Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya: Guided Tour & Beach

What do those massive stone temples from 700 AD actually tell you about who lived here?

You visit Chacchoben's temples and platforms with a licensed guide who explains the 700 AD structures and the jungle around them, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and a welcome drink, and optionally spend 90 minutes on Mahahual beach before returning to the Costa Maya port. The timing is planned so you're back in time for your ship's departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chacchoben and relax in Mahahual

• Drive from Costa Maya to Chacchoben
• Explore Mayan ruins with guide
• Discover jungle flora and fauna
• Return to Mahahual village
• Relax on Mahahual beach
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Walk Mahahual boulevard and shop
• Enjoy Mexican cuisine and massages

The experience

You're standing at the Costa Maya port with maybe six or seven hours before the ship leaves, and you're wondering if there's anything worth the drive inland. There is. Chacchoben sits about an hour from the port, not far, but far enough that you need transport and someone who knows what they're looking at. The site itself is built around large temples and platforms that date back to 700 AD, and the name comes from the Mayan words for "The Place Of The Red Corn." Your guide walks you through what the structures meant, how the civilization used them, what the jungle around them tells you about daily life back then. It's not a quick photo stop. It's the kind of place where you actually understand something about the people who built it.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters when you're moving between the port and the ruins in the heat, and a licensed guide who speaks English and knows the site well enough to answer the questions that come up as you walk. You get bottled water throughout, and when you check in there's a complimentary drink: beer, soda, or a shot of tequila, your choice. The whole Chacchoben Mayan Ruins experience takes up most of your port day, but the itinerary builds in flexibility: after the ruins, you have the option to spend an additional 90 minutes on Mahahual beach before heading back to the ship. That's not mandatory, but if you want to rinse off the dust and sit on sand for a bit, the beach facilities are included and the driver knows the timing.

Mahahual itself is the village that comes alive when cruise ships dock at Costa Maya. The beach stretches for what feels like endless kilometers of white sand, and the water is that particular shade of turquoise you see in photos but don't quite believe until you're in it. The Mesoamerican Reef sits just offshore (it's the second-longest coral barrier in the world), which is why the water stays calm and why snorkeling and diving are serious here, not an afterthought. If you skip the beach and head straight back to the port, that's fine too. Either way, travel insurance is included, and the whole day is built around the fact that you have a ship to catch.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip air-conditioned transport from Costa Maya port, a licensed tour guide, bottled water throughout, a complimentary welcome drink at check-in (beer, soda, or tequila), travel insurance, and the option to spend an additional 90 minutes on Mahahual beach with facilities access before returning to the port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (9 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 50

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 effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Travel agency Costa Maya Toucan Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docked at Costa Maya and want to see an actual Mayan site with someone who can explain it, without arranging your own transport or worrying about getting back to the ship on time: the guide and fixed schedule handle both.

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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 8 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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.

How long does the Chacchoben tour take from Costa Maya port?

About an hour each way by vehicle, plus 2–3 hours at the ruins and optional 90 minutes on Mahahual beach, depending on whether you add the beach stop.

Is the guide included in the tour?

Yes, a licensed tour guide is included and leads you through the site, explaining the temples, platforms, and Mayan history.

What's included in the welcome drink?

At check-in, you can choose a beer, soda, or shot of tequila. Bottled water is unlimited throughout the day.

Can I skip the beach and go straight back to the port?

Yes, the beach stop is optional. You can return to Costa Maya port after the ruins if you prefer.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to and from the ruins.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Sunblock and insect repellent are recommended. Bottled water is provided.

Is travel insurance included?

Yes, travel insurance is included in the tour package.