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 - 12/31/2026
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 1,138 reviews
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.
Lisa_H, Mar 2026
Our guide was amazing and a wealth of knowledge! Great history lesson and exceptionally preserved site to explore. Five stars!!
Nadia_C, Mar 2026
Our guide was fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable, and very sincere. Loved the tour, the service, the drive - everything was outstanding, definitely recommend.
David_P, Feb 2026
Octavio was a good knowledgeable tour guide. They dropped us off closer to the dock.
Water was supplied which was needed; they stopped on return trip to get fruit or small snack.
Christina_M, Feb 2026
Tour guide was knowledgeable but wasn't very engaging. Fortunately I had already taught my children all about the Maya; so they were able to explore the site without needing to wait and listen. his explanations were geared only towards adults and quite dry (but at least accurate!).
Best part was letting us just go off on our own and explore as it's a great site. There are 3 pyramids to explore with a great staircase leading up to a massive plaza. Can visualize and bring the city to life.
Pity no real stela left to see; they're all in museums - the Mayan carvings / stories are so vivid and visual.
Abigail_B, Feb 2026
Fabulous experience! Bus was nice and had good AC. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. The site was amazing to see! And she even stopped on the drive back and got us some pineapples! Would recommend!!!
Melissa_M, Feb 2026
This was a fantastic tour of the Mayan Temples. Very educational and well paced. We had two teens with us and they weren't quite as interested as us adults, but they still enjoyed it. We loved that our tour guide was a local farmer and had lots of historical and personal information to share. Note that the meeting point for this tour is a little bit of a walk outside the port area.
Fiona_G, Feb 2026
The visit to these Mayan ruins was both interesting and beautiful as the setting is fabulous. Our tour guide (unfortunately I don't know his name) was exceptional. We actually missed the transportation from Costa Maya (navigationally challenged numpties that we are) but he had arranged for a taxi, at no extra cost, to take us to the ruins and we met up with the group there. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging, which really brought to life the experiences of the Mayan people from about 300BC to 300AD.
Brandy_M, Feb 2026
Highly recommend this tour! It was easy to find at the port, nice air conditioned van took us to the ruins, we had plenty of time to walk around and see everything and our tour guide Octavian was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. Our whole group had a great time and would absolutely go again! We beat the big busses there and avoided the crowds (they were walking in as we were walking out).
Tracy_H, Feb 2026
It was full of beautiful scenery. Our tour guy Vhino was amazing. He went above and beyond and eas extremely informative. He was pretty funny too. Climbing the stairs was difficult but I did. If I ever did it again I would request Chino if I could.
Bill_R, Feb 2026
I enjoyed the tour with a small group, nice A/C van, and great tour guide. Didn’t waste time with a large group getting in and off bus. Delivered us back to port entrance.
DevB88, Feb 2026
After multiple excursions, my family finally found one that was all around amazing. Like alot of reviews on here, Octavio was our tour guide. He did an excellent job explaining all the history to us. I was watching the ship ran tour groups and felt we were getting alot more info. Lucky for my family of 4, the other family cancelled and we got private tour of the ruins. We never felt rushed, we got to explore by ourselves when we wanted, and Octavio helped us take family photos. After having 2 shore excursions where we were begged for tips, and had mediocre experiences at best, this shore excursion was a breath of fresh air. My children even stated they loved this excursion the most, over ziplining and ATV riding, that says it all. I cant stress enough how amazing our guide Octavio was. If I ever return, I would use Costa Maya Expereinces company again.
Jennifer_S, Feb 2026
We had a great time! Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the area and history. We even got to sample some local pineapple! Would definitely recommend.
James_R, Feb 2026
Knowledgeable guides and an all around authentic experience....even stopped by a roadside place to eat that was SO GOOD! Worth every penny👍🏼
JeanPaul_R, Feb 2026
Interesting destination but tour guide's English was not so great (spoke quite fast and mumbled a lot) and his explanations about Mayan culture were questionable.
Bruce_R, Jan 2026
Tour was excellent and tour guide was extremely knowledgable. He had great insight into the history and background
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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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