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

If you’re cruising through Costa Maya and considering a day trip that combines history, nature, and relaxation, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a peek into ancient Mayan civilization with a guided exploration of Chacchoben ruins, followed by a refreshing stop at Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its vibrant waters.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the professional guidance and the well-organized itinerary, making it easy to enjoy your day without stressing over logistics. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and water activities like kayaking adds a fun, leisurely vibe.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves quite a bit of travel time — roughly 3 hours of driving round-trip — which might feel long if you’re not particularly interested in the ruins or just want a quick escape. For travelers craving a relaxed, scenic day with some history and water fun, this tour could be a great fit. If you prefer more active or closer-to-port options, you might want to explore alternatives.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy guided tours with structured activities, want to learn about Mayan culture, or simply wish to unwind in a stunning lagoon setting. It’s particularly attractive for those who appreciate small-group atmospheres and inclusive perks like kayaks and lunch.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of history and nature, with a focus on relaxing lagoon time
• Guided experience enhances understanding and engagement
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning, plus small group size
• Includes lunch and water activities, adding value to the overall experience
• Long travel hours — be prepared for about 3 hours on the road
• Good for those who enjoy guided tours and scenic landscapes

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

When considering a day trip from Costa Maya, it’s important to know what’s actually involved. This tour is designed to give you a taste of both ancient history and natural beauty, making it a versatile choice for many travelers. But let’s break down what you can expect and what might be potential downsides.

The Itinerary: What’s Included and What to Expect

Start at the Archaeological Site of Chacchoben
The day begins with a short walk from the cruise port to your meeting point, typically just a 15-minute stroll. From there, you’ll hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned van. The drive to the ruins takes around an hour, during which guides often share insights about the region, Mayan culture, and local life. This initial journey sets the tone for a smooth, hassle-free experience, especially if you’re traveling in a small group.

Once at the site, you’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes for exploration. The ruins are not as heavily trodden as some other Mayan sites, which means fewer crowds and a more intimate atmosphere. The site dates back to around 200 BC, with plenty of impressive monuments, structures, and greenery surrounding you. The reviews mention great guides who are attentive, informative, and passionate about their culture, making the visit far more engaging.

A Refreshing Stop at Bacalar Lagoon
After the ruins, it’s back into the van for roughly a two-hour ride to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its seven distinct shades of blue. This part of the trip offers a scenic glimpse into rural Mexico, with some reviews noting how much the local economy relies on tourism. The lagoon is the highlight here — a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or trying out a kayak (equipment provided).

You’ll have about two hours at the lagoon, during which you can relax, take pictures, or paddle around. The included lunch of tasty fajitas at the lagoon adds to the relaxed vibe, and soft drinks are on hand to keep you refreshed. If you prefer, you can just unwind and enjoy the scenery, which many find to be a real highlight of the tour.

Transportation and Group Size

The van ride is comfortable, with air conditioning, which is essential given the tropical heat. Reviews highlight the small group size—typically no more than 80 travelers—making the experience more personal and less rushed. Many reviewers appreciated the attentive guides and the smooth logistics, making it clear that this company values organization and guest comfort.

Activities and Extras

One of the biggest draws is kayaking, which is included in the price. Kayaks are suitable for those up to 220 pounds for singles and up to 270 pounds for doubles, so it’s accessible for most travelers. The lagoon’s calm, clear waters are perfect for paddling around and soaking in the scenery.

The tour also includes a delicious fajita lunch plus soft drinks, helping you recharge after sightseeing and water activities. You might find that the quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere make this part of the trip memorable.

Pricing and Value

At around $107.10 per person, this tour offers good value when you consider the included transportation, guides, entrance fees, lunch, and water sports. The reviews repeatedly mention how well-organized the tour is, with many saying they felt it was worth the price, especially given the personalized experience and extra perks.

However, some reviews point out that the long travel hours — especially the two-hour drive each way — can be tiring if you’re not particularly interested in the ruins or if you’re looking for a shorter trip. The site visits are relatively brief, so if your main goal is relaxing at the lagoon, it’s worth weighing the travel time against your overall vacation plans.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who go beyond just pointing out sights. From the reviews, guides like Yoshi, Diego, and Maggie are praised for their clarity, friendliness, and informative narration. For example, a reviewer noted, “Our guide, Yoshi, was charming. She explained everything very clearly and was very attentive to the group,” which highlights how guides can make or break the experience.

The scenery at Bacalar Lagoon receives high praise, with many describing the waters as fabulous and peaceful. Several reviews mention the delicious tacos and fajitas, which adds a tasty, local touch to the day.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few travelers felt the ruins were underwhelming or that the long drive detracted from the overall experience. One reviewer commented, “I’d rather have done something closer to the port,” indicating that proximity and shorter travel times might be a priority for some visitors.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins, as some of the sites involve stairs.
• Bring waterproof shoes if you plan to get into the lagoon, as the water can be rocky underneath.
• Stay hydrated — soft drinks and bottled water are provided, but bringing an extra water bottle is never a bad idea.
• Arrive early and follow instructions carefully to find the meeting point without stress. The tour departs approximately an hour after your cruise arrives.
• Be prepared for a full day — the total duration is around 5 hours 30 minutes, including travel and activities.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses — the sun can be intense when you’re outdoors.
• Bring a camera but be aware of the camera fee of $5 if you plan to take lots of photos inside the ruins.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals to travelers who enjoy a guided, structured experience that combines history and nature. It’s great for those who want to learn about Mayan culture from an engaging guide and appreciate the convenience of organized transportation and included meals.

It’s especially suitable if you’re comfortable with longer travel times and want to spend more time at the lagoon than in transit. Families with older children who can handle walking and water activities often find this a fun, educational day.

If you prefer shorter, more relaxed excursions or aren’t keen on exploring ruins, you might find this tour a bit too lengthy or not as engaging. Similarly, if you’re seeking an exclusive or private experience, the group size could be a consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, including travel time, sightseeing, and lagoon activities.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get guided tour of Chacchoben ruins, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, kayak rentals, lunch with soft drinks, bottled water, and entrance fees for the ruins and lagoon.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there’s a $5 camera fee payable at the ruins site. Tripods and drones are prohibited. Souvenirs and alcoholic beverages are not included.

How fit do I need to be?
Moderate walking is involved, especially at the ruins and around the lagoon. Bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for stairs at the ruins.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, older children who can handle walking and water activities should enjoy the day. Always check the individual needs of your family members.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, hats, waterproof shoes if swimming, and a camera if desired (remember the camera fee). Also, pack extra water if you’re sensitive to the heat.

How do I find the meeting point?
Directions are sent ahead of time, and the meeting point is just a short walk from the port. Pay close attention to instructions to avoid confusion.

What happens if my cruise doesn’t dock on time?
The tour guarantees a full refund if your ship doesn’t call in port at Costa Maya at all.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Less than 24 hours, and you won’t get a refund.

Is this tour recommended?
Most travelers give it a high rating for organization, guides, and scenery, with many calling it a worthwhile day trip. However, consider your preferences for travel time and site visits.

This tour offers a balanced, engaging way to enjoy Costa Maya’s highlights, especially for those wanting a guided experience that mixes history with leisure. While it involves a fair amount of travel, the inclusion of knowledgeable guides, delicious food, and water activities make it a solid choice for most travelers looking to make the most of their port day.