Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon worth booking?
Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon is a 5.5-hour experience in Costa Maya, Mexico, from $119 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (9)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $119 per person
Experience two incredible sides of Costa Maya — the living traditions of Maya culture and the beauty of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon. Connect with a local Maya family, descendants of the ancient Maya, who share traditio
What you get
About this experience
Experience two incredible sides of Costa Maya — the living traditions of Maya culture and the beauty of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon. Connect with a local Maya family, descendants of the ancient Maya, who share traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. Enjoy a home-cooked traditional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. Learn the art of handmade tortillas, make your own and discover the authentic Maya flavors behind these treasured family recipes. Complete your experience at Bacalar’s spectacular Seven Color Lagoon, a famous former haven for pirates where today you can swim, kayak or simply relax by the refreshing turquoise waters with a tropical drink in hand. It’s a beautiful combination of living Maya culture, family traditions, incredible flavors and tropical beauty — a Costa Maya experience that stays with you long after your cruise sails away.
What's included
Included
- Refreshing drinks by the lagoon — iced tea, hibiscus & horchata
- Access to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon
- Hands-on traditional tortilla-making experience
- Certified Guide
- Kayaks, tubes, loungers & umbrellas
- Home-cooked traditional Maya lunch with local ingredients & family recipes
- Visit with a local Maya family in Chacchoben village
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ — beer or classic cocktails
Not included
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Chacchoben
Your adventure begins one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Enjoy the 50-minute drive to Chacchoben village, where you’ll discover a living side of Maya culture. Meet a Maya family and step into their daily life, discovering traditions and knowledge passed down through generations. Learn how tortillas are made — then roll up your sleeves and make your own alongside your hosts. Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and family recipes passed down through generations. Taste traditional tamales and, if you’re feeling adventurous, add some homemade habanero sauce. This is your chance to share traditions, flavors and stories with a Maya family and experience a side of Costa Maya beyond the usual tourist trail. After sharing stories and a meal with the wonderful family who welcomed you, continue on a scenic 25-minute drive to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, where a refreshing afternoon awaits.
130 minutes here
Lake Bacalar
Your adventure continues at Bacalar’s spectacular Seven Color Lagoon, where turquoise waters and incredible views welcome you for a refreshing afternoon of swimming, kayaking and relaxation. Spend your time exactly how you like: swim in the crystal-clear lagoon, grab a kayak and explore the water, float in a tube or simply stretch out on a lounger and take in Bacalar’s incredible shades of blue. When it’s time to slow down, enjoy refreshing drinks by the lagoon while soaking in the breeze and beautiful scenery. Guests 21 and older can also enjoy two included alcoholic drinks. Whether you choose to paddle, swim, float or simply relax, this is your time to enjoy one of the region’s most beautiful natural escapes before heading back to Costa Maya. Then sit back and relax on the just over one-hour drive back to Costa Maya, wrapping up an incredible day filled with Maya culture, family traditions, local flavors and the unforgettable waters of Bacalar.
180 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 us at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Please allow approximately 15 minutes to walk from your cruise ship to the meeting point. Detailed directions and a map will be provided with your 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 us at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Please allow approximately 15 minutes to walk from your cruise ship to the meeting point. Detailed directions and a map will be provided with your 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 14 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
- IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship and docking time
- This experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome, subject to the applicable infant/child policy.
- Children must be 10 or older to paddle a single kayak alone; younger children may kayak with a supervising adult.
- Water Activities: Life jackets are mandatory for water activities and are provided. Swimming and kayaking may be restricted by local authorities due to wind, lightning or other unsafe weather conditions.
- Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
- What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, hat and biodegradable sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for additional purchases, as credit cards may not be accepted outside the port area.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests 21 and older. Please drink responsibly.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Maximum weight is 220 lbs (100 kg) for a single kayak or 270 lbs (122 kg) combined for a double kayak
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural terrain and access points.
- For safety reasons, pregnant guests cannot participate in kayaking but are welcome to enjoy the other available lagoon activities.
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please provide dietary requirements in advance so arrangements can be made.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended experience
It was a very good way to get to know the Mayan culture. Victoria, Orchid and Felipa taught us very kindly typical Mayan cuisine. And Magali, our guide, did a great job explaining everything. Abel also brought his kindness and great driving. We were lucky because we were alone on the tour and arrived first to the 7 color lagoon.
via Viator (translated)
Peaceful & Authentic
Peaceful & Authentic: Arriving on Enchantment of the Seas, I wanted something different from the usual big-bus tours. This small-group experience was exactly that. Sharing a traditional meal with a Mayan family felt personal, and floating in Bacalar’s clear waters was the highlight of my cruise.
Response from the operator: Hi John, We’re thrilled you chose to spend your day with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on Enchantment of the Seas! It makes us so happy to hear that the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon and Mayan Experience Combo Tour gave you exactly what you were looking for—peaceful, authentic, and away from the big crowds. Sharing a traditional meal with a Mayan family and floating in Bacalar’s crystal-clear waters truly are the highlights of the Mexican Caribbean! Thanks again for joining us on this adventure. We’d love to see your stories—feel free to share and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can discover this beautiful destination too. Looking forward to welcoming you back on your next cruise vacation! Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴
via Tripadvisor
good
Three Generations, One Perfect Day: Our group had grandparents, parents, and kids, all from Wonder of the Seas, and we all loved it. The kids had fun making tortillas, my parents enjoyed the cultural stories, and we all swam together in Bacalar’s turquoise waters. This tour had something for everyone.
Response from the operator: Hi Alexa, We’re thrilled to hear that your family had such a perfect day with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on MSC World America! It’s wonderful that the grandparents, parents, and kids all enjoyed different parts of the experience—from making fresh tortillas to learning about Mayan culture and swimming together in Bacalar’s stunning Seven Color Lagoon. Thank you for choosing us to spend your day in the Mexican Caribbean! We’d love for you to share your stories and tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so other travelers can be inspired to visit this beautiful destination too. Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴
via Tripadvisor
Solo Traveler’s Dream
Solo Traveler’s Dream: I was sailing on Grandeur of the Seas and booked this tour alone—it was the best decision! The guide made me feel included right away. Sharing lunch with a Mayan family was unforgettable, and relaxing at Bacalar Lagoon afterward felt like paradise.
Response from the operator: Hi D9760, We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fantastic time with us in Costa Maya during your cruise on the Grandeur of the Seas! Sharing a traditional lunch with a Mayan family and then relaxing at the stunning Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon truly captures the magic of the Mexican Caribbean. Thanks for choosing us to spend your day in this beautiful destination! We’d love to see your favorite moments—feel free to share your stories and tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @NextExperienceTravel so fellow travelers can discover the beauty of Bacalar and the Mayan experience too. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure! Warm regards, The Next Experience Travel Team 🌴
via Tripadvisor
Not your usual snorkel trip:)
Very authentic tour with a mayan descendent. Enjoyed space Getting to share in the mayan culture and their fresh cuisine.
Response from the operator: Dear Doug_R, Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience on the Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon and Mayan Experience Combo Tour! :) We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the authenticity of the tour and appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Mayan culture from a descendant. We're also happy to hear that you enjoyed the fresh cuisine. We appreciate your positive feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future. Best regards, The Next Experience Travel 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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- 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 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Costa Maya.
How much does Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon 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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon 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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon?
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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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon 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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon?
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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 Maya Village, Traditional Lunch & Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon 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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