excellent excursion.

ALAN_W, Mar 2024
Tour guide was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. The guide held updates in the shade to help people affected by heat.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Dear ALAN_W, Thank you so much for choosing us for your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins tour during your cruise vacation onboard the MSC Seashore! We're thrilled to hear you had an excellent experience with our professional, knowledgeable, and friendly guide. Keeping everyone updated in the shade is just one of the many ways we strive to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable adventure for all our guests. Don't forget to share your stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel! We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! :) Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team

Great tour!

SHERRYL_F, Apr 2023
Our guide Erick was very knowledgeable. He was born and raised in this community!! It was a great experience with a lot of information!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Dear Sherry, Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience on your recent Chacchoben Mayan City Ruins Tour with our certified guide Erick. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time and found Erick to be very knowledgeable and informative. We're proud to have guides like Erick who have a deep connection to the local community and can provide our guests with a unique and authentic experience. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Erick and the rest of our team. Thank you for choosing us for your tour, and we hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon. Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team

Great cultural excursion

Howard_W, Feb 2023
Eric provided insightful facts about the Mayan culture and ruins. Selena was very personable. After touring the ruins we were treated to a private lunch at a local resort. A great way to relax and end the tour. I hope they keep this package

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Hola Howard, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on TripAdvisor regarding the Chacchoben Mayan City Ruins Tour! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that Eric provided you with insightful facts about the Mayan culture and ruins. It is also great to know that Selena was very personable, which enhanced your overall experience. We will definitely share your good comments with them and the rest of the team! We are glad to hear that you appreciated the private lunch at Bacalar Lagoon. It's always great to end a tour with some relaxation and good food! We hope that you will consider joining us again for another tour in the future as we strive to continue providing high-quality experiences for all of our guests. :) Thank you for choosing our tour, and we hope to see you again soon. PS. We will certainly keep the package you enjoyed available for future tours :) Best regards, The Next Experience Travel Team

Experienced

Bill_A, Jan 2023
The friendliness and experience of the staff. We asked to stop to try the native pineapple and we did. Everyone aboard enjoyed the pineapple.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Dear Bill, Thank you for taking the time to write this wonderful review! We are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us and the service from our staff. :) We do hope you can visit us again soon! All our best, The Next Experience Travel Team

Diego

Humberto_P, Dec 2022
It would have to be “Diego” because he was very knowledgeable of the Mayan true history and he was always more than happy to answer questions. You could tell that he was passionate of his lectures. He reminded me of my college professors. Diego deserves an awesome raise.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Dear Humberto, We are thrilled to read this wonderful review. Thank you! We will pass your compliments to Diego and the rest of our amazing guides, we are so lucky to have them! :) These reviews really keep us going as we strive for our guests to have a memorable and enjoyable time with us at Costa Maya! Thank you for choosing local and we hope you can visit us again soon. All out best The Next Experience Travel Team

Amazing tour!

Scott_W, Dec 2022
We booked a local small tour instead of one of the large group tours offered by the cruise line. So glad we did. The small group was perfect for us. Very nice and comfortable ride with a great driver. Our tour guides were David and Alyssa. Both were very friendly, and David’s knowledge of the archaeological site, and the history and customs of the local area was amazing. Would definitely book a tour with them again!

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Dear Scott_W, We are thrilled to read this wonderful review. Thank you! We will pass your compliments to David and Alyssa and the rest of our amazing guides. These reviews really keep us going as we strive for our guests to have a memorable and enjoyable time with us at Costa Maya. Thank you for choosing local and we hope you can visit us again soon. All out best, The Next Experience Travel Team

Beautiful!

Angele_T, Feb 2026
Very nice experience! We enjoyed being able to climb into the ruins! However, it would have been appreciated if the guide had provided more information on Mayan culture.
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Toller Ausflug

Alexandra_W, Oct 2024
Edder war unser Guide und hat uns sehr viele Infos gegeben. Es war ein toller Ausflug und sehr zu empfehlen

Response from Host, Oct 2024

¡Hola, Alexander! Vielen Dank für die großartige Bewertung und für das Vertrauen, das Sie uns während Ihrer Kreuzfahrt mit der MSC Seashore geschenkt haben! Es freut uns sehr, dass Sie die Chacchoben Mayan Ruinen Tour genossen haben und dass Edder als Guide Sie begeistern konnte. Wir hoffen, Ihre Reiseerinnerungen noch lange zu begleiten. Teilen Sie Ihre tollen Geschichten gerne mit uns auf Instagram und Facebook unter @NextExperienceTravel – so können andere Reisende dieses wunderschöne Ziel ebenfalls entdecken! Herzliche Grüße aus dem mexikanischen Karibik! The Next Experience Travel Team

From $89.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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On average, this is booked 48 days in advance.

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