Costa Maya's best culture & adventure combo Chacchoben Extreme Tour

Experience the best of both worlds with the Chacchoben Extreme Tour from Costa Maya, an expertly designed combination of ancient culture and thrilling adventure. This is the perfect excursion for travelers eager to dive deep into Mayan history at a spectacular archaeological site before cooling off in one of Mexico's most breathtaking natural wonders, all in a single, unforgettable day.

Your journey begins with a guided tour of the magnificent Chacchoben ruins, Costa Maya's most popular Mayan site. Wander through ancient plazas and towering pyramids as a certified expert guide brings this historic ceremonial center to life. You'll learn about the fascinating history of this civilization while surrounded by the lush jungle.

Next, your adventure continues to the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon. Known for its mesmerizing shades of turquoise and blue, this freshwater lake is a true hidden gem. Spend your time swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the tranquil shore as you take in the picturesque views. This Chacchoben and Bacalar combo tour is a perfect escape for cruise ship passengers and resort guests alike, offering an unforgettable day of discovery and relaxation.

Tour details

Pricing

$99.00 Adults [Participants ages 13 y/o and older]
$89.00 Children [Participants ages 5 to 12 y/o]
$0.00 Infants [Participants ages 4 y/o and younger]
Rates are quoted in US Dollars.

Tour duration

5.5 hours

Operating days and departure times

This tour operates daily, with limited availability during Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Earliest departure for cruise ship guests is one hour after the ship docks. Depending on the ship's scheduled time in port, later departures may also be available.

Difficulty level

Easy

This is a walking tour and includes walking on trails under the jungle. Climbing at least 13 steps is needed to see the temples on top of Gran Basamento at Chacchoben.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we recommend contacting us in advance if you require mobility assistance or have specific accessibility needs. This allows us to discuss availability to accommodate your needs and the best tour options for your visit.

Tour meeting point

Meet us at The Native Choice Kiosk, conveniently located just steps from the Costa Maya Port. Detailed directions, contact information, and a map will be included in your confirmation email to kick off your unforgettable adventure!

Costa Maya offers a variety of exciting tours and activities!
While the cruise lines provide their own excursion options, you also have the chance to discover the authentic charm of Costa Maya with local companies like us, always at better rates than onboard options. To meet our friendly representatives and access a wider selection of tours, you'll just need to head conveniently outside the port terminal.

Policies

• A deposit of $15.00 USD per person is required at the time of booking to confirm spaces on this tour.
• Your remaining balance is due in cash (USD or MXN) at check-in. Alternatively, you can pay your full reservation amount when booking.
• This tour operates rain or shine.
• Full refund guaranteed if for any reason your cruise ship doesn't call port in Costa Maya at all.
• Cancellation policy is 2 days before the tour to avoid a cancellation fee of $15.00 USD per person.
• 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.
• Non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea, hibiscus tea, and horchata are included.
• Your tour includes two alcoholic drinks for guests 21 and older. You can choose from our selection of beer and classic cocktails, including:
  • Tequila Sunrise
  • Blue Lagoon
  • Purple Rain
  • Sangria
  Additional premium spirits and international cocktails are available for an extra charge.

Recommendations for your tour

• Comfortable walking or tennis shoes are highly recommended.
• Please bring your own towel and bathing suit to enjoy the lagoon.
• Don't forget a hat and sunblock!
• Carry extra cash for any unexpected expenses.

Tour timetable

This tour is completed in 5.5 hours.

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Chacchoben Extreme Tour gallery

About Chacchoben Extreme Tour

This tour departs from The Native Choice Kiosk, conveniently located just steps from the port entrance. For a stress-free start, we include detailed meeting point information on all tour confirmations.

This tour is a two-part adventure that seamlessly blends ancient history with a refreshing adventure at the Bacalar Lagoon. You'll begin with a guided exploration of the Chacchoben Ruins, followed by a visit to Holly Margarita Lake Shore Club in Bacalar.

Details about the Chacchoben Ruins visit

Chacchoben is still under investigation, it has a fascinating mix of restored and unrestored structures, offering a unique perspective of the city's past and a glimpse into ongoing archeological efforts.

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. The leveled paths and trails allow for a slow-paced exploration. To ensure your comfort, please let us know in advance if you require a collapsible chair or umbrella. Our friendly staff is always happy to assist you throughout the tour. Before booking, please review our tour meeting point information.

When you visit an archaeological site in Mexico, keep in mind 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.
There's no charge if you're just using your smartphone, film camera, or digital camera to take photos, even if those devices have video capabilities.

Tripods and drones aren't allowed into the site.

Chacchoben's service area has a cafeteria selling drinks, water, ice cream, and snacks. Only cash (US Dollas or MX Pesos) is accepted for payments.

Details about your visit to Bacalar Lagoon

Our home base for your Bacalar Lagoon adventure is the Holly Margarita Lake Shore Club, offering direct access to the lagoon's crystal-clear waters.

Make the most of your time at the Holly Margarita Lake Shore Club with our amenities. You can relax in the sun with our loungers and umbrellas, or explore the lagoon with our complimentary kayaks.

Holly Margarita Lake Shore Club features a vibrant Mexican kitchen and a full-service bar. You can enjoy a selection of international cocktails and premium spirits while taking in the views.

Included in your tour is a delicious lunch at the Holly Margarita Lake Shore Club. You'll savor authentic tacos with your choice of filling: beef, savory chicken fajitas, Spanish sausage with potato, or traditional al pastor. Your meal comes with fresh chips and salsa and is elevated by our homemade sauces, which include zesty tamarind, vibrant green, sweet pineapple, and classic red.

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.

Your safety is our top priority! Following regulations from the Civil Protection Authority, all guests must wear a life vest while kayaking. We also require that an adult accompanies any child under the age of 10 in the kayak.

Due to safety considerations, kayaking is restricted for pregnant women.

We want to make sure your kayaking experience is as comfortable and secure as possible. Please keep in mind the following weight restrictions for our kayaks: a maximum of 220 lbs for a single kayak and a combined maximum of 270 lbs for a double kayak.

Please note that kayaking activities may be temporarily suspended if weather conditions, such as strong winds or lightning, are deemed a risk.