Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruin, 7 Colors Lagoon Shore Excursion

Exploring Costa Maya: Chacchoben Ruin & 7 Colors Lagoon Shore Excursion

When your cruise ship docks in Costa Maya, the promise of discovering both the ancient and the vividly scenic makes this tour tempting. Priced at $109 per person and lasting about 7 hours, this trip takes you from the archaeological marvels of Chacchoben to the mesmerizing hues of the Bacalar Lagoon. Led by guides fluent in both Spanish and English, you’ll experience a rich blend of history, nature, and culture—all in one day.

We like how this tour balances an insightful walk through Mayan ruins with an exciting boat cruise on the lagoon’s seven distinctive colors. It’s a chance to see two contrasting sides of Quintana Roo—its ancient roots and its natural beauty. What’s a potential hiccup? The group size can vary, and some past guests felt that organization could be tighter, especially when transportation gets crowded. Still, this is well-suited for those eager to see iconic Mayan sites and relax in extraordinary scenery, especially if you’re comfortable with some walking and boat time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Historic Insight: Guided tour of the Chacchoben archaeological site reveals important Mayan history.
• Spectacular Views: The boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon offers breathtaking vistas of the seven vibrant colors.
• Inclusive Comforts: Beverages, snacks, and life vests are provided, making the experience easier to enjoy.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for travelers with a basic level of fitness and those interested in culture and nature.
• Time Management: The tour is well-paced but includes a substantial travel time on the bus, so prepare for a full day.
• Group Size Variability: Past reviews note some dissatisfaction with large groups and organization, so ask about group sizes if that matters to you.

How the Tour Is Structured

Starting at Costa Maya Port

Your day begins outside the cruise terminal, in a parking lot filled with yellow taxis and golf carts marked with the Toucan Tours logo. Here, you’re welcomed with a complimentary drink—water, soda, beer, or tequila—while your guide and driver prepare for the day ahead. This small gesture sets a friendly tone, and it’s nice to start with a bit of refreshment while you get oriented.

Journey to Chacchoben

The drive to the Chacchoben archaeological site takes approximately 55 minutes. The scenery along the way offers glimpses of lush greenery, with the journey itself providing a bit of a breather before the exploration begins. It’s a good opportunity to chat with your guide and learn a little about what’s ahead, as well as soaking in the landscape.

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Exploring the Mayan Ruins

Once at Chacchoben, the guide takes you on a roughly 70-minute walking tour through the ancient city. You’ll get to see significant structures and learn about the Mayan civilization—who they were, their customs, and what these ruins reveal about their way of life. The guide’s knowledge is often praised, making the history accessible and engaging. Expect to see pyramids, temples, and possibly some archaeological artifacts—all with plenty of opportunity for photos.

One guest, Shmuel from Israel, called it a “perfect day,” appreciating the historical insights provided. Yet, others have noted that the tour might feel hurried if the group is large, so don’t expect a leisurely stroll.

Transition to Bacalar Lagoon

After the archaeological visit, your driver takes you to Bacalar Lagoon, a journey of about 1.5 hours. This part of the day is a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery en route, with the anticipation building for the next highlight.

The Seven Colors Lagoon & Boat Cruise

Once at Bacalar, you’ll enjoy regional lunch and then hop onto a boat for a two-hour cruise. Expect to marvel at the lagoon’s distinctive hues—each shade of blue and green shifting with the water’s depth and sunlight. The boat ride is also an opportunity to see local cenotes and learn about the area’s unique geology and wildlife, with snacks like local fruit provided along the way.

Guests have praised the stunning natural beauty here—it’s what makes the trip worthwhile. The boat is equipped with life vests, and drinks are available, making it a comfortable excursion.

