Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon: Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Chacchoben pyramids, Bacalar blue lagoons and cenotes with local stories

You’ll walk ancient Mayan paths at Chacchoben with a local guide sharing real stories, then swim in Bacalar’s shifting blue lagoon at two cenotes (Esmeralda & Black). Enjoy lunch by the water with drinks included before heading back—expect small surprises along the way that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the silence at Chacchoben to feel so thick — just us, a few birds overhead, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. Our guide Marco grew up nearby (he told us his grandma still makes tamales every Sunday), and he pointed out scratch marks on Temple 24 where you could almost picture ancient hands working the stone. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t name. We wandered between plazas while Marco explained how the city thrived around 300 AD — I kept thinking about all the feet that must’ve crossed these stones before us.

After the ruins, we drove maybe 40 minutes south toward Bacalar Lagoon. The first glimpse of those blues is kind of a shock — it really does look like seven colors at once, but not in a postcard way. More like shifting watercolor under clouds. At Cenote Esmeralda, I dipped my toes in and it was colder than I expected; some kids were laughing in Spanish nearby. Marco handed out cold sodas from a cooler (and beer for those who wanted), then we floated near these weird rock formations he called stromatolites — “living stones,” he said, older than dinosaurs. I tried to pronounce it in Spanish and got it totally wrong; everyone laughed.

The Black Cenote was next — honestly a bit eerie with its deep navy water surrounded by bright turquoise shallows. There was this quiet moment where nobody spoke, just wind across the surface and distant voices from another boat. Last stop was Pirate Channel, where Marco told stories about old wood smugglers sneaking through here centuries ago. He pointed out mangroves where herons nest now instead of pirates — funny how places change but still keep their secrets.

Lunch was simple but good: grilled chicken with tortillas and fresh salsa under a palapa by the shore. I’m still thinking about that view over Bacalar as we ate — sunlight flickering on the water, someone playing music softly on their phone behind us. The drive back felt sleepy; I watched palm trees blur past and wondered how many people come here just once then never forget it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chacchoben ruins and Bacalar lagoon

• Guided tour of Chacchoben ruins
• View Bacalar lagoon from hill
• Visit Cenote Esmeralda
• Explore Cenote Cocalitos stromatolites
• Swim at Black Cenote
• Discover Pirate Channel history

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Costa Maya to Chacchoben & Bacalar?

The excursion lasts most of the day, including guided tours at Chacchoben ruins and stops at several points around Bacalar Lagoon before returning.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included along with drinks such as soda, bottled water, beer, and tequila.

Are there swimming opportunities during the Bacalar part?

Yes, you can swim at Cenote Esmeralda and Black Cenote in Bacalar Lagoon during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families or young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available if needed.

What sites do we visit at Chacchoben ruins?

You’ll see Temple 24, Plaza B, Gran Plaza, Gran Basamento, Los Gemelos, Las Vasijas, and Templo Uno during your guided walk.

Does this day trip include transportation from Costa Maya?

Round-trip transportation is included from Costa Maya for all participants.

Will there be a local guide throughout the tour?

A native local guide leads both the Chacchoben ruins exploration and shares insights during your time at Bacalar Lagoon.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Costa Maya to both Chacchoben ruins and Bacalar Lagoon stops; guided walks led by a native expert; swimming time at two cenotes; all entry fees; bottled water, soda, beer or tequila if you want it; snacks along the way; plus a simple lunch by the lagoon before heading back homeward.