Combine an hour among thousand-year-old Mayan temples at Chacchoben with a pontoon tour of Bacalar’s seven-colored lagoon. This six-hour shore excursion pairs guided history with swimming and cenote stops—timed for cruise passengers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the shaded bus into humidity and the hush of low jungle; sculpted limestone temples rise through ferns and ceiba roots, their stepped faces holding centuries of rain and ritual. The guide points out a carved lintel, and for an hour you move between plazas and pyramids where the Maya once read the stars and stored maize.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks on uneven ground and brief standing during boat transfers.
Wildlife
History
Chacchoben was a Classic-period Mayan ceremonial center; its name means “Place of the Red Corn,” reflecting the agricultural importance of maize to the region.
Conservation
Bacalar’s color patterns rely on freshwater-spring flow and healthy mangroves; stay on designated paths, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid single-use plastics to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Bacalar Lagoon from Costa Maya today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Return-to-ship timing
Confirm your pickup and return times when you book; this tour is tailored to cruise schedules but delays can cascade—carry your ticket on your phone.
Sun and heat protection
Use reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and sunglasses—shade is limited at the ruins and on the pontoon.
Footwear for ruins
Wear closed-toe shoes with grip for walking short, uneven temple stairways and compacted jungle paths.
Bring swim readiness
Pack a swimsuit and quick-dry towel for swimming at the cenotes and lagoon; life vests are provided on board.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing damage to aquatic ecosystems at the lagoon and cenotes.
summer
Insect repellent
Useful in the jungle approach to Chacchoben and at mangrove-lined lagoon edges.
spring
Closed-toe walking shoes
Provides traction and foot protection on temple steps and forest paths.
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
Allows you to take advantage of the cenote and lagoon swim stops comfortably.
summer