Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Mayan Experience from Costa Maya
Back at the ship by about 2:06 pm, 2 h 24 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 24 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in Costa Maya20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
- 8:28 amEarliest tour startTour runs 5 h 30 min. Latest sensible start: 9:52 am.
- 1:58 pmTour ends8 min back to the pier
- 2:06 pmBack at the gangway2 h 24 min before all aboard
- 4:30 pmAll aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Costa Maya call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 5 h 30 min; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:28 am and be back at the gangway around 2:06 pm — 1 h 24 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 3:06 pm or later. On a short call (ship leaving by 2:00 pm) skip it or ask for the first departure.
The meeting point is at the cruise pier or a short walk from it — the operator's own directions are written from Puerta Costa Maya (Costa Maya cruise pier). We allow 8 min to walk off and find them; usually no taxi and no transfer eating into your day.
Among the 100 Costa Maya shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 5 h); 93% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Costa Maya call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
Discover two sides of Maya culture in one Costa Maya shore excursion, combining the ancient city of Chacchoben with a visit to a present-day Maya community.
Explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins with your guide, walking among temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and traditions of the ancient Maya. Then continue to the nearby village of Chacchoben for a completely different perspective.
Meet a local Maya family and experience traditions that remain part of everyday life today. Learn about handmade tortillas, local ingredients, traditional remedies, and family customs while spending time with your hosts.
Complete your experience with a traditional Maya meal prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations.
From ancient temples in the jungle to traditions still practiced today, this tour offers a deeper look at Maya history, culture, and food beyond the archaeological site.
Max 120 per group English, Spanish
What's included
- Bottled water
- Authentic Mayan Experience with a local family in Chacchoben village
- Entrance fees and tickets to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Traditional tortilla-making demonstration and hands-on experience
- Authentic home-cooked Maya dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and traditional flavors
- Certified tour guide
Not included
- $5.00 USD fee for the use of cameras at the Mayan City. This fee is paid directly at site
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
Itinerary
- 1Zona Arqueologica De ChacchobenYour adventure begins one hour after your cruise ship arrives in Costa Maya. Travel into the tropical jungle to explore the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your guide through the archaeological site as you discover impressive temples and ceremonial structures while learning about the history and culture of the Maya civilization. Along the way, experience the surrounding jungle and its native flora and wildlife. After exploring the ruins, continue to the nearby village of Chacchoben for the Mayan Experience portion of your tour.
- 2ChacchobenContinue to the Maya village of Chacchoben, where you’ll meet a local family and experience how Maya traditions continue to be part of everyday life today. Spend time with your hosts as they share their culture and traditions, from the ingredients and preparation of handmade tortillas to natural remedies using local plants. No family visit would be complete without sharing a meal. Enjoy traditional Maya dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients and cooking techniques passed down through generations, for an authentic taste of the region. After your visit, enjoy a smooth ride back to Costa Maya Port, completing your journey from ancient Maya history to the living culture of today.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
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.
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.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point
Good to know
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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.
- Please provide your full cruise ship name and scheduled docking time when booking.
- Visitors are not permitted to climb the temples.
- Tripods and drones are not permitted inside the archaeological zone.
- Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys, cannot be guaranteed.
- Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please advise us in advance of any dietary requirements or food allergies.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring extra cash for shopping or personal expenses, as credit cards may not be accepted at Chacchoben.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress according to the weather.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- Guests should be comfortable walking outdoors on jungle trails with some rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable wheelchairs only. Vehicles are not wheelchair-adapted, and non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Traveler reviews
Operated by Shore Excursions. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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