
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya worth booking?
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya is a 4-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $89 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (9)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $89 per person
As soon as your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya, travel through history and discover the ancient Maya city of Chacchoben, hidden among the tropical jungle. Walk through the ceremonial heart of the city, past ancient temples, plazas, and structures once used by Maya nobles, priests, and rulers, while your guide brings Chacchoben’s history, architecture, and legends to life. Follow the jungle trails and climb the Gran Basamento, where impressive structures and views of Temple One rising above the surrounding jungle reveal a different perspective of this ancient city. Chacchoben is also alive with nature. Learn about native plants, listen for tropical birds, and keep an eye on the treetops for spider monkeys that inhabit the area. If you want to discover the Maya history and culture behind Costa Maya, Chacchoben is one of our favorite places to experience it.
What you get
About this experience
As soon as your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya, travel through history and discover the ancient Maya city of Chacchoben, hidden among the tropical jungle. Walk through the ceremonial heart of the city, past ancient temples, plazas, and structures once used by Maya nobles, priests, and rulers, while your guide brings Chacchoben’s history, architecture, and legends to life. Follow the jungle trails and climb the Gran Basamento, where impressive structures and views of Temple One rising above the surrounding jungle reveal a different perspective of this ancient city. Chacchoben is also alive with nature. Learn about native plants, listen for tropical birds, and keep an eye on the treetops for spider monkeys that inhabit the area. If you want to discover the Maya history and culture behind Costa Maya, Chacchoben is one of our favorite places to experience it.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation
- Chacchoben Maya Ruins entrance fees
- Certified tour guide
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Maya Ruins
Not included
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This fee is paid at the entrance
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins with transportation from Costa Maya, departing approximately 1 hour after your cruise ship arrives in port. Enjoy the approximately 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, passing through local villages along the way. Spend approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, discovering an ancient ceremonial center surrounded by tropical jungle. Walk among impressive temples and restored structures while learning about this Maya city, which reached its peak around 300 AD. Follow the jungle trails to the Gran Basamento, where you can climb the ancient platform for beautiful views of Temple One and the surrounding jungle. Along the way, discover native plants and local wildlife, with opportunities to spot tropical birds and even spider monkeys. After your visit, enjoy some time for shopping and local crafts before the approximately 50-minute return drive to Costa Maya Port.
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
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
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
- Costa Maya 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.
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Guests should be comfortable walking outdoors on jungle trails with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- Tripods and drones are not permitted inside the archaeological zone.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Guests should be comfortable walking on outdoor jungle trails with uneven surfaces, rocks, and roots.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Friendly & informative
We had the best time with Erick. He gave a plethora of knowledge of the Mayan culture. His friendly and fun demeanor made it very enjoyable. Highly recommended tour!!
Response from the operator: Dear TinaMa, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you had such a great time exploring the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with Erick. It's fantastic to hear he made your experience both informative and fun. We're grateful you chose to spend your day at Costa Maya with us during your cruise vacation on the Valiant Lady. Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions so other travelers can enjoy this beautiful destination too! Warm regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
A wonderful experience
We did this as a shore excursion on a cruise. The bus ride was very comfortable and our tour guide Daniel was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and very funny. If we ever make it back to Costa Maya we will be doing this tour again.
Response from the operator: Dear Heather, Thank you so much for your glowing 5-star review!! :) We're thrilled to hear you had a wonderful experience exploring the ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us. It's fantastic to know that Daniel's knowledge and humor greatly enhanced your journey. We're honored you chose our tour and company to spend your day in Costa Maya during your cruise vacation aboard the Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. Should your travels bring you back, we would love to welcome you again for another adventure! Don't forget to share your memories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions. Happy holidays, and here's to more travel and exploration! Tropical Regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
via Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing
Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Erik and his team were so knowledgeable, thoughtful, and friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Thank you again! #teamshenanigans
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your fantastic 5-star review on TripAdvisor! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise vacation on the Carnival Breeze. It's great to know that Erik and our team's knowledge and hospitality added to your enjoyment. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we're grateful for your support. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean in the future!:) Tropical Regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
via Tripadvisor
NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
BEWARE: NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE!! The tour itself was lovely. The ruins were amazing and David, our tour guide, was just great! I recommend the this tour ONLY if you are NOT in a wheelchair. I took off 2 stars because I was told to take this tour because I am in a wheelchair and this tour was NOT accessible. I feel duped by the company and feel they didn’t care how unfit this tour is for people in wheelchairs. Fortunately, I am rather small (140lbs) and my husband is quite strong, but this was a significant physical challenge for him. The terrain is very rocky, uneven, and even muddy the day we went. Many times he had to turn me around and pull me backwards just to be able to get down the path. I have a power chair that would have likely been ruined if I had tried to use that. If you are able-bodied, this is an excellent tour. If you’re in a wheelchair, I’d skip it.
Response from the operator: Dear Jennifer, Thank you for choosing our tour to explore the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins during your cruise vacation on board Grandeur of the Seas. We are pleased to hear that you found the ruins amazing and enjoyed the company of our tour guide, David. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during the tour. We understand your concerns regarding wheelchair accessibility. We do take accessibility seriously and strive to provide accurate information to all our guests. We regret that the terrain of the Mayan city, with its rocky, uneven, and unpaved areas, posed challenges for you and your husband. Please accept our sincere apologies if you felt misinformed about the suitability of the tour for wheelchairs. It's important to note that the historical significance of the Mayan sites often limits the extent of infrastructure changes that can be made to preserve their authenticity. We truly appreciate your feedback and will use it to enhance the overall experience for all our guests. Once again, we're grateful for your visit and your understanding of the unique conditions at historical sites. We hope that you have fond memories of your time in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean and that you consider exploring other aspects of the region in the future. Best regards, The Costa Maya Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
Highly recommend this tour
The tour guides were very informative and we learned a lot about the Mayan culture. Very nice transportation.
Response from the operator: Dear Ginger_W, 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. All our best. The Costa Maya Shore Excursions 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
- $89 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Costa Maya Shore Excursions, who run 14 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.4.
See everything Costa Maya Shore Excursions runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $89 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 Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 9 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 Tour 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 Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya?
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Around 3 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 Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya?
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Included: Bottled water; Round-trip air-conditioned transportation; Chacchoben Maya Ruins entrance fees; Certified tour guide; and Guided tour of Chacchoben Maya Ruins. Not included: Gratuities; Souvenirs; and $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This fee is paid at the entr. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour from Costa Maya?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour 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 Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelc. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Tour 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 Tour from Costa Maya?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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