Chacchoben Ruins Tour Costa Maya's Top-rated Ruins Tour

Chacchoben Ruins Tour Summary

Step into history where nature and ancient culture harmonize. Your journey begins with the myth of creation and traces the rise and collapse of the great Maya civilization. Enter the ceremonial heart of Chacchoben, explore its secrets, and let the sounds of the jungle enliven your senses.

Your Chacchoben Ruins Tour includes a captivating two-hour guided experience led by a native guide. You will explore the secrets of this majestic ceremonial center, which reached its peak around 300 AD. Explore the visible evidence of the New World's most brilliant civilization, rediscovered after centuries of being silently preserved beneath the jungle canopy.

Complement your tour with a short, immersive walk beneath the jungle canopy. The highlight is climbing the Gran Basamento, Chacchoben's ritual heart, which rewards you with spectacular, sweeping views of the surrounding jungle and a stunning perspective of Temple One, the site's astronomical hub.

Beyond the ruins, your guide will enrich the experience with insights into the local ecosystem. You'll learn about native plants and have opportunities to spot local fauna, such as various tropical bird species and the occasional spider monkey, thriving in their natural habitat.

Chacchoben Ruins Tour Overview

Rates (Through December 31st, 2025)

Our family admission policy allows for complimentary admission of up to two infants (aged 0-4) per family. Standard child rates apply for all additional infants.

Tour Meeting Point

Your tour will depart from The Native Choice Kiosk, located just a few easy steps outside the main port gate. Your tour confirmation email includes easy-to-follow directions, a detailed map, and local contact numbers to ensure a stress-free start to your day.

Chacchoben Ruins Tour Itinerary

Tour Duration

4 hours

Tour Departure Times & Availability

We offer daily departures year-round. For cruise ship guests, the earliest tour departs one hour after your ship docks; later times may be available depending on your vessel's time in port. Please note that availability is limited on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, so advance booking is highly recommended.

Booking and Payment Policy

Deposit

To secure your spot on this popular tour, a minimum deposit of $15.00 USD per person is required. You also have the option to pay the full balance at the time of booking, if you prefer.

Worry-Free Guarantee

All payments (deposits or full amounts) are fully refundable if your cruise ship is unable to dock in Costa Maya for any reason. Your booking is completely safe with us.

Cancellation & No-Show Policy

Cancellations

You may cancel your reservation up to 2 days before your scheduled tour to avoid a $15.00 USD per person cancellation fee.

No-Shows

No-Shows are subject to a $15.00 USD per person fee.

Know Before You Go

Physical Activity Level

This is a walking tour suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. Participants must be comfortable with outdoors and be able to walk on trails under the jungle expecting a few rocks and roots along the way.

Operating Conditions

To ensure you don't miss out, our tour operates rain or shine. Check the day's forecast and prepare accordingly. Bring essentials like a hat and sunscreen for sun or a light jacket and water-resistant shoes for rain.

Important Notes & Site Rules

• We find that children ages 6 and older get the most enjoyment and appreciation out of the historical content and jungle walk.
• There's a $5.00USD fee if you want to bring a dedicated video camera like a camcorder or a GoPro. This is specifically for personal use, not for commercial filming. This fee isn't included in the tour price, and it's paid at the site's entrance.
• Tripods and drones are strictly prohibited inside the archaeological zone.

Recommendations for Your Tour

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat and sun screen if you visit during the summer.
• Bring extra cash for any shopping or small purchases, as cards are not accepted at Chacchoben.

Chacchoben Ruins Tour Additional Details

Your tour departs from The Native Choice Kiosk, located just steps from the port entrance. Detailed, stress-free directions are included in your confirmation.

The trip from Costa Maya to Chacchoben is a 50-minute drive on good roads. We pass through two towns, providing a quick look at local village life en route.

Still under active investigation, Chacchoben presents a dynamic visual experience. You'll see a captivating mix of fully restored temples alongside jungle-covered mounds, showcasing the city's journey from past glory to modern discovery.

For preservation purposes, visitors are NOT allowed to climb the temples.
Climbing is permited at Gran Basamento to explore the temples on top of it.

Guests with walking difficulties can still enjoy the beauty of Chacchoben. Our paths and trails are largely leveled, allowing for a relaxed, slow-paced exploration. To maximize your comfort, please inform us in advance if you require a collapsible chair or an umbrella; our friendly staff is always happy to assist you throughout the tour. For the best experience, we encourage you to review our tour meeting point information before booking.