Dzibanche & Kohunlich Day Trip: Mayan Ruins with Jungle Lunch

Summary

Explore ancient temples, jungle wildlife and a secret lunch spot

You’ll wander ancient temples at Dzibanché & Kohunlich with a local guide who knows every shortcut through the jungle paths. Expect monkeys overhead, quiet moments among old stones, and a three-course meal deep in the trees — plus stories you’ll want to retell long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to feel so thick when we stepped out of the van near Dzibanché — kind of sweet, almost muddy, with birds making this racket overhead. Our guide, Carlos, grinned at us like he knew what was coming. He pointed out these old stones poking through the trees and said something about the Temple of the Owl. I tried to picture what it must’ve looked like centuries ago, but honestly I was just distracted by a family of howler monkeys crashing around above us. They sound way bigger than they are. We wandered through mossy steps and I kept brushing spiderwebs off my arms — not complaining though, it felt real.

Kohunlich was next after a bumpy ride (I nearly lost my water bottle under the seat). The “temple of the masks” is wild — those faces are huge and you can actually see their features even after all this time. Carlos told us about the Mayan sun god but I got sidetracked counting lizards darting across the stones. There’s something about standing on those steps with nothing but jungle all around — no crowds, just wind in the palms and that weird earthy smell you get after rain. I tried saying “Kohunlich” right; Li laughed at my accent (fair enough).

Lunch was somewhere I never would’ve found alone — tucked away in the trees, kind of fancy but not stiff. Three courses came out one by one; I still think about that citrusy fish dish. Someone nearby was slicing fruit for dessert and you could hear knives tapping against wooden boards. It felt slow in a good way. We swapped stories with Carlos over coffee before heading back toward Chetumal, tired but sort of wired from everything we’d seen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Dzibanche and Kohunlich Mayan sites

• Depart from meeting point
• Explore Dzibanche archaeological site
• Visit Kohunlich site and temples
• Enjoy 3-course meal in jungle restaurant

Top questions

How long does the Dzibanche & Kohunlich day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Chetumal including travel time between sites and lunch.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a 3-course meal at a restaurant in the jungle is included.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, your certified guide speaks both English and Spanish.

Can you see wildlife on this tour?

There’s a good chance to spot howler monkeys and exotic birds during your visit.

Is transportation provided from Chetumal?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle transportation is included in your booking.

Are entry tickets to Dzibanché & Kohunlich included?

Yes, entry fees for both archaeological sites are covered.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; some walking is required so moderate fitness helps.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Bring water, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and maybe bug spray for the jungle areas.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Chetumal, entry tickets to both Dzibanché and Kohunlich ruins, guidance from a bilingual certified expert throughout the journey, plus a three-course meal served at a secluded restaurant surrounded by jungle before returning in comfort.