Return Trip

After the cruise, the bus takes you back to Costa Maya, completing the approximately 1.5-hour return journey. By the time you arrive back at the port, you’ll have experienced a full day of history, scenery, and relaxation.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour:
– Round-trip transportation from Costa Maya port
– Entrance fees to Chacchoben
– Guided tour (Spanish & English)
– Beverages (water, soda, beer, tequila shot)
– Two-hour boat cruise on Bacalar Lagoon
– Snacks of local fruit
– Life vests for the boat ride

Not included:
– Meals (beyond regional snacks)
– Other personal expenses

This is a solid value for the price, especially considering the combination of cultural and natural attractions. The guided aspect is particularly valuable for those wanting to learn about Mayan history without the hassle of wandering solo.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a balanced day of archaeological exploration and scenic relaxation. It’s ideal if you’re interested in Mayan culture, beautiful landscapes, and boat rides. Because the tour involves some walking and boat time, it’s suitable for those with a moderate fitness level. However, it might not be ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer very small, intimate groups—some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with bus crowding.

If you’re traveling with children, note that some reviews mention large buses and organization issues, so you might want to clarify group size beforehand. The tour is also flexible with cancellation, offering full refunds with 24 hours’ notice, which adds peace of mind.

Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Chacchoben Ruins: A Glimpse into Mayan Life

Arriving at Chacchoben, you’re stepping into a significant archaeological site, believed to be one of the major cities of the Mayan civilization. Your guide will explain the layout—pyramids, plazas, and temples—while you marvel at their age and craftsmanship. We loved the way guides make history come alive with stories and context, rather than just listing facts. It’s this connection that makes the ruins feel meaningful.

Guests like Shmuel from Israel appreciated the “perfect day”, highlighting how the guide’s narration brought history alive. Conversely, some reviews indicate that large groups might feel a bit hurried, reducing the opportunity to really soak it in.

The Scenic Drive & Arrival at Bacalar

The drive through the green countryside sets a relaxed tone, and arriving at Bacalar Lagoon is like stepping into a postcard. The water’s shades shift from turquoise to deep blue, creating a watercolor effect that’s truly mesmerizing.

The Lagoon & Boat Ride: A Visual Feast

Once on the boat, you’ll see why Bacalar is called the “Lake of Seven Colors.” The guide points out cenotes and explains the unique limestone formations that give the water its vivid hues. Snacks of local fruit are a nice touch, and guests often comment on how peaceful and beautiful the scenery is. The two-hour cruise offers plenty of chances for photos, conversation, or simply soaking in the views.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Bring comfortable shoes and beachwear—you’ll be walking and possibly swimming or wading in the lagoon.
• Be prepared for a full day with some travel time; plan accordingly.
• For those sensitive to seasickness, note that the boat ride might be an issue.
• Some guests mentioned dissatisfaction with large group sizes and organization, so ask about the group size if that’s a concern.

The Sum Up

This Costa Maya tour offers an engaging mix of history and natural beauty. You’ll walk among ancient Mayan pyramids and relax on a boat floating through a spectacularly colorful lagoon. It’s a solid choice if you want to see iconic ruins and spend a good amount of time enjoying scenic views in one day.

While some reviews mention organizational hiccups and large groups, many guests still find the highlights—especially the stunning landscape of Bacalar—worth the trip. The knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery make this a memorable day, especially for those eager to experience both cultural heritage and breathtaking nature.

This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy cultural excursions combined with outdoor adventures. If you’re comfortable with some walking and a boat ride and want to maximize your time exploring two of Quintana Roo’s treasures, this experience can deliver a well-rounded glimpse of the region’s past and present.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from Costa Maya port is included, with a bus or van depending on the group size.

How long is the drive to Chacchoben?
About 55 minutes from the port to the archaeological site.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
Approximately 7 hours, including travel, touring, and the boat cruise.

Are beverages provided?
Yes, unlimited water, soda, beer, and a tequila shot are offered during the trip.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and beachwear are recommended; sunscreen and a hat are also advisable for outdoor parts.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this suitable for children?
Most likely, but consider group size and check with the provider if you have concerns about organization or logistics.

You can check availability for your dates here: