Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Day Trip

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/23

Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 55

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Explore ancient Mayan ruins then float in Bacalar’s blue lagoon with local flavors and stories along the way

You’ll wander ancient Mayan ruins at Chacchoben with a local guide who brings history alive, then float or swim in Bacalar’s shimmering lagoon before relaxing over lunch by the water. Expect cool shade in the jungle, warm tortillas at your table, and time to just let it all sink in.

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Mayan ruins and Bacalar lagoon

Arrive at Costa Maya Port
Visit Chacchoben archaeological site
Explore jungle flora and fauna
Travel to Bacalar lagoon
Relax, swim, or kayak in lagoon
Eat fajitas and enjoy drinks

The Experience

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk through a jungle where the only voices are birds and maybe—if you’re lucky—a distant howler monkey? That’s how our day started after stepping off the cruise ship at Costa Maya. Our guide, Luis, met us at Plaza Las Fuentes (it’s about a 15-minute walk from the port, heads up if you’ve got little ones). He handed out cold bottled water right away—bless him, because even early in the morning, the air felt thick with green humidity. I kept brushing my arm against these waxy leaves as we walked into Chacchoben, and there was this earthy smell everywhere, kind of peppery. Luis pointed out a tree that locals call “la ceiba”—he said it connects the underworld and sky in Mayan belief. I tried to repeat the word but tripped over my Spanish; he just grinned.

I didn’t expect the ruins to be so quiet—no crowds, just our small group and some kids from a nearby village selling woven bracelets. The stones were still cool from last night’s rain. Luis told us Chacchoben goes back to 200 BC, which made me pause mid-photo. He had stories about old rituals and showed us carvings that I would’ve totally missed on my own. After wandering through the temples (and getting way too many photos of moss), we piled back into an air-conditioned van—thankful for that blast of cold—and headed toward Bacalar Lagoon.

Bacalar really is something else. The water shifts colors every time you blink—turquoise near the shore, then suddenly deep blue further out. We grabbed kayaks (there’s a weight limit, by the way—Luis checked!) and paddled out until all we could hear was wind and our own splashing. Lunch was simple: fajitas with fresh tortillas right at the edge of the lagoon, plus horchata that tasted faintly of cinnamon. I sat there letting my feet dangle in the water while someone played music from their phone nearby—nothing fancy but honestly perfect after walking all morning.

There’s this moment when you just stop talking because everything—the sun on your skin, breeze off the lake, even a kid laughing somewhere behind you—feels like enough. I still think about that view from my kayak sometimes; it sticks with you in a quiet way.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Costa Maya port area after your ship arrives (just a short walk), guided exploration of Chacchoben Mayan City with a certified guide, bottled water throughout, transport by air-conditioned vehicle between sites, use of kayaks at Bacalar Lagoon (with weight limits), and lunch right on the lagoon shore featuring fajitas and refreshing aguas frescas before heading back to port.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for heart conditions

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