Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Village Tour from Costa Maya

Walk among ancient temples, then sit at a family table where Maya traditions still shape the day

A shore excursion from Costa Maya that combines guided exploration of Chacchoben's ancient ruins with a visit to a living Maya community in the nearby village. You walk through temples and ceremonial structures, then spend time with a local family learning about tortilla-making, traditional remedies, and the ingredients and cooking methods behind an authentic Maya meal. The tour departs one hour after your ship arrives and returns you to port in about 5.5 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chacchoben ruins and Maya village

• Arrive at Costa Maya port
• Travel to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
• Explore ancient temples and structures
• Learn about Maya history and culture
• Travel to nearby Maya village
• Meet local Maya family
• Experience traditional tortilla making
• Learn about natural remedies
• Enjoy traditional Maya meal
• Return to Costa Maya port

The experience

The tour starts in the jungle around Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city that dates back to around 200 BC. Your guide leads you through the archaeological site, pointing out temples and ceremonial structures while explaining the history and culture of the Maya civilization. You'll walk on jungle trails with some rocks, roots and uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes. The site itself is not climbed. You explore from ground level and the surrounding paths. Along the way, the jungle's native flora and wildlife come into view, though spider monkeys and other animals cannot be guaranteed.

After the ruins, you head to the village of Chacchoben, a short distance away. There you meet a local Maya family and spend time in their home learning how traditions continue in everyday life today. They show you how to make handmade tortillas from scratch, talk about local plants used for natural remedies, and explain the ingredients and customs that shape their family's day. No visit ends without a meal: you sit down to eat traditional Maya dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if you request them when booking.

Transportation is round-trip from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the meeting point at Plaza Las Fuentes is just a few steps from the main port access. The walk from your ship to the meeting point takes about 15 minutes. Bring bottled water (included), a hat, sunscreen, and extra cash for any shopping in the village, as credit cards may not be accepted there. Note that a $5 USD camera fee is paid directly at the archaeological site if you want to photograph the ruins.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• guided tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with entrance fees included.
• a hands-on tortilla-making demonstration and time spent with a local Maya family.
• a traditional home-cooked Maya meal with fresh local ingredients.
• bottled water.
• and a certified tour guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 120

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Shore Excursions

Is this one for you?This tour suits travelers docked at Costa Maya who want to see both ancient and living Maya culture without arranging their own transport or guides. The timing (departing one hour after your ship arrives and returning well before departure) fits a port day perfectly, and the combination of ruins and a family visit gives you two perspectives on Maya history and traditions in a single excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is Chacchoben and how old are the ruins?

Chacchoben is an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. The ruins include temples and ceremonial structures built by the Maya civilization, and you explore them on jungle trails guided by someone who explains the history and culture behind what you're seeing.

Do I get to meet actual Maya people on this tour?

Yes. After the ruins, you visit the village of Chacchoben and spend time with a local Maya family in their home. They share their daily traditions, teach you how to make tortillas by hand, and explain the natural remedies and ingredients that are part of their lives.

Is the meal included, and what kind of food will I eat?

A traditional Maya meal is included. It's prepared by your hosts using fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

How much time do I have, and when does the tour start after my ship docks?

The tour lasts about 5.5 hours total. It departs one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya, giving you time to disembark and reach the meeting point at Plaza Las Fuentes, which is just a few steps from the main port access.

What should I bring and what are the walking conditions like?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. The jungle trails at the ruins have rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces, so you need footwear that grips well. Bring extra cash for the village, as credit cards may not be accepted there. Bottled water is provided.

Can I take photos at the ruins?

Yes, but there is a $5 USD camera fee paid directly at the archaeological site. Tripods and drones are not permitted inside the zone.