Chacchoben Ruins: Day Trip from Costa Maya with Mayan Sites

Summary

Explore Chacchoben ruins & jungle paths with stories from a local

You’ll join a small group in Mahahual and travel to Chacchoben with a local guide who shares Mayan history as you walk shaded jungle paths past temples and plazas. Spot wildlife like spider monkeys, taste snacks under the trees, and feel what it’s like to stand where ancient ceremonies happened. This isn’t just sightseeing — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

You barely notice the heat at first because there’s this low hum in Mahahual — people unloading vans, someone selling mangoes, sandals slapping on concrete. Our guide, Mario, waved us over with a grin that made me feel like we’d met before (we hadn’t). The drive to Chacchoben isn’t long but the road’s lined with green so thick you can’t see past it. I tried to catch the names of trees he pointed out — I only remember “ceiba” because he said it was sacred for the Maya. The van smelled faintly of sunscreen and something sweet — pineapple juice maybe? Or just my imagination.

Walking under those trees at Chacchoben felt quieter than I expected. You hear birds but also your own shoes crunching on gravel. Mario stopped us by Templo 24 and told us how people used to gather here centuries ago — he spoke slowly, letting us look up at the stonework while he talked about ceremonies and rain gods. There was this moment when a spider monkey swung overhead and everyone just froze; Mario laughed and said they’re regulars here. I tried asking about the carvings in Spanish (badly) and got a patient answer plus a little applause from another traveler.

The sun slipped through leaves in these weird patterns as we crossed Gran Plaza. It wasn’t crowded — just our small group and some distant voices echoing off stone. Sometimes you forget you’re on a “day trip Chacchoben” at all; it feels more like wandering with friends who know the place inside out. We had cold soda and chips under a tree before heading back, swapping stories about what we’d seen or missed (I never did spot those “Las Vasijas” pots Mario mentioned). Even now I still think about the way light hit the ruins — not dramatic, just honest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chacchoben Mayan Ruins guided tour

• Meet guide in Mahahual
• Travel to Chacchoben site
• Take 1.5 hour guided tour
• Explore jungle and ruins
• Learn about local plants and fauna

Top questions

How long is the guided tour at Chacchoben?

The guided tour at Chacchoben lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is transportation from Mahahual included?

Yes, transportation from a central location in Mahahual is included.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water, soda/pop, and snacks are included.

Will there be a local guide at Chacchoben?

Yes, you’ll have a native guide leading your visit at Chacchoben.

What sites will we see at Chacchoben?

You’ll visit Templo 24, Plaza B, Gran Plaza, Gran Basamento, Los Gemelos, Las Vasijas, and Temple One.

Can I see wildlife during this day trip?

Yes, it’s possible to spot birds and spider monkeys along the jungle paths.

Is this excursion suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Mahahual’s central point, transportation to Chacchoben archaeological site with entry fees covered, a guided walk led by a native expert sharing stories along the way, plus cold bottled water, soda or pop for refreshment and light snacks before heading back together.