Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide

4.6(398)5 h 30 minFree cancellationBy Next Experience Travel

Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya Shore Excursion

About this activity

Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel through history from the ancient Maya to the pirates of Bacalar, combining two completely different sides of Costa Maya in one adventure.

Discover Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC, where impressive temples and ceremonial grounds rise among the tropical jungle. Walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers as your certified guide reveals the history, secrets and legends of this fascinating city.

Then exchange ancient temples for the turquoise waters of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, a former haven for pirates. Swim, kayak, float or simply relax by the water with a tropical drink in hand, surrounded by brilliant shades of blue.

Complete your day with a lakeside Mexican lunch and refreshing drinks, enjoying the breeze and views across the lagoon.

From Maya history to the turquoise waters once sailed by pirates, experience two of the places we love most — all in one incredible day.

What's included

✓Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ — beer or select tropical cocktails
✓Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon
✓Bottled water
✓Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
✓Lagoon amenities — loungers, umbrellas, WiFi & facilities
✓Refreshing drinks — iced tea, hibiscus tea & traditional horchata
✓Certified Tour Guide
✓Lunch by the lagoon — Mexican tacos with chips & salsa
✓Kayaks, tubes & life vests
✓Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site
✓Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

✕$5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
✕Souvenirs
✕Premium alcoholic beverages & additional cocktails
✕Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Your tour departs one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Meet at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port area. Allow 15 minutes to walk from your ship. Provide your full cruise ship name when booking. Detailed directions and a map will follow confirmation.

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.
Cruise guests arriving after 12 PM. Make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or our beach break options
No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
Temple Access: For preservation purposes, climbing the temples is not permitted.
Children: The historical portion of the tour is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome.
Water Activities: Life vests are mandatory for water activities and are provided. Civil Protection may restrict kayaking or other water activities due to wind, lightning or unsafe weather conditions.
Lagoon Conditions: Water clarity, color and other natural conditions at Bacalar may vary depending on weather and environmental conditions.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests ages 21 and older. The tour includes two select alcoholic drinks; premium and additional alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost.
Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Please provide dietary requirements in advance.
Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat and biodegradable sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses.
Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros and is paid directly at Chacchoben. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.
Wildlife: Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys and tropical birds, cannot be guaranteed.
Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
Single kayaks have a maximum weight of 220 lbs; double kayaks have a maximum combined weight of 270 lbs. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult and cannot paddle a single kayak alone.
Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain at Chacchoben.
Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to its natural access points.
For safety reasons, kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests. Guests may still enjoy the other lagoon activities.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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