During my visit to Costa Maya, Mexico I had the chance to go on the Chacchoben Mayans Ruins Excursion and it was fantastic. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it. I knew that we would see ruins but I wasn't sure if they would be worth the drive.
Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion in Costa Maya, Mexico
I know that probably sounds bad but I have to admit it is crazy hot and humid in Mexico. I wasn't sure if the heat and humidity were going to be worth wandering around the ruins baking and sweating. I am so thankful that they were.
The Chacchoben Mayan Ruins site is 10 acres filled with history and gorgeous lush vegetation. It is crazy to think that not all of the ruins have been excavated. There are areas where you can presume there are probably ruins under the trees and vegetation. The way the plants grow up a hill makes you start to picture ruins all over the place.
The tour left right from the Costa Maya port terminal. As we boarded the bus we were handed a paper bag with snacks and a bottle of ice water. The snacks were such a great unexpected treat. It was fun to sample Mexican varieties of the snack we enjoy at home. We tried Mexican Doritos which are spicier than the ones we have at home along with some chocolate treats.
The ice water was so needed in the heat and humidity. It is about an hour's drive to the Chacchoben Ruins. Our tour guide did share a lot of information about Mayan culture, the ruins, and the surrounding area on the way in.
If you take this tour I highly suggest bringing a washcloth or small towel with you. I wish I would have thought of this. I was a bit jealous seeing other passengers walking around being able to wipe the sweat from their faces instead of just dripping like I was. Not a pretty image I know but I want you to be prepared. 🙂
Once on-site, we had the chance to run to the bathroom before beginning the tour. One interesting thing is guides are only allowed to have 25 people on a tour without help. If they go over 25 they have to have an assistant for every additional 25 people. The group size worked out great with 50 of us. Everyone stayed together and had a great time.
Our guide was amazing. He shared history and info on the ruins while keeping us all entertained. We spent about 2 hours wandering around the Chacchoben Ruins. I wasn't sure if this was going to be enough time but with the heat and humidity, it was the perfect amount of time.
We had more than enough time to wander and get the photos we wanted while still making sure we were with our guide. I didn't realize before this tour that there have been over 1,000 Mayan settlements mapped in the area. For some reason, I didn't think of their being that many ruins.
It was really interesting hearing about the history of the area and that many residents in the area still learn Mayan as their primary language. They do not learn Spanish until they go to elementary school.
You have the opportunity to order a print done in Mayan while on the bus ride to the ruins. You can pick it up when you get to the port after the tour our guide said.
Travel tips
-Make sure you have water with you! It is hot in the ruins
-Bring a washcloth you can get damp and wipe the sweat and grime off you or use to cool yourself down.
-It is a drive to get to the ruins. If you have little ones with you be prepared with entertainment, a soft towel for a pillow.
-There are a few stands right near the entrance with souvenirs and snacks.
-Wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking and stairs!!!
-Wear comfortable clothes you can sweat in and not hate that you have to sit in them for an hour's drive back to the port terminal.
-A travel backpack is a great way to carry extra water, sunscreen, and more.
Additional Travel Articles
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins - Belize
Snorkeling Belize World Famous Barrier Reef
Salsa, Salsa and Margaritas Excursion - Cozumel
Check out all of our Cruise Travel Guides
You might also like......
Give Back with Purpose Excursion in Puerto Vallarta with Carnival Cruise Line
Photo tour of the Carnival Splendor {Video}
Cabo San Lucas Whale Watching Excursion {Video}
Exploring Mexican Wines on a Ensenada Wine Tour
Juneau Whale Watching Excursion
Restaurants on the Carnival Magic not to miss!
All new Playlist Production shows on the Carnival Vista
Wine Tour of Tuscany Cruise Excursion
Why Carnival Vista should be your next cruise vacation!
Costa Maya Cruise Port Guide
Anna-Maria
I always been intrigued about the Maya civilization and everything that ha to do with ancient history. Great post love the photos.
CATALINA NINI
It`s so great you had the chance to meet the Maya civilization through this lovely journey. ♥ Great photos and travel tips !
Cat
http://stylishconfidence.com/
Tiina A
Wow, what a great experience! I've never been to Mexico - there are so much to see, loads of different things.
Jennifer L
I just love seeing the amazing mayan ruins! I've been to a few in Mexico and they're absolutely stunning too.
Glenda
Such a cool adventure! Chacchoben Mayans Ruins Excursion looks so beautiful... Thank you for the travel tips.
Surekha
Sounds fun and looks like hiking to me 🙂
Ana
I'd love to explore the places that have history and culture and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins would be perfect for me. Thanks for sharing your excursion with us and your pictures are amazing!
niks mendoza
so envious! this looks like a great place. need to add this to my travel board - thanks for sharing!
janella panchamsingh
It looks like you had alot of fun exploring. I have not been to mexico its actually on my list of places to visit.
Daisy J. Crawford
I'm so jealous of your trip! What an adventure! And good travel tips for exploring these ruins. Cold, cold water is always underestimated.
Jolina
Bucket list! I've always wanted to see Mayan ruins. And oh yeah I can imagine the heat and humidity. I'd probably bring an umbrella too and be that one silly tourist lol!
Mary
I always find it amazing that these structures still exist. They are absolutely beautiful and aweinspiring.
Elizabeth O.
It's definitely worth going to and I like that the guide was able to maximize your time there. It's a lovely experience and there's plenty to learn as well.
Joanna
I would love to visit Mexico and discover the Mayan Ruins and the Chacchoben Ruins. I bet it was very hot and humid and it was really nice of the tour company to give you water and a bag of snacks. It's so great when you have a very knowledgeable guide who knows everything about the place you are visiting.
Bee
At least important things to remember is comfy shoes, water, and a wet clothe. Thanks for the tips.
Carrie
Looks like you had an incredible adventure. I love visiting Mayan Ruins.
lex
I will be glad if my wish gets fulfilled sooner than later, you may want to ask me what this wish is right?
the mayan ruins is somewhere i so much want to visit, your post is nice and i like the pictures and also i like how you put the heads up for whoever is planning on going.
Ana De- Jesus
Mayan ruins have always been a must have to see on my bucket list which grows bigger by the second. This is incredible.
Liz Mays
I'll definitely have to remember to prepare for the heat and humidity! Exploring and learning about the Mayan settlements sounds so fun!
Nicolas Puegher
Quite outstanding, let me tell you. I am not sure how the hell they were able to build things like this one, for example, the pyramids, same as here, perfect rocks ... how the hell they were able to make those super clean structures I can't believe that they just found perfect rocks.
Claudia Blanton
yes, I can see how you would need some comfortable shoes on that trip - but it sounds like a blast! I am used to heat, so that would not bother me too much, worth it to get to take a trip like that, blessings!
Tania Potter - Soul Sense Coaching
I love visiting ancient ruins and you are so lucky to have had a good tour guide. And i so enjoyed seeing what the snack pack is made up of.