Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya worth booking?
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $118 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (12)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $118 per person
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Discover two completely different sides of Costa Maya as you travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the brilliant blue waters and pirate history of Bacalar’s 7 Colors Lagoon. Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient city dating back to around 200 BC, where impressive temples rise through the tropical jungle and spider monkeys and tropical birds can often be spotted in the surrounding trees. Then change the pace completely at Bacalar, where shades of turquoise and blue stretch across the famous lagoon. Swim, grab a kayak, or simply relax by the water, then enjoy delicious fajitas and your favorite drink right at the lagoon’s edge. Join us and experience ancient Maya history, tropical jungle, incredible food, and the refreshing waters of Bacalar — two of Costa Maya’s highlights in one unforgettable day.
What you get
About this experience
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Discover two completely different sides of Costa Maya as you travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the brilliant blue waters and pirate history of Bacalar’s 7 Colors Lagoon. Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient city dating back to around 200 BC, where impressive temples rise through the tropical jungle and spider monkeys and tropical birds can often be spotted in the surrounding trees. Then change the pace completely at Bacalar, where shades of turquoise and blue stretch across the famous lagoon. Swim, grab a kayak, or simply relax by the water, then enjoy delicious fajitas and your favorite drink right at the lagoon’s edge. Join us and experience ancient Maya history, tropical jungle, incredible food, and the refreshing waters of Bacalar — two of Costa Maya’s highlights in one unforgettable day.
What's included
Included
- Access to Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon
- Bottled water
- Guided Chacchoben tour with an certified tour guide
- Lagoon amenities — Loungers, umbrellas, Wi-Fi, kayaks & life vests
- 2 alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
- Lunch
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City.
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya, with an approximately 50-minute ride through the southern Yucatán countryside toward Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city hidden in the tropical jungle. Explore Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide as you walk beneath the jungle canopy and discover impressive temples, ceremonial plazas, and structures that reveal the story of this ancient Maya city. See the fascinating contrast between restored temples and ruins still partially hidden by the jungle, while learning about the civilization that once flourished here and keeping an eye out for tropical birds and spider monkeys along the way. After exploring Chacchoben, continue approximately 25 minutes toward Bacalar, where the brilliant blue waters of the famous 7 Colors Lagoon offer a completely different side of your Costa Maya adventure.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Bacalar
Continue your adventure at Bacalar’s famous 7 Colors Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today one of the most beautiful natural settings near Costa Maya. Known for its incredible shades of turquoise and blue, Bacalar is the perfect contrast to your morning exploring the ancient Maya city. Spend time at the lagoon swimming in its clear, refreshing waters, exploring by kayak, or simply relaxing by the shore and taking in the tropical scenery. After your time in Bacalar, sit back and enjoy the comfortable ride back to Costa Maya Port.
165 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
- Cruise Shore Expeditions
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.
- IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.
- Cruise guests arriving after 12 PM. Make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or our beach break options
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for jungle trails with occasional rocks and roots.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the archaeological structures.
- Bring cash for optional purchases, as card payments may not be available at Chacchoben.
- This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable clothing.
- Water activities are subject to weather and lagoon conditions.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Weight limit for a single kayak is 220 pounds or 270 pounds for a double kayak
- 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 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Half great, half meh....
This excursion was in 2 parts. The first part, we went to the Chacchoben ruins and our guide was Rosie. She was great! Very enthusiastic about telling us about the ruins and the Mayans. It's about a 45 minute, long and boring, nothing to look at ride. The bus was clean and comfortable. They gave us a bottle of water when we got there and another one when we were out in the ruins. That was nice! Just know, they don't give you time to shop around at the vendors at Chacchoben. The second part. we went to the 7 Colors Lagoon, about a 20-25 min ride. We ate lunch first. They offer tacos. You don't get a choice, they just give you 4 different kinds of tacos. I'm picky about my meat so I only ate 2 of them. But everyone at the table said they were really good and you can order more of any kind you want. They also serve a hibiscus tea and horchata and both were good! Then you are free to go to the water. This is NOT a beach! There was a dock you can walk out on and get in the water. They also had kayaks available to use. They didn't have enough paddles for all the kayaks they had. Only 7 paddles, so only 3 double kayaks could go out at a time. 2 alcohol drinks were included and they did not skimp on the liquor! You can't see the "7 colors" of the lagoon. It just looks like a lake. We weren't really impressed with that part of the excursion. They had plenty of chairs and umbrellas and shade. Then we made the hour and 15 min long, boring, nothing to look at, trek back to the port. I would do the ruins again but not the lagoon part. All the employees of Native Choice were really friendly!
