Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide
Overview
Two of our favorite places in a single day. Travel through history from the ancient Maya to the pirates of Bacalar, combining two completely different sides of Costa Maya in one adventure.
Discover Chacchoben, an ancient Maya city dating back to around 200 BC, where impressive temples and ceremonial grounds rise among the tropical jungle. Walk the same paths once traveled by Maya priests, nobles and rulers as your certified guide reveals the history, secrets and legends of this fascinating city.
Then exchange ancient temples for the turquoise waters of Bacalar’s Seven Color Lagoon, a former haven for pirates. Swim, kayak, float or simply relax by the water with a tropical drink in hand, surrounded by brilliant shades of blue.
Complete your day with a lakeside Mexican lunch and refreshing drinks, enjoying the breeze and views across the lagoon.
From Maya history to the turquoise waters once sailed by pirates, experience two of the places we love most — all in one incredible day.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ — beer or select tropical cocktails
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon
- Lagoon amenities — loungers, umbrellas, WiFi & facilities
- Refreshing drinks — iced tea, hibiscus tea & traditional horchata
- Lunch by the lagoon — Mexican tacos with chips & salsa
- Kayaks, tubes & life vests
- Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Certified Tour Guide
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Alcoholic beverages Premium alcoholic beverages & additional cocktails
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Av. P.º del Puerto Lote Othónl
Casitas, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Zona Arqueologica De Chacchoben
2 hours 25 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Lake Bacalar
3 hours 5 minutes Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Single kayaks have a maximum weight of 220 lbs; double kayaks have a maximum combined weight of 270 lbs. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult and cannot paddle a single kayak alone.
- Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain at Chacchoben.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to its natural access points.
- For safety reasons, kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests. Guests may still enjoy the other lagoon activities.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
- Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
- IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.
- Cruise guests arriving after 12 PM. Make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or our beach break options
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- Temple Access: For preservation purposes, climbing the temples is not permitted.
- Children: The historical portion of the tour is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome.
- Water Activities: Life vests are mandatory for water activities and are provided. Civil Protection may restrict kayaking or other water activities due to wind, lightning or unsafe weather conditions.
- Lagoon Conditions: Water clarity, color and other natural conditions at Bacalar may vary depending on weather and environmental conditions.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests ages 21 and older. The tour includes two select alcoholic drinks; premium and additional alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost.
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Please provide dietary requirements in advance.
- Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat and biodegradable sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses.
- Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros and is paid directly at Chacchoben. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.
- Wildlife: Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys and tropical birds, cannot be guaranteed.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-169734P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.73 out of 5 stars based on 372 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Bottled water.
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ — beer or select tropical cocktails.
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon.
- Lagoon amenities — loungers, umbrellas, WiFi & facilities.
- Refreshing drinks — iced tea, hibiscus tea & traditional horchata.
- Lunch by the lagoon — Mexican tacos with chips & salsa.
- Kayaks, tubes & life vests.
- Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site.
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Certified Tour Guide.
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins.
- Alcoholic beverages. Premium alcoholic beverages & additional cocktails.
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs.
- Gratuities.
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Single kayaks have a maximum weight of 220 lbs; double kayaks have a maximum combined weight of 270 lbs. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult and cannot paddle a single kayak alone.
- Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain at Chacchoben.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to its natural access points.
- For safety reasons, kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests. Guests may still enjoy the other lagoon activities.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chacchoben Mayan Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon with Certified Guide will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bottled water
- Two alcoholic drinks for guests 21+ — beer or select tropical cocktails
- Access to Bacalar Seven Color Lagoon
- Lagoon amenities — loungers, umbrellas, WiFi & facilities
- Refreshing drinks — iced tea, hibiscus tea & traditional horchata
- Lunch by the lagoon — Mexican tacos with chips & salsa
- Kayaks, tubes & life vests
- Entrance fees to Chacchoben Archaeological Site
- Roundtrip transportation from Costa Maya in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Certified Tour Guide
- Guided tour of Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
- Alcoholic beveragesPremium alcoholic beverages & additional cocktails
- $5.00 USD copyright fee for the use of cameras at Chacchoben. This is paid directly at the site.
- Souvenirs
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Single kayaks have a maximum weight of 220 lbs; double kayaks have a maximum combined weight of 270 lbs. Children under 10 may kayak when accompanied by a supervising adult and cannot paddle a single kayak alone.
- Guests should be comfortable walking along outdoor trails with occasional rocks, roots and uneven terrain at Chacchoben.
- Transportation vehicles can accommodate foldable/collapsible wheelchairs only. Non-folding wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Please note that the lagoon portion is not wheelchair accessible due to its natural access points.
- For safety reasons, kayaking is not permitted for pregnant guests. Guests may still enjoy the other lagoon activities.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour will depart one hour after your cruise arrives to port from Plaza Las Fuentes, conveniently located just a few steps away from the main access of Costa Maya Port.
- Please note that the total walking time from your cruise ship to the meeting point is about 15 minutes.
- IMPORTANT: Travelers coming by cruise ship must provide the full name of the ship.
- Cruise guests arriving after 12 PM. Make the most of your limited time in port by booking our Chacchoben Mayan City Tour or our beach break options
- No port, no pay! Guaranteed full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Costa Maya at all
- Temple Access: For preservation purposes, climbing the temples is not permitted.
- Children: The historical portion of the tour is best appreciated by children ages 6 and older. Younger children are welcome.
- Water Activities: Life vests are mandatory for water activities and are provided. Civil Protection may restrict kayaking or other water activities due to wind, lightning or unsafe weather conditions.
- Lagoon Conditions: Water clarity, color and other natural conditions at Bacalar may vary depending on weather and environmental conditions.
- Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are served only to guests ages 21 and older. The tour includes two select alcoholic drinks; premium and additional alcoholic beverages are available at an extra cost.
- Dietary Requirements: Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Please provide dietary requirements in advance.
- Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for the day’s weather.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit, personal towel, change of clothes, hat and biodegradable sunscreen. We recommend carrying some cash for souvenirs and personal expenses.
- Cameras: A fee of approximately $5 USD applies to dedicated video cameras and GoPros and is paid directly at Chacchoben. Tripods and drones are prohibited inside the archaeological zone.
- Wildlife: Wildlife sightings, including spider monkeys and tropical birds, cannot be guaranteed.
- Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
