Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 109 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya worth booking?
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $107 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 109 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (109)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $107 per person
Travel through Maya history, from the ancient city of Chacchoben to the village that still carries its name and traditions today. Designed for cruise guests visiting Costa Maya, your journey begins near the cruise port and takes you into the jungle to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where your guide brings the history of this ancient city to life. Then continue to the village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet your local hosts and a Maya family. Discover traditions still part of daily life, from handmade tortillas to traditional plants and home remedies passed down through generations. And no family visit would be complete without food. Enjoy a traditional Maya meal prepared especially for your visit, using fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques handed down from generation to generation. Come for the ancient ruins, stay for the people, traditions, and flavors that keep Maya culture alive in Chacchoben today.
What you get
About this experience
Travel through Maya history, from the ancient city of Chacchoben to the village that still carries its name and traditions today. Designed for cruise guests visiting Costa Maya, your journey begins near the cruise port and takes you into the jungle to the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where your guide brings the history of this ancient city to life. Then continue to the village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet your local hosts and a Maya family. Discover traditions still part of daily life, from handmade tortillas to traditional plants and home remedies passed down through generations. And no family visit would be complete without food. Enjoy a traditional Maya meal prepared especially for your visit, using fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques handed down from generation to generation. Come for the ancient ruins, stay for the people, traditions, and flavors that keep Maya culture alive in Chacchoben today.
What's included
Included
- Traditional Mayan lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients
- Traditional horchata & hibiscus (jamaica) drinks with lunch
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Chacchoben Maya Ruins entrance and guided tour
- Mayan cultural experience with a local family in Chacchoben Village
- Professional tour guide
Not included
- $5.00 USD fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
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, followed by the drive to the Chacchoben archaeological site. Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient Maya city surrounded by tropical jungle with origins dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your guide through the archaeological site while discovering impressive temples and ceremonial structures and learning about the history and culture of the Maya who once inhabited this region. Along the way, enjoy the lush jungle setting and keep an eye out for the local flora and wildlife that make Chacchoben such a unique place to explore.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Chacchoben
Continue your journey in the Maya village of Chacchoben, where descendants of this ancient culture continue traditions that have been passed down through generations. Meet your local hosts and experience a more personal side of Maya culture. Learn about traditional tortilla making, local ingredients, medicinal plants and home remedies, and discover customs and knowledge still present in everyday life. Then gather around the table for one of the highlights of the day: a traditional Maya meal prepared by your hosts using fresh local ingredients and ancestral cooking techniques. Taste authentic recipes while sharing time with the family and learning more about their culture firsthand. After this unique cultural experience, relax on the return transportation to Costa Maya Port, with your cruise schedule always kept in mind.
165 minutes here
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
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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
- Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
- Bring insect repellent, especially for the archaeological site and jungle areas.
- Please advise us in advance of any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
- The meeting point is located just outside the Costa Maya cruise port, as independent tour operators are not permitted to pick up guests inside the port facility.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly.
- Climbing at the Mayan temples is not permitted
- 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.
- Travelers should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain at the archaeological site.
