Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide

Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel through history from the ancient Maya to the pirates of Bacalar, combining two completely different sides of Costa Maya in one adventure. Discover Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC, where impressive temples and ceremonial grounds rise among the tropical jungle. Walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers as your certified guide reveals the history, secrets and legends of this fascinating city. Then exchange ancient temples for the turquoise waters of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, a former haven for pirates. Swim, kayak, float or simply relax by the water with a tropical drink in hand, surrounded by brilliant shades of blue. Complete your day with a lakeside Mexican lunch and refreshing drinks, enjoying the breeze and views across the lagoon. From Maya history to the turquoise waters once sailed by pirates, experience two of the places we love most — all in one incredible day.

1. 1

   Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben

   2.4 hours

   Your adventure begins one hour after your cruise arrives at Costa Maya Port. Enjoy the 50-minute drive to Chacchoben, one of the Maya region’s lesser-explored archaeological sites, dating back to around 200 BC. Follow your certified guide through ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds as impressive monuments rise among the tropical jungle. Discover the history, beliefs and secrets of this ancient city while you walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers. Discover the Gran Basamento and Temple One as your guide brings Chacchoben to life through its architecture, traditions and legends. Along the way, discover native flora and keep an eye out for tropical birds and spider monkeys in their natural habitat. From the ancient Maya world, continue on a scenic 25-minute drive to Bacalar’s spectacular Seven Color Lagoon, where a refreshing afternoon by the water awaits.

2. 2

   Lake Bacalar

   3.1 hours

   Continue to Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, a former haven for pirates where striking shades of turquoise and blue stretch across one of Mexico’s most spectacular freshwater lagoons. Make yourself at home by the water. Swim in the refreshing lagoon, explore by kayak, float in a tube or settle into a lounger and simply enjoy the breeze and incredible views. When you’re ready, enjoy a lakeside Mexican lunch with chips and salsa while overlooking the lagoon. Cool off with iced tea, hibiscus tea or traditional horchata, and guests 21+ can choose two alcoholic drinks, including beer, Tequila Sunrise, Blue Lagoon, Purple Rain or Sangria. During your time at the lagoon, paddle, swim, float, sip a tropical drink or simply relax by the water — the choice is yours. After a morning exploring the ancient Maya world of Chacchoben and an afternoon enjoying the turquoise waters of Bacalar, relax on the one-hour journey back to Costa Maya — two completely different experiences in one incredible day.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
• Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
• IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.