The Native Choice, Chacchoben's the first tour operator
Unwavering Reliability
Your Gateway to Authentic Mayan Culture
Established in 2003, The Native Choice (formerly Ivan and David Tours) is Costa Maya's premier locally-owned tour operator. Founded by David Villagomez and Ivan Cohuo, both hailing from the Mayan village of Chacchoben, our team brings a wealth of experience in travel and hospitality. But more importantly, we share a deep passion, love, and respect for the Mayan culture, which fuels our mission to share its wonders with you.
Expertly Led Adventures
Unforgettable Experiences, Authentically Delivered
Our team is the heart of The Native Choice experience. We recruit talented and service-oriented Maya natives who share our deep understanding and respect for the culture. Their unique insights bring sites and stories to life in a way that only a local intimately connected to the Mayan world can.
Rooted in Passion
The secret to our success is simple: passion combined with exceptional service. We pour our hearts into everything we do, crafting authentic and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the typical shore excursion. Unlike those impersonal tours, ours are free from commercial gimmicks – just pure cultural immersion with a smile.
Our commitment
As the first local tour operator in Chacchoben, we take pride in our dual mission: providing unforgettable experiences for our guests and giving back to the Mayan community. We achieve this through exceptional tours and innovative programs like the Mayan Experience Tour and Mayan Family + Seven Color (Bacalar) Lagoon Tour. These immersive experiences promote local involvement in tourism, ensuring that the benefits reach the very heart of Chacchoben.