Chacchoben Mayan Temples & Mahahual Beach: Private Tour

Spider monkeys cross the path between two pyramids at Chacchoben.

A private tour to Chacchoben Mayan Temples includes transportation, a one-hour walk through the ruins, and time at Mahahual Beach with beds and tables for lunch. Groups of five or more get a live guide in English or Spanish to explain the site's history. Smaller groups walk the temple grounds without commentary. The day also stops at a fruit village and includes optional tequila tasting at the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Mayan Temples and Beach

• Park and buy souvenirs
• Walk path to great pyramid
• Spot spider monkeys
• Climb stone stairs to viewpoint
• Relax at clean beach
• Enjoy margarita and guacamole

The experience

Chacchoben sits inland from the coast, and the tour starts with private transportation from your location. You walk a marked path through the site where two pyramids stand among the trees. If conditions are right, spider monkeys move through the canopy overhead. The walk takes about an hour and covers the main structures. Groups of three or four see the temples and take photos but travel without a guide explaining the Mayan history. Groups of five or more have a live guide in English or Spanish walking with them through the site.

On the way back from the ruins, the tour stops in Pedro Santos, a village known for fresh pineapples and tropical fruit sold roadside. You can buy what you want to eat later or take home. Then the route heads to Mahahual Beach, where the tour gives you time to settle in. The beach has chairs, tables and beds set up, and you can order a margarita or guacamole snack. Tequila tasting happens here at the end of the day if you choose it. It's optional and costs extra.

The whole outing runs about four hours from start to finish. Bring mosquito repellent: the operator notes it's important for comfort in the jungle. If you plan to photograph the temples, note that the site charges a $6 USD camera fee paid directly there, separate from your tour price. Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, though the temple paths themselves are uneven ground with stone stairs.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the temples.
• one-hour walk through Chacchoben with entry to the site.
• time at Mahahual Beach with access to chairs, tables and beds.
• optional tequila tasting at the beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (11 to 75 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Full Experience In Costa Maya Mahahual

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so book this tour if your group of five or more is comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. Smaller groups of three or four travel without a guide and rely on the marked paths and their own knowledge of the site.

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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 (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What will I actually see walking through Chacchoben?

Chacchoben has two main pyramids connected by a marked path through the trees. Spider monkeys sometimes appear in the canopy, and the site includes a spacious parking area with shops where you can buy souvenirs before or after your walk.

Do I get a guide explaining the Mayan history?

Groups of five or more people travel with a live guide in English or Spanish who explains the temples and their history. Groups of three or four walk the site and take photos without historical commentary.

What happens at Mahahual Beach?

Mahahual Beach is where the tour ends, and you have time to relax on beds or chairs, order drinks like margaritas or snacks like guacamole, and swim if you want. Tequila tasting is available here as an optional add-on.

Is there a stop for food or shopping on the way?

Yes, the tour stops in Pedro Santos, a village known for fresh pineapples and tropical fruit sold at roadside stands. You can buy fruit to eat during the beach time or take with you.

What should I bring or know before booking?

Mosquito repellent is strongly recommended for the temple walk. If you want to photograph the ruins, the site charges a $6 USD camera fee paid on arrival. Children from age three are welcome. The tour uses private transportation that is wheelchair accessible, though temple paths have uneven ground and stone stairs.