Visit Chacchoben Mayan Ruins from Costa Maya

Reviews

What travellers say4.7 · 1,517 total

• x M

  Honest Aussie Review

  We had a fantastic day with Carlos. It began with a complimentary drink, allowing us to choose from beer, tequila, soda, or water. As we headed to the ruins, Carlos shared fascinating insights about the town and Mayan culture. Although our bus broke down, we were conveniently near a store that provided cold beer for the warm day. Carlos also treated us to some fresh pineapple with chili, which was a nice touch. The tour of the ruins was engaging and suitable for all ages. We returned with plenty of time to get back on our cruise. It was an enjoyable experience.

• Stephen_C

  An interesting excursion in Costa Maya

  This was a fun and engaging excursion. Carlos, our guide, provided a wealth of knowledge about the historical sites and the history of the Mayan civilization. We opted to head back to the ship after exploring the ruins, but those who went on to enjoy the beach break seemed to have a great experience. We highly recommend this activity.

• 2Badvisor

  Chacchoben Mayan Ruins – Costa Maya. Don’t Let Your Guide Leave You Behind

  We explored the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins during our Costa Maya cruise stop, and while there were enjoyable aspects, the overall experience was somewhat uneven. Getting to the ruins involved a short shuttle ride from the cruise depot to the tour company's office, where we checked in and waited about 10 to 15 minutes for the tour bus. The bus was spacious and comfortable. The journey to the ruins took over an hour through flat, swampy areas, which our guide noted are populated by residents who are given land to use. Upon arrival, the parking lot was filled with buses from various companies. We visited the first site, a notable pyramid, but things took a turn for the worse when our guide only allowed us 10 minutes to explore. After taking photos, we returned a minute early to find that our group had left without us, and the guide hadn’t noticed we were missing. We followed a path and chose the wrong direction at a fork, missing our group entirely. Fortunately, we managed to find an employee from our tour company who aided us by showing us some sights we had missed and helped us reunite with the group, which we appreciated. However, we missed a significant portion of the tour. On the return trip, our original guide didn’t accompany us and left us just with the bus driver. A redeeming moment was when the bus stopped at a fruit stand, where a vendor sold fresh pineapple and mango, something our guide had arranged ahead of time. About 20 minutes from the port, we had to switch to a van while other passengers remained on the bus for the beach, which felt a bit sudden, but it wasn't a major issue. In conclusion, we made it back to the port with ample time left. I had high expectations, and while there were some genuinely enjoyable moments, the guide abandoning us was a major downside. This tour company might still be worth considering, but it’s important to remain vigilant about timing and your guide’s whereabouts. Without those setbacks, this could have easily been a 5-star experience.

• Jonathan B

  Great tour of the Mayan ruins

  Gabby, our guide, provided a highly informative tour of the Mayan ruins. I was surprised to find multiple towers instead of just one. The sight of spider monkeys in the trees was an unexpected delight.

• Brijnaresh_S

  Great tour of Mayan Ruins

  Gabriela, our tour guide, along with driver Nelson, provided an excellent experience at the Mayan Ruins. Gabriela shared in-depth insights about the site's history and was very accommodating. We wholeheartedly recommend them for this tour.

• robertgW8699LD

  Excursion booked outside port

  The experience of reaching the travel office was enjoyable, and I was able to save money on the excursion. I asked local agents inside the port for directions, as I was unsure how to locate the office. The staff at the ruins were exceptionally warm and greeted us with cold water. The agency is conveniently situated outside the port gate near the pyramid temple, just a short walk from the entrance. The bus to the site was clean and had great air conditioning, and the guide was outstanding. We got back to the port with ample time to unwind before boarding the ship.

• freddiemer

  Great Time Great Tour

  Mr. Estrada and Gabbie were exceptional tour guides, providing a fun, informative, and humorous experience. I would strongly recommend this tour with Toucan. Thank you once more for a great time.

• ordka

  Interesting tour

  This was an excellent tour offered at a very reasonable price. Our guide, Carlos, did a fantastic job with his narration, and we appreciated the intriguing ruins that provided plenty of shade.

• Happiness03275108255

  Family trip out picked up from cruise ship.

  The tour was well organized, and our guide was extremely knowledgeable.

• Trek02831007086

  Affordable Tour!

  Carlos, my tour guide, was both informative and attentive throughout our exploration of the Mayan ruins. We ventured through the jungle, visiting around four different sites with ample opportunities for photographs. The tour also included insights into Mayan culture and the restoration efforts underway. We had the bonus of spotting howler monkeys and other wildlife along the way. Given the heat, it is wise to consider what to wear and bring; a fan can be quite beneficial for staying cool. They supply plenty of cold water, so staying hydrated is not an issue. When booking a Mayan Ruins tour in Costa Maya, Toucan Tours appears to be the most budget-friendly choice. The only minor drawback is the considerable walk from the cruise port to the tour meeting point; however, the ride to the ruins in a well-air-conditioned bus allowed us to see local aspects of Costa Maya. At the entrance to the ruins, shops are available where you can spend some time checking out locally crafted products.

Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.