
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya worth booking?
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya is a 4-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $79 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $79 per person
Discover the ancient Maya city of Chacchoben, where impressive temples and ceremonial structures rise from the tropical jungle of Costa Maya. Walk through the archaeological site with a certified guide and uncover the history of a city dating back to around 200 BC. Explore ceremonial centers and structures once connected to Maya rulers and nobles while learning about the traditions, beliefs, and daily life of the people who once called Chacchoben home. The jungle is part of the experience. As you explore the ruins, learn about native plants, listen for tropical birds, and keep an eye out for spider monkeys and other wildlife among the trees. Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya past!
What you get
About this experience
Discover the ancient Maya city of Chacchoben, where impressive temples and ceremonial structures rise from the tropical jungle of Costa Maya. Walk through the archaeological site with a certified guide and uncover the history of a city dating back to around 200 BC. Explore ceremonial centers and structures once connected to Maya rulers and nobles while learning about the traditions, beliefs, and daily life of the people who once called Chacchoben home. The jungle is part of the experience. As you explore the ruins, learn about native plants, listen for tropical birds, and keep an eye out for spider monkeys and other wildlife among the trees. Join us for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya past!
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This fee is paid directly at site.
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya. Meet our team at the designated meeting point outside the port and enjoy an approximately 50-minute ride to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, surrounded by tropical jungle. Explore this ancient Maya city, dating back to around 200 BC, on a guided walk through the archaeological site. Discover impressive temples and ceremonial structures while your guide shares the history, culture, and stories of the Maya civilization. As you walk through the jungle, learn about native plants and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including tropical birds and spider monkeys that are often seen around the site. After exploring Chacchoben, enjoy a comfortable ride back to Costa Maya Port with plenty of time to continue enjoying your day before returning to your cruise ship.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Costa Maya
Your tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your ship. Provide your full cruise ship name when booking. Detailed directions and a map will follow confirmation.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Your tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your ship. Provide your full cruise ship name when booking. Detailed directions and a map will follow confirmation.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- Please provide your full cruise ship name and scheduled docking time when booking.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Tripods and drones are not permitted inside the archaeological zone.
- Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys, cannot be guaranteed.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for Chacchoben.
- Bring extra cash for personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted at Chacchoben.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- This tour involves walking outdoors on jungle trails, with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Phenomenal Experience at the Mayan Ruins!
Our trip to the Mayan ruins was through Viator and was absolutely incredible. Our guides, Miguel and Olanda, were phenomenal from start to finish. They were extremely knowledgeable and engaging, and they went above and beyond to make sure everyone in our group had a fantastic time. Their passion for the history and culture really brought the ruins to life. I highly recommend booking this tour, and if you get Miguel and Olanda, you are in for an amazing day! The company we used was Native Tours through Viator; you will not be disappointed.
Response from the operator: Hi Stanley, What a kind review! We'll make sure Miguel and Olanda read it: "extremely knowledgeable and engaging, and they went above and beyond" is just what we hope to hear. Thank you for choosing Shore Excursions in Costa Maya while on board Icon of the Seas, and for recommending the tour so warmly. Hope to see you again on your next cruise! Warm regards, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
Recommend!
Joel did a great job explaining the Mayan culture. We learned a lot. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Roberta, We’re so glad you had a wonderful time exploring the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Joel during your cruise on the Star of the Seas! It’s great to hear you enjoyed learning about the fascinating Mayan culture and history — he’ll be thrilled to know his explanations made your visit special. Thanks for spending your day with us in Costa Maya, right here in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! We’d love to see your photos and stories — tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can get inspired to discover this incredible destination too! Best regards, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
The tour was great. The...
The tour was great. The guide was extremely knowledgeable. The park was full of wildlife. Monkeys just in and out of trees. Guide was patient with us and the excitement everyone had while watching them!
Response from the operator: Hi Ann_R, We’re thrilled you had such a great time exploring the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas! How amazing that you got to see monkeys in the wild—sounds like a magical moment! Huge thanks to your guide for making it such a special day with patience and knowledge. Thanks for choosing to spend your day with us in the heart of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions—we love seeing your adventures and helping future travelers discover this stunning destination. Hope to see you again soon! Warm wishes, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
Site tour
Marie was a great tour guide, and Miguel ensured our safety as the driver. The site talk was informative but took too long in the heat. But, the site was only half excavated.
Response from the operator: Dear Tonya_J, Thank you for sharing your experience on our Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour! We’re delighted to hear that Marie and Miguel were excellent companions on your journey. Your insights about the tour duration in the heat are invaluable, and we'll look into ways to enhance the comfort of our guests. It's fantastic that you chose to spend your day in Costa Maya with us while aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines' Harmony of the Seas. We’d love to see your pictures and hear more about your trip, so please share your stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel. We look forward to welcoming you back to explore more beautiful destinations! Tropical Regards, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
History and safe family fun!
This was fun and educational. A great way to see the the cities and experience the culture. We also enjoyed the history of the ruins. Yoshi and Pedro with Native Choice were amazing. Yoshi took the time to explain things and was very informative. Definetly look forward to more with Nati e Choice.
Response from the operator: Dear Tammy, Thank you so much for choosing us for your Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour during your cruise vacation aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines "Harmony of the Seas"! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time exploring the cities, immersing yourself in the culture, and delving into the rich history of the ruins. Yoshi and Pedro are indeed incredible guides, and we're delighted to hear that they made your experience memorable by sharing their knowledge and passion with you. We'd love for you to share your amazing stories and photos on Instagram and Facebook, tagging us at @NextExperienceTravel, so other travelers can also enjoy the beauty of this destination. Looking forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable experiences! Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $79 to $89
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shore Excursions, who run 28 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Shore Excursions runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Costa Maya.
How much does Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Costa Maya usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Costa Maya is not rushed.
Is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Costa Maya, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Costa Maya can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Costa Maya and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Costa Maya within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Costa Maya?
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On Outty we rank every Costa Maya experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya, Costa Maya Shore Excursion Chacchoben Day Trip, Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Costa Maya?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Costa Maya?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya?
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Included: Bottled water; Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins; Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle; Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins; and Certified tour guide. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenirs; and $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This fee is paid directly at. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Costa Maya. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Costa Maya. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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