Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Day Trip

Summary

Ancient mayan ruins meet bacalar’s blue lagoon for a day you’ll remember

Step into ancient Mayan history at Chacchoben Ruins before drifting in Bacalar Lagoon’s shimmering blues. You’ll climb weathered stone steps, spot monkeys overhead, kayak or swim in clear water, then share fresh fajitas by the shore—all with a local guide who brings stories to life. It’s that rare mix of adventure and calm you’ll remember long after you’re home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mayan ruins and Bacalar Lagoon

• Visit ancient Mayan site Chacchoben
• Explore monuments and jungle flora
• Ascend temples for jungle views
• Travel to Bacalar Lagoon
• Relax, swim, or kayak in lagoon
• Enjoy fajitas and drinks by lagoon

Top questions

How far are Chacchoben ruins from Costa Maya port?

The ruins are about an hour’s drive from Costa Maya port.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch by Bacalar Lagoon is included—usually fajitas with aguas frescas like horchata or hibiscus tea.

Can I swim or kayak in Bacalar Lagoon during this tour?

Yes, swimming and kayaking are both included activities at Bacalar Lagoon.

Is pickup from Costa Maya cruise port provided?

Pickup is included; meeting point is Plaza Las Fuentes near main port access—about 15 minutes’ walk from your ship.

Are guides certified for the Chacchoben tour?

Yes, tours at Chacchoben are led by certified guides familiar with Mayan history.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants can join—prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What drinks are served with lunch?

Bottled water plus aguas frescas like horchata, hibiscus tea (jamaica), and iced tea are included with lunch.

If my cruise ship doesn’t dock at Costa Maya will I get a refund?

Yes—a full refund is guaranteed if your ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all.

What’s included

Your day includes certified guided exploration of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, air-conditioned transport from near Costa Maya port (pickup arranged), bottled water throughout, kayaking equipment for Bacalar Lagoon, plus a fresh lunch of fajitas served right by the lagoon with aguas frescas—before returning comfortably to port after soaking up all that color and history.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you step off the bus and the air just smells different? At Chacchoben, it was this thick, green scent — like wet leaves and earth after rain. Our guide, Luis, waved us over with a grin and started talking about how these Mayan ruins have been here since 200 BC. I touched one of the stones (probably not supposed to, but couldn’t help it) and it felt warm from the sun. Luis pointed out some spider monkeys up in the trees — honestly, I almost missed them because I was staring at the carvings. There’s something weirdly quiet about the place, even with a few other groups wandering around. My shoes got muddy but I didn’t care.

After that we piled back into the van (with AC, thank god) and headed toward Bacalar Lagoon. The drive was maybe an hour? I lost track because I kept watching fields slide by out the window. When we finally got there — wow, those colors are real. Seven shades of blue, they say, and I believe it now. The water felt cool against my legs when I waded in; there were kids laughing somewhere nearby and some guy selling paletas from a cart. We kayaked for a bit (I’m terrible at steering — my friend kept yelling “left! left!”), then just floated for a while looking up at clouds.

Lunch was simple but so good — fajitas by the shore with cold horchata. A breeze came off the lagoon and made everything taste fresher somehow. Our guide sat with us and told stories about pirates hiding out here back in the day; he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Bacalar” right (I still don’t think I nailed it). It all felt easy and unhurried, which is rare when you’re on a cruise schedule.

I keep thinking about that moment on the temple steps at Chacchoben — sunlight flickering through leaves, sweat running down my back, but not wanting to leave yet. If you’ve only got one day in Costa Maya and want history plus some time just floating around doing nothing much… this is it.