Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruins & Mayan Village Cooking Tour

Summary

Chacchoben ruins then Mayan family lunch from Costa Maya port

You’ll walk ancient Chacchoben ruins with a local guide, then visit a nearby Mayan village where you’ll grind corn, shape tortillas by hand, and share lunch with your hosts. Expect laughter around the table, stories passed down through generations, and flavors you might dream about later.

What’s the experience like?

My shoes were still damp from the morning rain when we stepped off the shuttle near Chacchoben. The air smelled green—like wet leaves and earth—and our guide, Luis, was already waving us over with a grin. He kept pointing out these tiny red flowers poking through the stones. I tried to remember their name but just ended up nodding along, feeling a bit silly. There’s something about standing in front of those old steps, mossy and uneven, that makes you want to whisper even though there’s birds yelling overhead. Luis told us how people still come here for ceremonies sometimes—he said you can feel it if you stand still long enough. I think he was right.

The drive to the Mayan village wasn’t long, maybe half an hour? I lost track watching the trees flick past the window. At the village, kids darted around chasing each other and one little girl handed me a tortilla—warm and soft, straight off the comal. Her grandma showed us how she ground corn by hand (my arms got tired after two minutes), and there was this smell—smoky but sweet—that drifted out of their kitchen hut. We tried making tortillas ourselves; mine looked like sad pancakes but nobody minded. Lunch was simple: chicken cooked with achiote, beans that tasted way better than any I’ve had at home, and some kind of green salsa that made my lips tingle. Li laughed when I tried to say “chaya”—I’m sure I butchered it.

I didn’t expect to hear so much laughter or see so many hands working together in one small kitchen. The family shared stories about remedies they use for bug bites—one involved rubbing crushed leaves on your skin (I still have a leaf tucked in my bag). We sat at a wooden table under a palm roof while rain started again outside, eating slowly because nobody seemed in a hurry here. On the way back to Costa Maya port, my fingers still smelled faintly of corn and smoke. It’s funny—I keep thinking about that first bite of tortilla more than anything else we saw.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chacchoben ruins and Mayan village

• Arrive at Costa Maya Port
• Visit Chacchoben archaeological site
• Explore jungle monuments and wildlife
• Visit Mayan village of Chacchoben
• Interact with local Mayan family
• Learn about tortilla ingredients and remedies
• Enjoy traditional Mayan lunch

Top questions

How far are Chacchoben ruins from Costa Maya port?

Chacchoben ruins are about 50 minutes by vehicle from Costa Maya port.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup is included from Plaza Las Fuentes near Costa Maya port entrance.

What food is served during the Mayan village lunch?

The meal includes traditional dishes like handmade tortillas, beans, chicken or poultry cooked with local spices, and fresh produce.

Are vegetarian options available on this tour?

The main dishes are based on vegetables; notify in advance for specific dietary needs.

How long does it take to walk from ship to meeting point?

It takes about 15 minutes on foot from your cruise ship to Plaza Las Fuentes meeting point.

Can infants or young children join this tour?

Yes; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available if needed.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited fitness?

This tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Will we interact directly with a local Mayan family?

Yes; you’ll visit a Mayan village and cook alongside a host family in their home.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Costa Maya port’s main access point, entry fees for Chacchoben ruins with certified guided tour, bottled water throughout the journey, transport by air-conditioned vehicle between sites, plus a hands-on cooking session and homemade lunch shared with your Mayan host family before returning to port.