Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Day Trip with Port Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.79 (1,217 reviews) 85% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/16

Duration3h 30m

GroupUp to 40

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Ancient temples, jungle sounds and stories at Chacchoben

You’ll step straight from your cruise into a small-group day trip to Chacchoben’s Mayan ruins, led by a local guide who brings old stones and jungle paths to life. Expect cool drinks in hand, stories you’ll remember later, and enough time to really look — or just listen to the quiet — before heading back to Costa Maya port.

3h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Chacchoben Mayan ruins

Arrive at Costa Maya port
Travel by air-conditioned vehicle
Explore ancient Mayan city ruins
Learn about Mayan history and wildlife
Return to Costa Maya port

The Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to stand where the jungle almost swallowed a whole city? That’s what hit me first when we got off the van near Chacchoben — just this thick, green quiet, broken up by birds I couldn’t name. Our guide, Luis, waved us over with a grin and handed out cold bottles of water (needed that — it was sticky even before noon). He started pointing out trees with names I’d never heard. Some kind of citrus scent hung in the air, sharp and sweet. I tried to repeat the Mayan word for one plant — Li laughed at my accent and said I’d just called it “old chicken” instead. Not my best moment.

The walk through Chacchoben isn’t long but you do feel small under those big stone steps and the canopy above. Luis told us about the families who lived here centuries ago, how they’d climb these same stairs for ceremonies or shade. There were moments where we just stood listening — not much wind, only the sound of something moving in the brush (Luis joked about jaguars but I’m pretty sure he was teasing). The main pyramid looked almost soft in the late morning light; moss growing between stones, sunlight flickering through leaves. I touched one wall — cool and rough — and tried to imagine this place before anyone “found” it again. Weirdly moving.

On the way back to Costa Maya port, everyone was quieter than on the drive out. Maybe tired or maybe just thinking about what we’d seen. It’s not every day you get to wander ruins that sat hidden for so long, right? Anyway, we made it back in plenty of time for our ship (I double-checked my watch more than once). Still think about that smell of earth and citrus sometimes when things get too noisy at home.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from Costa Maya port, all entrance fees to Chacchoben ruins, bottled water and soda throughout the tour, plus guidance from an English- or Spanish-speaking local guide before returning comfortably to your ship.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditions

Operated by CM Tours