Mayan Experience Tour Costa Maya's most authentic experience

Mayan Experience Tour Summary

We're delighted to share our passion for culture and history in this 5.5-hour interactive experience. This journey will immerse you, starting with the ancient majesty of the Chacchoben Ruins and seamlessly continuing to the vibrant world of present-day Maya descendants in Chacchoben Village.

You'll celebrate the vibrant culture of the modern Maya, master the art of the perfect tortilla in a one-on-one lesson, and discover age-old traditional home remedies. Our ultimate goal is for you to leave with a deeper appreciation of the Maya culture, new friendships forged, and a fresh perspective from seeing the world through the eyes of a Maya.

The Mayan Experience Tour is a captivating journey that blends ancient history with contemporary life. It includes the Chacchoben Maya Ruins Tour, followed by an engaging visit to Chacchoben Village, where a local family will warmly host you in their home.

Complete your visit by savoring the true taste of the Yucatan. The highlight of your time is a specially prepared traditional lunch, featuring fresh, local ingredients and authentic regional spices. This exclusive meal offers a depth of traditional flavor that is genuinely unique to this experience in Costa Maya.

Mayan Experience 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

5.5 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.

Mayan Experience 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.

This tour is a two-part adventure that seamlessly blends ancient history with vibrant local culture. You'll begin with a guided exploration of the Chacchoben Ruins, followed by a hands-on experience in Chacchoben village for the rest of your cultural immersion.

The trip from Costa Maya to Chacchoben ruins is a 50-minute drive on good roads. We pass through two towns, providing a quick look at local village life en route. After the ruins visit, you'll travel for 10-15 minutes to Chacchoben village for the second part of the tour.

At Chacchoben ruins

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.

At Chacchoben village

Beyond an educational adventure, your participation in the Mayan Experience Tour directly benefits the Maya families of Chacchoben village, ensuring that tourism supports their community and preserves their rich culture.

While the ancient ruins are a highlight, our guests consistently tell us that the tour's focus on hands-on activities in the village is the most authentic and memorable part of their experience. We encourage you to fully embrace the cultural exchange, but we understand that every guest has a different comfort level. The level of interaction is completely up to you, but our hope is that you'll leave with new friends and cherished memories, as connecting with the modern Maya people is truly at the heart of the Mayan Experience.

Our local host families have undergone extensive training in food safety, so you can relax and enjoy the authentic flavors of the Yucatan. We use only the freshest local ingredients, and every meal is prepared with care and cooked thoroughly to ensure a delicious and safe dining experience.

You will savor the true, exotic flavors of the Yucatan with an authentic lunch prepared with local spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional family recipes. Your hosts will even explain the recipes and let you see and taste the ingredients used to create your meal.

We are pleased to prepare gluten-free and vegetarian meals upon request. If you or a member of your party requires any special dietary accommodations, please let us know in advance so we can ensure you have a wonderful and worry-free dining experience.

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.