via Tripadvisor
Not a good experience
Cruise company did not respond to messages or pick up phone when I tried to modify my reservation. I ended up cancelling and rebooking, and they said it was full but I had requested 1 fewer person. We showed up anyway and they still had the original number of people listed. Tour guide Rosie was very loud on bus intercom, and talked for 45 min but did not give much helpful information. The “tour” at Chachobben was disorganized. Everybody was told to wander around themselves. Bus driver was good. The Mayan site itself is interesting. The lagoon and lunch was nice, but everybody basically did their own thing. I would not book this company again.
Response from the operator: Hi Beth W, Appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and for choosing our Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon Tour during your vacation in the beautiful Caribbean. Because your reservation was made through Viator, all changes and cancellations must be processed directly through their platform. According to the booking records, your reservation was cancelled in Viator, and even so, our local team was still able to accommodate your group on the day of the tour despite very limited availability during high season. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the Chacchoben Mayan ruins, the Bacalar lagoon, and lunch, which are some of the highlights of this experience. We’re sorry if parts of the day felt disorganized, and your comments have been shared with our local team so we can continue improving the flow and the guided experience. Thank you again for spending your time with us in Costa Maya. We hope to welcome you again in the future for a smoother and even better experience. Warm regards, Next Experience Travel Team
via Tripadvisor
Elliot is the best!
Not only fun, but highly informative. Our tour guide, Elliot, explained the history, language, writing, and even taught us how the Mayans did math.
Response from the operator: Hi William, We’re thrilled you had such a great time exploring the Ancient Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with us during your cruise on the Norwegian Encore! It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed learning from Elliot—he truly brings Mayan history and culture to life. Thanks for choosing to spend your day with us in Costa Maya, right here in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. We’d love to see your photos and stories—feel free to tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @CostaMayaShoreExcursions so other travelers can discover this incredible destination too! Tropical regards, The Cruise Shore Expeditions Team 🌴
via Viator
The ride from the cruise...
The ride from the cruise terminal is over an hour, so most of your time is in the van (which is comfortable and air conditioned!). There were 3 cruise ships in port that day so it was chaos at the ruins - so many people, and you couldn’t hear the guide giving you the history. The lagoon is actually a huge fresh water lake, but we didn’t have enough time to really enjoy because we had to take the long ride back to the port (slated as 2 hours there, we had barely over an hour). Lunch was tacos, salsa, and chips. Only coke and Diet Coke for kids, who wanted sprite. Drinks from the bar were delicious.
Response from the operator: Hi Lauren, Thanks for spending your day with us in the beautiful Costa Maya during your cruise on MSC World America of the Seas! We're so glad you enjoyed the comfort of the ride and the delicious drinks at the lagoon, even with the busy day in port. We truly appreciate you choosing us to explore the stunning Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and the magical Bacalar Lagoon in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean! We’d love to see your photos and hear more about your adventure—feel free to tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover this amazing destination too! Hope to see you again on your next cruise! Warm regards, The Cruise Shore Expeditions Team
via Viator
Visiting the
Visiting the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins felt like stepping back in time. The ruins were peaceful and awe-inspiring. The lagoon after the tour was the perfect spot to relax, especially with the kayaks available for a paddle. The service was throughout the day. Definitely a memorable tour!
Response from the operator: Hi Pioneer, We're thrilled you chose to spend your day with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas! Exploring the peaceful Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and relaxing at the vibrant Bacalar Lagoon sounds like a perfect mix of history and chill—we’re so glad you enjoyed the kayaks and the great service throughout the day! Thanks again for joining us in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean. We’d love to see your favorite moments—feel free to tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can get inspired too! Until your next adventure, The Cruise Shore Expeditions Team 🌴
via Tripadvisor
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
- $118 to $139
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cruise Shore Expeditions, who run 9 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.7.
See everything Cruise Shore Expeditions runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $118 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 12 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya?
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Around 4 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya?
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Included: Access to Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon; Bottled water; Guided Chacchoben tour with an certified tour guide; Lagoon amenities — Loungers, umbrellas, Wi-Fi, kayaks & life vests; and 2 alcoholic drinks for guests 21+. Not included: $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the; The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City; Gratuities; and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon 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 & Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon from Costa Maya?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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