
Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch worth booking?
Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $119 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $119 per person
Travel through Maya history — then discover how that history lives on today. Explore the ancient city of Chacchoben with your certified guide before meeting a local Maya family, descendants of the civilization whose temples and traditions you’ve just discovered. Step into their daily life as your hosts share traditions and knowledge inherited through generations. Learn about everything from handmade tortillas to traditional home remedies, then make your own tortilla alongside the family. Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. It’s a chance to experience the authentic flavors of Maya family life while sharing stories, food and laughter with your hosts. You’ll arrive curious about Maya history and leave having experienced a little of Maya life today.
What you get
About this experience
Travel through Maya history — then discover how that history lives on today. Explore the ancient city of Chacchoben with your certified guide before meeting a local Maya family, descendants of the civilization whose temples and traditions you’ve just discovered. Step into their daily life as your hosts share traditions and knowledge inherited through generations. Learn about everything from handmade tortillas to traditional home remedies, then make your own tortilla alongside the family. Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. It’s a chance to experience the authentic flavors of Maya family life while sharing stories, food and laughter with your hosts. You’ll arrive curious about Maya history and leave having experienced a little of Maya life today.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Home-cooked traditional Maya lunch with fresh local ingredients & family recipes
- Traditional tortilla-making experience with your Maya hosts
- Certified Tour Guide
- Visit with a local Maya family in Chacchoben village
- Guided tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
our adventure begins one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Enjoy the 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, one of the Maya region’s lesser-explored archaeological sites, dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your certified guide through ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds and be amazed by monuments rising among the tropical jungle. Discover the history, beliefs and secrets of this ancient city as you walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers. Discover the Gran Basamento and Temple One as your guide brings the ancient city to life through its architecture, traditions and legends. Along the way, discover native flora and keep an eye out for tropical birds and spider monkeys in their natural habitat. But your journey into Maya culture is only beginning. Continue on a short 15-minute drive to Chacchoben village, where you’ll meet descendants of the ancient Maya and discover how their traditions live on today.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Chacchoben
Now experience Maya culture as it lives today. Meet a local Maya family, descendants of this great civilization, and step into their daily life as they share traditions and knowledge passed down through generations Discover traditional tortillas, home remedies and knowledge inherited from their ancestors. Then make your own tortilla alongside your hosts. No family visit would be complete without sharing a meal. Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. Discover authentic flavors rooted in Maya family life. More than a cultural visit, this is a chance to share food, traditions, stories and laughter with the family who welcomed you — and experience Maya culture through the people who keep it alive today. After this special time together, relax on the 50-minute drive back to Costa Maya, bringing your journey from the ancient Maya world to Maya life today
180 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Next Experience Travel
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.
- 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
- Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros and is paid directly at the archaeological site. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain.
- Children: The historical and cultural experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome.
- Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs or small purchases, as cards are not accepted at Chacchoben.
- Wildlife: Chacchoben is surrounded by a natural jungle environment. Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys and tropical birds, cannot be guaranteed.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain.
- Wheelchairs: Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please provide any dietary requirements in advance so arrangements can be made.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worth it!
Fabulous. Tour guide, Elliott, was amazing, personable and very knowledgeable. Highly recommend. The Chaccohben site was worth the trip. The special treat was making tortillas and having lunch with the REAL women of Chacchoben in the small town nearby. My 87 yr old mother went and this was the highlight of the cruise for her.
Response from the operator: Hi Elizabeth, Your 87-year-old mother making tortillas and having lunch with the women of Chacchoben, and calling it the highlight of the cruise? That's the best thing we've read this month. Thank you for choosing Next Experience Travel in Costa Maya while on board Norwegian Breakaway, and we'll tell Elliott he was amazing and personable. Please give your mom our warmest regards! Warm regards, Next Experience Travel
via Viator
Our guide Eric was...
Our guide Eric was awesome and very informative. The ruins were amazing and worth the drive. The family meal was a definite high lite.
Response from the operator: Hi Joseph, We’re so happy to hear you had a great time with us at Chacchoben Mayan City during your cruise vacation onboard the Norwegian Dawn at Costa Maya Perfect Day Mexico! It’s wonderful to know that Eric made the experience informative and enjoyable, and that the Mayan ruins and authentic family meal were true highlights of your day in the Mexican Caribbean. Thanks for choosing Next Experience Travel to explore one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in Costa Maya. Feel free to share your amazing stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover this beautiful destination too! Hope to welcome you again on another Caribbean adventure. Tropical regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴
via Viator
Authentic Experiences and People
The people involved in this experience really take it to the next level. The guides were incredibly friendly and helpful. We loved learning about and touring the ruins. Visiting the Maya descendants in their home, learning how their traditional tortillas were made, and having a delicious lunch they prepared for us was incredible. That lunch was my favorite meal of my vacation. Unlike many tours, there weren't constant attempts to up-sell and they weren't pushy about the opportunities there were nor with tip requests. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Hi Adrian, We’re so happy you had an amazing time with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on the Harmony of the Seas! It sounds like our guides took your Chacchoben journey—and tortilla-making with local Maya families—to the next level. And wow, your words about that homemade lunch really made our day! Thanks for choosing to spend your day in the beautiful Mexican Caribbean with us and for noticing how genuine and relaxed the experience is—no upsells, no pressure. Feel free to share your memories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel—we’d love to see your photos and inspire other travelers! Can’t wait to welcome you back on your next adventure! Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴
via Viator
Great Excursion
Great experience with great people and amazing food. Erick Romero and Peter were great to us and we’re very knowledgeable about everything. Would definitely recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled you had a great time with Erick and Peter on your Chacchoben Mayan City and Mayan Experience Combo Tour. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Costa Maya during your MSC Seashore cruise! Feel free to share your favorite moments and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel — we’d love to see your adventure and help inspire other travelers to discover this beautiful part of the Mexican Caribbean! Tropical Regards, The Next Experience Travel Team
via Tripadvisor
100% recommended
One of the most beautiful tours that either made the place and fantastic if you come on a cruise you absolutely must do it!!!
Response from the operator: Hola Ales! Thank you for taking the time to share your comments! We are glad you had enjoyed your visit to our Archeological sites and the Mayan village! We look forward to showing you a bit more of Costa Maya and Mexico next time you are back!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
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
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Next Experience Travel, who run 79 experiences we rank across 16 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 50.4.
See everything Next Experience Travel runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Costa Maya.
How much does Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch cost?
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Prices start at $119 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 (5/5 across 5 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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Around 2 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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Included: Bottled water; Home-cooked traditional Maya lunch with fresh local ingredients & family recipes; Traditional tortilla-making experience with your Maya hosts; Certified Tour Guide; and Visit with a local Maya family in Chacchoben village. Not included: $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the; Souvenirs; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Wheelchairs: Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch 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 Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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