Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Mayan Experience with Lunch

5.0 (5 reviews) 5 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

Typical Maya woman making tortillas — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Discovery Chacchoben Mayan City from Costa Maya Shore Excursion — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Travel through Maya history — then discover how that history lives on today. Explore the ancient city of Chacchoben with your certified guide before meeting a local Maya family, descendants of the civilization whose temples and traditions you’ve just discovered.

Step into their daily life as your hosts share traditions and knowledge inherited through generations. Learn about everything from handmade tortillas to traditional home remedies, then make your own tortilla alongside the family.

Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. It’s a chance to experience the authentic flavors of Maya family life while sharing stories, food and laughter with your hosts.

You’ll arrive curious about Maya history and leave having experienced a little of Maya life today.

Day Trips Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 5 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 80 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Next Experience Travel

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Home-cooked traditional Maya lunch with fresh local ingredients & family recipes
Included: Traditional tortilla-making experience with your Maya hosts
Included: Certified Tour Guide
Included: Visit with a local Maya family in Chacchoben village
Included: Guided tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
Included: Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site
Included: Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
Not included: Souvenirs
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben

2 h 30 min Admission included

our adventure begins one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Enjoy the 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, one of the Maya region’s lesser-explored archaeological sites, dating back to around 200 BC.

Follow your certified guide through ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds and be amazed by monuments rising among the tropical jungle. Discover the history, beliefs and secrets of this ancient city as you walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers.

Discover the Gran Basamento and Temple One as your guide brings the ancient city to life through its architecture, traditions and legends. Along the way, discover native flora and keep an eye out for tropical birds and spider monkeys in their natural habitat.

But your journey into Maya culture is only beginning. Continue on a short 15-minute drive to Chacchoben village, where you’ll meet descendants of the ancient Maya and discover how their traditions live on today.
Chacchoben

3 hours

Now experience Maya culture as it lives today. Meet a local Maya family, descendants of this great civilization, and step into their daily life as they share traditions and knowledge passed down through generations

Discover traditional tortillas, home remedies and knowledge inherited from their ancestors. Then make your own tortilla alongside your hosts.

No family visit would be complete without sharing a meal. Gather around the table for a home-cooked traditional lunch, prepared with fresh local ingredients, Maya spices and ancestral techniques passed from generation to generation. Discover authentic flavors rooted in Maya family life.

More than a cultural visit, this is a chance to share food, traditions, stories and laughter with the family who welcomed you — and experience Maya culture through the people who keep it alive today.

After this special time together, relax on the 50-minute drive back to Costa Maya, bringing your journey from the ancient Maya world to Maya life today

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting 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.

End 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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.
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
Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros and is paid directly at the archaeological site. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain.
Children: The historical and cultural experience is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome.
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 hat and sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs or small purchases, as cards are not accepted at Chacchoben.
Wildlife: Chacchoben is surrounded by a natural jungle environment. 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.
Wheelchairs: Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.
Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available upon request. Please provide any dietary requirements in advance so arrangements can be made.