Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 9 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 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, 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
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $107 per person
Discover two sides of Maya culture in one Costa Maya shore excursion, combining the ancient city of Chacchoben with a visit to a present-day Maya community. Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, walking among temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and traditions of the ancient Maya. Then continue to the nearby village of Chacchoben for a completely different perspective. Meet a local Maya family and experience traditions that remain part of everyday life today. Learn about handmade tortillas, local ingredients, traditional remedies, and family customs while spending time with your hosts. Complete your experience with a traditional Maya meal prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. From ancient temples in the jungle to traditions still practiced today, this tour offers a deeper look at Maya history, culture, and food beyond the archaeological site.
What you get
About this experience
Discover two sides of Maya culture in one Costa Maya shore excursion, combining the ancient city of Chacchoben with a visit to a present-day Maya community. Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, walking among temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and traditions of the ancient Maya. Then continue to the nearby village of Chacchoben for a completely different perspective. Meet a local Maya family and experience traditions that remain part of everyday life today. Learn about handmade tortillas, local ingredients, traditional remedies, and family customs while spending time with your hosts. Complete your experience with a traditional Maya meal prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. From ancient temples in the jungle to traditions still practiced today, this tour offers a deeper look at Maya history, culture, and food beyond the archaeological site.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Authentic Mayan Experience with a local family in Chacchoben village
- 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
- Traditional tortilla-making demonstration and hands-on experience
- Meals
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- $5.00 USD fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at site
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya. Travel into the tropical jungle to explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your guide through the archaeological site as you discover impressive temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and culture of the Maya civilization. Along the way, experience the surrounding jungle and its native flora and wildlife. After exploring the ruins, continue to the nearby village of Chacchoben for the Mayan Experience portion of your tour.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Chacchoben
Continue to the Maya village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet a local family and experience how Maya traditions continue to be part of everyday life today. Spend time with your hosts as they share their culture and traditions, from the ingredients and preparation of handmade tortillas to natural remedies using local plants. No family visit would be complete without sharing a meal. Enjoy traditional Maya dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations, for an authentic taste of the region. After your visit, enjoy a smooth ride back to Costa Maya Port, completing your journey from ancient Maya history to the living culture of today.
120 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
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 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.
- Please provide your full cruise ship name and scheduled docking time when booking.
- 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.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring extra cash for shopping or 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.
- Guests should be comfortable walking outdoors on jungle trails with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- 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.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worst experience ever stay away from this company
This was the worst experience I’ve ever had with a short excursion. These people are thieves. My ship arrive at 8:26 AM.The driver called 8:35 am and I told him that I will there in 10 minutes. I called him in three minutes, 8:38 am to ask him where he was at I was not able to locate him at the location indicated for me to wait for them. The tour guy did not answer. I continued to call him and the company but neither one answered. I had to get assistance from local Mexicans to call them. The tour guy answered the local call, and then when the local person told him that we were waiting for him, he hung up the phone. When the local people called the company Amanda answered after few attempts. She told me that I did not show up for the excursion, which is not true as they were nowhere to be found outside of the port. By the time I reached Amanda, the local people had walked around and asked from all companies that Viator works with until we were able to find the office, which no one was there. Amanda told me to call Viator to get a refund as she has not gotten paid from Viator. I specifically asked Amanda what should I tell Viator as she’s asking me to call Viator. Amanda told me to ask Viator for a refund, but when Viator representative call Amanda, she told them not to give me the refund. When I called Amanda to ask her what did she say to Viator she wouldn’t answer me and she hung up the phone when the Viator representative came on the phone. Viator representative told me that Amanda said to them not to give me a refund because I did not show up, which is a lie. This company stole about $450 from me for an excursion that did not attend. They left me and my family, they were not answer my calls. They were not at the port. No one knew where they were out of the port. My trip was ruined. We spent the whole day miserable and we had nothing else planned as this excursion was supposed to be most of our day. I will never book with this company or Viator again as Viator allows company to do such things and not able to help me get the refund.
