The 4 Best Archaeological Sites in Costa Maya

1.Costa Maya Shore Excursion: Chacchoben Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,109 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $64Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned minivan from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where guides such as Ismael and Octavio explain the temples, pigments, hieroglyphics, and jungle wildlife. Expect about 50 minutes each way, 90 minutes at the ruins, uneven paths, steep steps, bottled water, and a small-group feel for $64.11.

“After multiple excursions, my family finally found one that was all around amazing. Like alot of reviews on here, Octavio was our tour guide. He did an excellent job explaining all the history to us. I was watching the ship ran tour groups and felt we were getting alot more info. Lucky for my family of 4, the other family cancelled and we got private tour of the ruins. We never felt rushed, we got to explore by ourselves when we wanted, and Octavio helped us take family photos. After having 2 shore excursions where we were begged for tips, and had mediocre experiences at best, this shore excursion was…”

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2.Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 381 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $58Best value

Ride from Costa Maya to Chacchoben for a 70-minute guided walk among Maya temples, jungle, and possible spider monkey sightings. Guides such as Carlos, Eliseo, and JC are known for lively cultural explanations. Finish with up to 1.5 hours at Mahahual Beach before returning to port. Price: $58 per person.

“Eliseo and Victor were great, very hot in May but we were given complimentary iced water. Your was very informative and we even saw some Spider monkeys.”

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3.One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 372 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $119

Travel from Costa Maya to Chacchoben, where guides such as Erick, Yoshi, Joel, and Diego explain Maya history among jungle-covered ruins. Then relax at Bacalar Lagoon with fajitas or tacos, aguas frescas, kayaking, swimming, and time by the water. The air-conditioned ride takes about an hour each way, so plan for a full outing with limited free time at the ruins.

“It was a great tour. Lots of good information. It was interesting and I learned some things I did not know.”

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4.Chacchoben & Bacalar Combo Excursion Costa Maya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 338 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about seven hours combining Chacchoben’s jungle temples with a boat ride on Bacalar’s Seven Colors Lagoon. Guides such as Juan Corona, Leo, Carol, and Francisco are praised for clear English and strong local knowledge. Expect air-conditioned transport, lunch, drinks, fresh fruit, and time to swim.

“This tour is well worth it. Being ab out to tour the ruins with a small group made a big difference in the experience. All the staff were wonderful that we interacted with.”

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