Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure from Costa Maya
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure from Costa Maya worth booking?
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure from Costa Maya is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $129 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 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
- 4.7/5 (9)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $129 per person
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the old pirate routes of Bacalar, all from Costa Maya. Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where ancient temples and ceremonial st
What you get
About this experience
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel from the world of the ancient Maya to the old pirate routes of Bacalar, all from Costa Maya. Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, where ancient temples and ceremonial structures rise among the tropical jungle. Walk through the site with your guide, discovering the story of this Maya city while surrounded by native plants, tropical birds, and the sounds of the jungle. Then leave the ancient city behind and continue to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, once part of old pirate routes and today famous for its clear freshwater and changing shades of blue. Swim, kayak, or simply relax by the lagoon with a cold drink while taking in the breeze and views. And because a day like this deserves good food, enjoy an included lunch right by the lagoon before heading back to Costa Maya.
What's included
Included
- Kayaks and life jackets
- Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon with loungers and facilities
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Soft drinks and bottled water
- Beverages including horchata, hibiscus water, and two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+
- Certified tour guide
- Lunch by the lagoon with freshly prepared tacos, chips, salsa & homemade sauces
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
Your adventure begins with transportation from Costa Maya, departing 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 exploring the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, discovering an ancient Maya ceremonial center surrounded by tropical jungle. Walk among impressive temples and structures while learning about the history and secrets of this fascinating city. Follow the jungle trails and enjoy the combination of ancient Maya architecture and tropical nature, with native plants, colorful birds, and even the possibility of spotting spider monkeys among the trees. After exploring Chacchoben, continue approximately 25 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon for the second part of your adventure.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Bacalar
After exploring Chacchoben, continue to the beautiful Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon, once a haven for pirates and today famous for its crystal-clear freshwater and incredible shades of blue and turquoise. Spend approximately 2 hours by the lagoon enjoying it at your own pace. Take a refreshing swim, grab a kayak and explore the water, or simply relax on a lounger with a cold drink while enjoying the breeze and views. Take a break for an included taco lunch with chips and salsa, choosing from fillings such as chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or traditional al pastor. After your time at Bacalar, sit back and relax on the approximately 1 hour and 5-minute return drive to Costa Maya Port, with your cruise schedule always kept in mind.
165 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Costa Maya
Your tour will depart one hour after your cruise docks, starting from the conveniently located Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Port. Please consider the total time to walk from your cruise to the excursion office is about 15 minutes.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour will depart one hour after your cruise docks, starting from the conveniently located Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the Port. Please consider the total time to walk from your cruise to the excursion office is about 15 minutes.
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
- Caribbean Cruise Tours
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
- The use of tripods and drones are prohibited at the Mayan City.
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Guests 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks. Additional premium beverages are available for purchase.
- Life jackets are mandatory for all water activities and are provided
- Water activities may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning, or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Children must be 10 years or older to paddle a single kayak alone. Children under 10 may kayak with a supervising adult.
- 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.
- This tour involves walking outdoors on jungle trails, with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- Kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. The Bacalar Lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural terrain and water access points.
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
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure from Costa Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Excursion Ever!!!
Elliott (our guide) and Pedro (our driver) were phenomenal! Our cruise ship had limited time at port that day. Our guide adapted the excursion and watched the time for us so that we didn’t have to stress about making it back to the ship on time. We had grandma with us in a wheelchair and they were able to accommodate her. Our guide’s knowledge was very impressive and he taught us about the Maya culture and history in an engaging and fun way. Great sense of humor too! The perfect balance between history and fun. The tacos we delicious and Bacalar Lagoon was stunning. The water temp was perfect. The kids loved kayaking and jumping off the dock. 10 out of 10 experience!
via Viator
Don’t book through the cruise!!!
Wonderful experience, service and food! It was well worth the walk off port to support local people!!!! I was very impressed with their knowledge and kindness!!
Response from the operator: Hi Stephanie, We’re so grateful you chose to spend your day with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on the Star of the Seas! Hearing that you loved the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon truly means a lot to our entire team. Your kind words about our service, food, and local guides warm our hearts—thank you for supporting our local community here in the Mexican Caribbean. We’d love to welcome you back in the future for another adventure and more unforgettable memories! Until then, feel free to share your favorite moments and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover this beautiful destination too! With gratitude, The Caribbean Cruise Tours Team 💙🌴
via Viator
This was a relaxing and...
This was a relaxing and great tour! Our tour guide was Alan. What an absolute joy he was!!!! The ruins were fascinating. Driving to the ruins, you got a feel for how the locals live. Very eye opening. We loved the lagoon and the food was delicious!!
Response from the operator: Hi Christy, We’re thrilled you had a relaxing and eye-opening experience with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas! It sounds like Alan made your day extra special—he truly is a gem! From the fascinating Chacchoben ruins to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon and that delicious local food, we’re so glad you enjoyed every moment. Thanks for choosing to spend your day in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean with us! Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—we love seeing our guests’ favorite moments and inspiring fellow travelers! Hope to see you again on your next adventure! Warm regards, The Caribbean Cruise Tours Team 🌴
via Viator
Great history lesson!
Our guide Joel was very informative and did a great job educating the group on the history of the Mayans and encouraged us to learn the real culture! The ruins were interesting. The Lagoon was not what we expected. The pictures show beautiful cenotes, but the spot was REALLY small and there are no cenotes. The drinks were cold but so was the food. Overall, this excursion was nice, but it was rushed and there is a lot of riding on the bus.
Response from the operator: Hi Karen_T, Thank you so much for choosing us during your cruise vacation on board Carnival Jubilee to spend your day in Costa Maya in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the Chacchoben ruins with Joel—he’s incredibly passionate about sharing the rich history and real culture of the Mayan world. We’re sorry to hear the lagoon experience didn’t fully meet your expectations. Our Bacalar Combo Tour is designed to take cruise guests to the closest access point of the Bacalar Lagoon from the port, so you can enjoy its stunning beauty while making the most of your limited time ashore. This tour doesn’t include cenotes, and we don’t mention them in the description—but we do offer another longer version that includes a boat ride and visits to the cenotes within the lagoon. We’d be thrilled to welcome you back and take you there on your next visit! Thanks again for spending your day with us, and don’t forget to share your stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—we’d love to see your adventure and inspire fellow travelers! Warm wishes, The Caribbean Cruise Tours Team 🌴
via Viator
We experienced issues...
We experienced issues with the AC during the bus ride to the ruins. With the heat it’s was unbearable once we got to the ruins we changed busses and the rest of the experience was excellent. Erick and Diego were amazing guides
Response from the operator: Hi Viviana, Thank you for choosing to spend your day with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on the MSC Seascape! We're so glad to hear that despite the hiccup with the AC, your tour turned into a fantastic experience—and Erick and Diego truly are amazing guides! We’d love to see your favorite moments from the ruins and Bacalar Lagoon—feel free to share your stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover the magic of this beautiful destination too! Looking forward to welcoming you again on another Caribbean adventure! Best wishes, The Caribbean Cruise ToursTeam 🌴
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Caribbean Cruise Tours, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.
See everything Caribbean Cruise Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure 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 Lagoon Adventure from Costa Maya cost?
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Prices start at $129 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 Lagoon Adventure 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 Lagoon Adventure 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 (4.7/5 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 & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure 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 Lagoon Adventure 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 Lagoon Adventure 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 & Bacalar Lagoon Adventure 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, Bacalar – 7 Colors Lagoon Excursión 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.
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