Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch
Back at the ship by about 2:20 pm, 2 h 10 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 10 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Costa Maya20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierAbout 15 min to the start point
- 8:35 amEarliest tour startTour runs 5 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 9:45 am.
- 2:05 pmTour ends15 min back to the pier
- 2:20 pmBack at the gangway2 h 10 min before all aboard
- 4:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
About this tour
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.
Max 80 per group English, Spanish
What's 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
Itinerary
- 1Zona Arqueologica De Chacchobenour 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.
- 2ChacchobenNow 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
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
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.
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.
From the cruise pier
About 15 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 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.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Next Experience Travel. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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