Quintana Roo, Mexico
Explore this ancient Maya ceremonial center. Located 44 miles (71 km) from Costa Maya, it features large curved pyramids and active jungle wildlife.
4.7 from 1,688 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Most visitors arrive via guided shore excursions from the cruise port.
Most bookedChacchoben Mayan Ruins is the most popular and visited attraction for a day in Costa Maya. It is approximately an hour drive from Costa Maya Port. This site is just a...
From$58per person
Best for: first-time visitors seeking a classic experience
Best valueAt Chacchoben mayan ruins you’ll be leaded by a professional local guide. We will walk in the jungle to explore and learn about the different structures of the mayan...
From$160per person
Best for: travelers wanting to see the ruins and the lagoon
Explore
The site has three main excavated zones open to the public.
2 spotsMain Entrance AreaThe first open gathering space featuring early monumental architecture.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsThe Gran BasamentoChacchoben's elevated complex containing the tallest pyramids.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
2 spotsJungle BoundariesExplore shaded trails and partially unexcavated structures.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Traces of original red ochre paint are still visible on Temple I.
The site's modern name translates to 'Place of the Red Corn'.
Plan your visit
Tours take 3.5 to 5.5 hours total. The drive is 50 to 60 minutes each way.
Visit between November and April. The dry season offers cooler temperatures.
Book a guided van tour, hire a union taxi in Mahahual, or rent a car.
Independent entry is about $5 USD. Guided port tours range from $50 to $130 USD.
Chacchoben is the most popular archaeological day trip for visitors arriving at the Costa Maya cruise port. The city was settled around 200 BC. The monumental structures you see today date mostly to 700 AD. The ancient site spans 173 acres, with only the central plazas excavated.
Dr. Peter Harrison officially reported the ruins to the Mexican government in 1972. Today, visitors walk shaded paths between large stepped pyramids. You will likely hear or see local wildlife, including howler monkeys and toucans. See our guide to the The Gran Basamento to learn about Temple I.
You must follow strict preservation rules. Climbing the pyramids is prohibited. Read our advice on Port Transport Guide to plan your transit.
We list tours directly departing from the Costa Maya port area.
We aggregate reviews from past cruisers to show real feedback.
We explain what is included and note any extra on-site fees.
From Viator
1,688 reviews of the chacchoben from costa maya on Viator
The bus ride is comfortable and the guide was excellent! We had a great time on the trip. The ruins were awesome to see.
A very nice, comfortable bus drive from the port to the ruins. On the way, our guide gave us a history overview of the ruins . Once there, we were able to explore and take pictures on our own. The family enjoyed the outing
Quite a bit of walking but doable. Enjoyed the ruins which we had wanted see. Very good guide. Explained everything
A lot of history was given on the different areas we went through on the way to the pyramids. Very knowledgable, friendly. Van was comfortable water was provided. The pyramids were great. Again a lot of history was shared.
We had a terrific day. Saw the ruins and the 7 Colours Lagoon and cenotes. Our guide Juan and our driver were both awesome! Very knowledgeable and very accommodating. Would definitely recommend!
This was honestly the best way to experience Chachoben and the Lagoons. We arrived early to Chacchoben before any of the tour groups came and it was so peaceful and a really special experience. Our guide Caro was very knowledgeable and tailored the tour for our family. It was a perfect cruise excursion and we really utilized our time wonderfully!
Beautiful area to walk around and see the various ruins. Joseph, our guide, was fantastic! He knew so much about the history and traditions. Ruins were very interesting to see, we climbed the steps on a couple, amazing to see the them. Joseph was a wonderful guide and made the day a special family memory for grandparents, parents, and kids.
Jhoana was a wonderful guide! She did a great job giving us background on the Mayan culture and the history of Chacchoben Ruins. Hugo was a wonderful driver and got us quickly to and from the cruise port to the ruins.
Eric is the guide you want. Great transportation to the ruins. Ice cold a/c. Really cool to learn Mayan counting. Lunch was perfect. Small group of people and really neat to watch them cook the food while getting a lesson.
Travel tips
Port Transport GuideCompare tours, taxis, and rental cars from the Costa Maya cruise port.Read 
Ticket PricesCurrent entry fees for Chacchoben, plus camera costs and cash tips.Read 
Climbing RulesFind out if you are allowed to climb the pyramids at Chacchoben.Read 
Compare Ruin SitesCompare travel times, features, and sizes to pick the best ruins.Read Best TimeBeat the heat and cruise crowds at Chacchoben ruins.Read Family GuidePlan a family trip to Chacchoben with shaded paths and local wildlife.Read The ruins are roughly 44 miles (71 km) west of the port. The drive typically takes 50 to 60 minutes each way along Highway 307.
No. Climbing the pyramids and ancient structures is strictly prohibited. You must stay on the designated paths to preserve the site. Read more in our Climbing Rules guide.
The official INAH admission fee is 80 to 95 MXN (about $4 to $5 USD). Guided tours usually include this fee. Check Tickets for tour options.
Yes. Howler monkeys live in the jungle canopy above the site. You will often hear them, and frequent sightings occur near the Temple of the Vessels.
Yes. It is considered very safe. Highway 307 is well-paved, and thousands of cruise passengers take this route weekly without incident.
The city was first settled around 200 BC. The monumental stone structures you see today were built primarily around 700 AD.
Compare transport options and secure your tour before your ship docks.
