In short
- INAH admission costs 80 to 95 MXN (about $4-$5 USD).
- Professional video cameras require an extra $5 USD fee.
- Guided excursions usually include your entry ticket.
In this article
If you visit Chacchoben independently, you pay the official entrance fee at the main gate. Most cruise visitors book guided tours that already cover this cost. Knowing the current rates helps you pack the right amount of cash.
How much is the entrance fee to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins?
The official INAH admission fee ranges from 80 to 95 MXN, which is roughly $4 to $5 USD.
You pay this fee at the ticket booth when you arrive. This ticket grants you access to the excavated areas, including Plaza B and the Gran Basamento.
Do guided tours include the Chacchoben entrance fee?
Yes, most guided tour packages from Costa Maya include the official entry fee.
Shore excursions typically cost between $50 and $130 USD. This covers round-trip transport, an English-speaking guide, and your INAH ticket.
Do I need cash or pesos for the Chacchoben ruins?
You need cash in Mexican Pesos to pay the independent entry fees.
The INAH ticket booth only accepts cash. While some local vendors might accept US dollars, the official gate requires Pesos. Bring extra cash for roadside vendors or independent guides.
Are there extra fees for cameras?
You must pay an extra fee to use professional video cameras or tripods.
The Mexican government charges a minor fee of approximately $5 USD for this equipment. You pay this directly at the ticket booth. Standard smartphone cameras do not require this extra payment. Drones are strictly prohibited without prior written INAH authorization.
Getting to the ruins to buy a ticket
To pay the gate fee, you need to reach the site independently by taxi or car.
Chacchoben is 44 miles (71 km) west of the Costa Maya cruise port. A round-trip taxi costs $100 to $150 USD. Rental cars in Mahahual cost $40 to $80 USD per day.
When can you buy tickets?
The ruins are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can purchase tickets throughout the day. However, the last entry is generally permitted at 4:30 PM. Arrive early to avoid the midday heat and cruise crowds.
Questions travellers ask
What does the name Chacchoben mean?
The original Maya name of the city is unknown. Chacchoben is a modern name translating to 'Place of the Red Corn'.
How old are the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins?
The city was settled around 200 BC. The monumental structures you see today date mostly to 700 AD.
What is the tallest pyramid at Chacchoben?
Temple I is the tallest pyramid on site. It rises roughly 36 to 43 feet (12 meters) above its massive platform base.
