Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon: Certified guide, one day

Two thousand years of Maya temples, then turquoise water and a kayak.

A guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon departing from Costa Maya port one hour after your cruise arrives. You walk the ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds of a Maya city dating to around 200 BC with a certified guide, then spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking or floating in the lagoon, with a Mexican lunch and two alcoholic drinks (for guests 21+) included. The tour runs 5.5 hours total, with roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and all entrance fees covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. ChacchobenEntry included2h 25m
2. Lake BacalarEntry included3h 5m

Explore Chacchoben and Bacalar Lagoon

• Drive 50 minutes to Chacchoben ruins
• Tour ancient Maya temples with guide
• Observe native flora and wildlife
• Drive 25 minutes to Bacalar Lagoon
• Swim, kayak, or relax by lagoon
• Enjoy lakeside Mexican lunch and drinks
• Return one hour to Costa Maya

The experience

The tour departs one hour after your ship arrives at Costa Maya Port, with a 15-minute walk to the meeting point at Plaza Las Fuentes. A 50-minute drive takes you inland to Chacchoben, one of the Maya region's lesser-explored archaeological sites. Your certified guide leads you through ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds where the Gran Basamento and Temple One rise among tropical jungle. You walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests and nobles, learning the history, beliefs and architecture of this city that dates back to around 200 BC. Along the way, watch for spider monkeys and tropical birds in their natural habitat. Climbing the temples is not permitted for preservation purposes, but the walking route covers outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain.

After Chacchoben, a 25-minute drive brings you to Bacalar's Seven Color Lagoon, a former pirate haven where striking shades of turquoise and blue stretch across one of Mexico's most spectacular freshwater lagoons. The afternoon is yours to shape: swim in the lagoon, paddle a kayak, float in a tube, or settle into a lounger and watch the water. Life vests are provided and mandatory for water activities. Single kayaks accommodate up to 220 lbs. Double kayaks up to 270 lbs combined. Children under 10 can kayak with a supervising adult. Civil Protection may restrict water activities due to wind, lightning or unsafe weather, and kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests.

Lunch arrives lakeside: Mexican tacos with chips and salsa, served while you overlook the lagoon. Refreshing drinks include iced tea, hibiscus tea and traditional horchata. Guests 21 and older receive two alcoholic drinks. Choose from beer, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, Purple Rain or Sangria. Premium and additional cocktails are available at extra cost. The lagoon amenities include loungers, umbrellas, WiFi and facilities. After the afternoon by the water, you return to Costa Maya on a one-hour drive, completing a day that moves from ancient Maya history to tropical lagoon swimming.

What’s included

• Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• certified tour guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site.
• guided walk through ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds.
• Mexican lunch with tacos, chips and salsa.
• two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ (beer or tropical cocktails).
• refreshing drinks including iced tea, hibiscus tea and horchata.
• access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon with loungers, umbrellas and facilities.
• kayaks, tubes and life vests for water activities.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Information

Lasts 5h 30m, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 119.79 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 55

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.1 with pickup ›

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Next Experience Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship and need to return by a set time: your guide coordinates the schedule so you hit both Chacchoben's Maya ruins and Bacalar Lagoon without rushing either stop.

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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 (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long does the tour take from when I leave my cruise ship?

The total time is 5.5 hours. The tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port, and you'll need about 15 minutes to walk from your ship to the meeting point at Plaza Las Fuentes. The drive to Chacchoben takes 50 minutes, the ruins visit is several hours, then a 25-minute drive brings you to Bacalar for the afternoon by the lagoon before the one-hour return journey to port.

What exactly is Chacchoben and what will I see there?

Chacchoben is an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC, with impressive temples and ceremonial grounds rising among tropical jungle. You'll walk through ancient plazas and see the Gran Basamento and Temple One with your certified guide, who explains the history, beliefs and architecture of the site. You'll follow the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers. Climbing the temples is not permitted, but the walking route takes you through the main structures and grounds.

What can I do at Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon?

At Bacalar, you can swim in the lagoon, paddle a kayak, float in a tube, or relax in a lounger by the water. Life vests are provided and required for water activities. Single kayaks hold up to 220 lbs and double kayaks up to 270 lbs combined. Children under 10 can kayak with a supervising adult. Civil Protection may restrict water activities due to weather conditions. You'll also have access to loungers, umbrellas, WiFi and facilities during your time there.

What's included for food and drinks?

Lunch is a lakeside Mexican meal of tacos with chips and salsa, served overlooking the lagoon. Refreshing drinks include iced tea, hibiscus tea and traditional horchata. Guests 21 and older receive two select alcoholic drinks: beer, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, Purple Rain or Sangria. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. Vegetarian and gluten-free meal options are available upon request if you provide dietary requirements in advance.

What should I bring and wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Chacchoben portion, which has outdoor trails with rocks, roots and uneven terrain. Bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat and biodegradable sunscreen for the lagoon. The tour operates rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress for the day's weather. Carry some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses. Note: a $5 USD fee applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros at Chacchoben, paid directly at the site. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.