- 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 109 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
109 verified traveler reviews for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars isn't enough!! This was our very first cruise, so I was honestly a little nervous about booking a third-party excursion instead of one through the cruise line. After experiencing The Native Choice, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions we made. Everything was so well organized, professional, and completely seamless from start to finish. If you're on the fence, book with The Native Choice—you won't regret it! A huge shoutout to Elliot at the kiosk! His customer service was exceptional. He even helped us switch our excursion at the last minute, and the entire team was so accommodating. Instead of making us feel like it was an inconvenience, they went out of their way to make sure we had an amazing day. We started in one van with Lorenzo as our guide and an excellent driver whose name I unfortunately can't remember. The van was clean, comfortable, and had great A/C (which was definitely appreciated!). Lorenzo taught us so much about the local culture on the drive to Chacchoben. It was absolutely fascinating and made the drive fly by. Our first driver was friendly, professional, and made us feel safe the entire time. After arriving at the ruins, we switched vans because of our last-minute tour change, and everything was handled seamlessly. Joel was our guide through Chacchoben, and he was fantastic! He was born and raised nearby and is raising his family there also. He had laminated, full-color posters that helped bring the history to life and made it so much easier to understand what we were seeing. His passion for Mayan history was contagious. From there, Miguel drove us to the Mayan family village, and Allen was our guide. Allen was truly a ray of sunshine. He grew up in a nearby village and is of Mayan heritage himself, which made everything he shared feel even more personal and meaningful. The family we visited are friends of his, and you could tell he genuinely cared about them and their way of life. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Mayan culture and explained traditions in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand. One of my favorite moments was when he picked fresh cinnamon bark and allspice leaves for us to smell while explaining the plants and trees that help sustain the community. Those little hands-on experiences made the tour unforgettable. The Mayan family's property was peaceful, beautiful, and impeccably clean. This wasn't a restaurant—it was the family's home, and that made the experience so special. We learned why the traditional Mayan kitchen is a separate building from the main house, and we even got to make our own tortillas there. Three local Mayan women who live on the property welcomed us with such kindness. Dressed in beautiful, traditional embroidered Mayan clothing, they prepared an incredible homemade meal for us while sharing a glimpse of their daily lives. Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious: chicken, handmade tortillas and salsa, tamales, rice, vegetables, beans, and a traditional homemade Mayan dessert. Sharing a meal in their home and learning about their traditions made this so much more than just a lunch stop—it was one of the most meaningful parts of our trip. This truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I found myself saying little prayers of gratitude over and over because I was so thankful we had the opportunity to experience this day. Thank you, Elliot, Lorenzo, Joel, Miguel, Allen, and our first driver for making our first cruise excursion unforgettable. Every single person we met was kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared that we had an incredible experience. I also want to encourage anyone visiting Costa Maya to consider booking with this local company instead of automatically choosing a cruise-line excursion. We were a little hesitant at first, but The Native Choice exceeded every expectation we had. They were incredibly organized, communication was excellent, transportation was comfortable, and we never once worried about getting back to the ship on time. Beyond that, it felt good knowing we were supporting local people who are passionate about sharing their history, culture, and community. We didn't just visit the ruins—we learned about them. We didn't just eat lunch—we were welcomed into a family's home. We didn't just see Mayan culture—we experienced it. Thank you, The Native Choice, for giving us a day we'll remember for the rest of our lives. We would choose you again in a heartbeat. Love, Gary & Elizabeth
via Tripadvisor
Ask for Eric!
Eric is the guide you want. Great transportation to the ruins. Ice cold a/c. Really cool to learn Mayan counting. Lunch was perfect. Small group of people and really neat to watch them cook the food while getting a lesson.
via Viator
Wonderful way to experience local culture and history
So happy we took this tour. Excellent guide, so much great information. We had a wonderful lunch. 16 yo grand loved it!
via Viator
10 out of 10 experience!
My boyfriend and I had an incredible experience on the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan excursion in Costa Maya. From start to finish, everything exceeded our expectations. Our tour guide, Diego, was outstanding! His knowledge of Mayan history and culture was impressive, and his genuine passion for sharing it made the entire experience engaging and memorable. The traditional meal was another highlight. The ladies who prepared our food were so warm and welcoming, and their hospitality made us feel like honored guests. The food was fresh, clean, authentic, and absolutely delicious. This excursion offered the perfect combination of history, culture, amazing food, and wonderful people. We left with a much deeper appreciation for the Mayan civilization and the beautiful community that welcomed us. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Costa Maya!
via Tripadvisor
A great experience that is full of history and culture!
This was an amazing experience! Javier and Rosie were the perfect tour guides. Javier transported us safely and kept us fully hydrated throughout the trip. Rosie made us feel like we were friends of the family. She was very knowledgeable and extremely proud of her culture. It was a pleasure to have her guide us on this excursion. If you want the opportunity to have a cultural and historical experience, this is definitely the excursion. A very memorable experience that we will not forget.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $107 to $119
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 38
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Costa Maya.
How much does Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $107 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya take?
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Plan for about 5.5 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 109 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya?
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Around 38 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 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya?
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Included: Traditional Mayan lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients; Traditional horchata & hibiscus (jamaica) drinks with lunch; Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle; Soft drinks and bottled water; and Chacchoben Maya Ruins entrance and guided tour. Not included: $5.00 USD fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at the s; Souvenirs; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya?
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Across 109 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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