Costa Maya: Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon Tour

Explore Mayan Ruins and the Seven-Color Lagoon in a Single Day

This Costa Maya tour costs $116 per person and lasts approximately 5.5 hours, offering a balanced mix of history and leisure. Starting shortly after your cruise docks, the tour begins at Plaza Las Fuentes, just outside the port, with a convenient one-hour window to meet the guide. The journey takes you to Chacchoben Mayan City, one of the lesser-explored archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, dating back to 200 BC. After wandering through the impressive monuments and lush jungle surroundings, you’ll head to the famous Bacalar Lagoon, a favorite spot for pirates and modern-day visitors alike.

A key highlight of this tour is the combination of cultural discovery and relaxing waters, making it ideal for travelers seeking both educational insight and a refreshing escape. The tour includes lunch and drinks at Bacalar Lagoon, with beer, sodas, and margaritas included, along with the use of kayaks. While the duration is tight, the experience offers a well-rounded taste of Quintana Roo’s most captivating sights, with some feedback noting that the lagoon time could be longer.

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Visiting the Less Explored Chacchoben Mayan Site

The Chacchoben Mayan City is the first stop, an archaeological site that showcases incredible monuments, flora, and fauna. This site isn’t as crowded as other Mayan ruins, giving a more intimate feel during the guided tour. Your guide leads you through the ancient structures, providing insights into the history dating back over 2,000 years. The tour emphasizes the natural beauty surrounding the ruins, including local plant life and wildlife.

The tour at Chacchoben includes a guided walk, ensuring you don’t miss the significance of each monument. A small $5 USD camera fee applies, payable directly at the site. The visit typically offers enough time to explore the ruins thoroughly, but some guests note that the time at the site is limited, so it’s best for those eager for a quick yet meaningful cultural stop.

Discovering Bacalar Lagoon: A Pirate’s Old Haunt

After exploring Mayan ruins, the tour continues to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its seven distinct shades of blue. This spot has historically been a refuge for pirates, adding a touch of adventurous history. Upon arrival, visitors can relax in the tranquil waters, swim, or paddle around in kayaks—which are included in the tour.

The lagoon’s landscape is spectacular, with breezes and panoramic views that create a peaceful setting. You can also enjoy fajitas and drinks at the water’s edge, making the most of the refreshing atmosphere. Many appreciate the chance to “just enjoy the scenery,” although some note that the time allocated to the lagoon is brief, which can leave little room for extended relaxation or water activities.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Transport

The tour departs from Plaza Las Fuentes, located just outside Costa Maya Port. It is recommended to arrive about an hour after your cruise docks, with approximately 15 minutes of walking from the ship to the meeting point. The transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the transfer to both the archaeological site and Bacalar Lagoon.

This setup suits those looking for a organized, convenient excursion that covers the key highlights without the need for extra planning. The group sizes are not specified but are managed to ensure a smooth experience, with guides speaking both English and Spanish.

Guided Tour: Knowledgeable and Friendly Guides

The guides on this tour are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. They lead you through the archaeological site, providing informative commentary about Mayan history and architecture. The same guides also facilitate the lagoon activities, ensuring you feel comfortable navigating the kayaks and enjoying the surroundings.

Guests note that the guides explain the history clearly, making the experience accessible even for those unfamiliar with Mayan culture. The live commentary enriches the day, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

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Food, Drinks, and Refreshments Included

A major perk of this tour is the lunch at Bacalar Lagoon, featuring delicious fajitas and a selection of drinks, including sodas, beer, and margaritas. The beverages are included in the price, adding value and convenience. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day to keep guests hydrated.

However, some guests mention that the food can be bland and margaritas taste like juice with no alcohol, which may disappoint those expecting more flavorful or authentic Mexican drinks. Still, the overall refreshment experience is appreciated for its convenience and quality.

Water Activities and Kayaks at Bacalar Lagoon

The kayaks are included in the tour, offering guests a chance to paddle in the calm waters of Bacalar Lagoon. This water activity complements the relaxing vibe of the lagoon, giving an opportunity to explore the scenery from a different perspective.

Guests find the kayaks easy to use and suitable for most skill levels. The lagoon’s clear and gentle waters make for a pleasant, leisurely paddle, although some feel the time spent kayaking is short. Still, this addition enriches the overall experience, especially for those who enjoy outdoor water activities.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers a compelling combination of archeology and leisure, some guests note that the time at the lagoon is somewhat limited. This can result in a hurried experience, particularly if you wish to spend more time relaxing or paddling.

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems, as walking at the ruins and water activities require some physical effort. The $5 camera fee at Chacchoben is an additional cost that travelers should prepare for.

The timing is tight, and delays such as cruise ship lateness can affect the experience, with some guests suggesting the lagoon time could be extended to improve overall enjoyment.

Flexibility and Booking Options

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a reserve now, pay later option, allowing for flexible planning. Confirmations are sent via email with specific meeting instructions, ensuring a smooth start.

This flexibility makes it easier for cruise passengers to organize their day without added stress, especially with the full refund guarantee if the ship does not call at Costa Maya.

Final Thoughts on the Chacchoben and Bacalar Tour

This 5.5-hour tour from Costa Maya offers a well-rounded visit to Mayan ruins and the famous Bacalar Lagoon. It’s ideal for those eager to combine cultural exploration with relaxing waterside activities. The guided tour ensures you gain insight into Mayan history, while the kayaks and lagoon provide leisure on a stunning water body.

The included lunch and drinks add value, although the short time at the lagoon has been noted as a minor drawback. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport make this a practical choice for cruise passengers seeking an efficient yet memorable day.

If you’re interested in learning about ancient civilizations and enjoying a beautiful natural setting, this tour offers a focused, enjoyable experience suitable for most travelers. Be prepared for a busy schedule and limited time at each stop, and you’ll find this trip offers a great taste of Quintana Roo’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for this tour?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but it may not be appropriate for people with mobility impairments or heart problems due to walking and water activities.

How long is the walk from the cruise port to the meeting point?
It takes approximately 15 minutes on foot to reach Plaza Las Fuentes, where the tour begins.

Are drinks and food included in the price?
Yes, lunch (fajitas) and drinks (sodas, beers, margaritas) are included, along with bottled water throughout the day.

Can I kayak at Bacalar Lagoon?
Absolutely, kayaks are included, allowing guests to paddle in the lagoon’s calm waters during the visit.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. The tour also offers pay later options for flexibility.

Does the tour cover the entire Bacalar Lagoon?
No, the tour includes a visit to a specific area of Bacalar Lagoon, enough for relaxation and kayaking but not the entire lagoon.

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