Response from the operator: Hi St_E, Thank you for choosing us during your vacation in Costa Maya in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. We’re truly sorry to hear about your frustration on the day of your tour. We’d like to clarify that our tours depart one hour after the ship’s arrival, with clear meeting instructions (including a map and Google Maps link) sent in advance. Our team even called you before departure, but unfortunately, you didn’t arrive until well after the tour had already left. Out of fairness to all guests, we cannot delay beyond the scheduled departure, and unfortunately no refunds are granted for late arrivals or no-shows. As your booking was made through Viator, your refund request was reviewed by them and declined based on the documented no-show. While we regret that this caused disappointment, we hope to welcome you again in the future under better circumstances. Best regards, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
Great visit
Great site to visit. Loved the ruins and the locals were very nice. The lunch at the village was nice too. We never paid the $5 photo fee, no one approached us and I didn't see anyplace to pay for it,
Response from the operator: Hi David_B, We’re thrilled you had a great time exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise on the Carnival Jubilee! It’s awesome to hear you enjoyed the ancient site, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the village lunch experience—such a special way to connect with the culture here in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Thanks for choosing to spend your day in Costa Maya with us! Feel free to share your favorite moments and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions—we’d love to see your adventure and help inspire fellow travelers too! See you on your next journey! Warm regards, The Shore Excursions Team 🌴
via Viator
Great Tour/Hot bus
Was an informative tour. Enjoyed Joel's information on the ruins. The local Mayan cooked food was delicious. Even thought there were thousands of people at the port because of 2 ships in port that day. The tour was run well as not to feel so crowded. Only draw back which is not the tour operators fault is that it is very hot this time of the year. The a/c on the bus was having a difficult time with the group of 18 on the bus keeping us cool and it takes 1 hr or more each way.
Response from the operator: Dear Bridget, Thank you so much for choosing us for your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience Tour during your Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated our guides' expertise and politeness. We understand the kiosk location could be tricky, but we’re glad you found us and had a great time despite the overcast weather. We hope your hubby enjoyed the kayak! Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @NextExperienceTravel. We’d love for other travelers to see how beautiful Costa Maya is! Safe travels and hope to see you again! Tropical Regards, The Shore Excursions Team
via Viator
Great excursion
Lorenzo was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable. The food in village was excellent. Loved looking at ruins.
Response from the operator: Dear Christy, Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that Lorenzo made your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience Tour unforgettable with his expertise. It's fantastic that you enjoyed the delicious food in the village and were captivated by the beauty of the ruins. Your experience aboard the MSC Seashore sounds absolutely incredible, and we're honored you chose us to make your day in Costa Maya so special. Feel free to share your amazing stories on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to tag us at @NextExperienceTravel! We can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures. Warmest regards, The Next Experience Travel Team
via Viator
Authentic bridge of the ancient to modern Mayan
What an amazing experience! We wanted to visit the Mayan ruins to learn the history of this ancient civilization and jumped at the chance to visit the community decendents and share lunch. What we got was so much more educational, as our excellent tour guides, especially Joel, explained the culture of this community as it was passed down from his ancestors. We were given history from the Mayan perspective as they lived it in 500 bc. We were transported to looking at the site from the eyes of the Mayan people as they knew it before officially discovery was recorded. Then topping it off with a delicious authentic Mayan lunch, we are beyond pleased with our experience.
Response from the operator: Dear Hazelle, Thank you so much for your glowing 5-star review of your Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience Tour with us! :) We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your journey through the ancient world and the modern-day Mayan community with Joel as your guide. It's wonderful to know that your experience was not only educational but also deliciously authentic! Your kind words mean the world to us, and we're delighted we could make your time in Costa Maya aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas so memorable. Don't forget to share your incredible stories and photos by tagging us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel. Wishing you happy holidays and many more adventures! Warm regards, The Shore Excursions Team
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
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- 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 60
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 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". 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 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 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 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: Bottled water; Authentic Mayan Experience with a local family in Chacchoben village; Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins; Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle; and Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins. Not included: $5.00 USD fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at site; Souvenirs; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience 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 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 9 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
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