Chacchoben Ruins
Explore the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben, nestled in a lush jungle, offering a peaceful glimpse into history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Chacchoben Ruins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben, nestled in a lush jungle, offering a peaceful glimpse into history.
"Incredible experience! The site is beautiful, well preserved and surrounded by lush jungle."
🎯 Arrive Before Cruise Tours
Get there before the cruise ship excursions to enjoy fewer crowds and better photos.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is uneven, so sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the ruins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Plaza
Central area of the ruins
Explore the main ceremonial center with its impressive pyramids and structures, offering a glimpse into Mayan life.
Jaguar Temple
Within the ruins complex
Discover this significant structure, rumored to be a site for ancient rituals and sacrifices.
Jungle Surroundings
Throughout the site
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rainforest, listen to the sounds of nature, and spot local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Experience
Prepare for the Jungle Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Cruise Tours
Get there before the cruise ship excursions to enjoy fewer crowds and better photos.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is uneven, so sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the ruins.
☀️ Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Protect yourself from the sun and insects in this jungle environment.
💧 No Food or Drink Inside
You can't buy food or drinks inside the park; hold onto your empty containers until you exit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Cruise Tours
Get there before the cruise ship excursions to enjoy fewer crowds and better photos.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain is uneven, so sturdy walking shoes are a must for exploring the ruins.
☀️ Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Protect yourself from the sun and insects in this jungle environment.
💧 No Food or Drink Inside
You can't buy food or drinks inside the park; hold onto your empty containers until you exit.
📸 Video Camera Fee
Be aware of a small fee for using video cameras for recording.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Chacchoben Ruins to be a beautiful and well-preserved Mayan site offering historical depth and a peaceful jungle setting. While some found the ruins smaller than expected, the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see wildlife are consistently praised. The uneven terrain and lack of amenities inside the park are minor drawbacks for some.
"I liked, but didn't love this place.
For some reason (I don't know why) I thought the ruins/pyramids would be taller, more impressive. But it is a nice place to get some history. Just keep in mind that you can't get anything to eat or drink inside the park, and if you take anything in, you have to hold onto the bottle/container until you come back out. There are no trash cans inside. Also, if you have mobility problems, there are no paved walkways, so it can be a challenge."
Dadmara Martinez
"Visiting the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins was an incredible experience! The site is beautiful, well preserved and surrounded by lush jungle. The ruins themselves are stunning with several large pyramids and structures you can explore up close. The tour guides really do a great job! The grounds are well kept and while you’re exploring, you might even spot some wildlife. It’s not as crowded as some of the bigger ruins which makes it feel more peaceful and personal. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the area. You get history, culture and beautiful scenery all in one stop!"
Amanda Turner
"We visited Chacchoben as part of a Royal Caribbean excursion, and it was an unforgettable experience. The site is rich in history and offers a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization, with structures dating back to around 700 AD.
The ruins are beautifully preserved, and the surrounding jungle adds to the site’s mystique. Our guides were knowledgeable and passionate, providing insightful information about the site’s history and significance.
At the entrance, there are small shops and restrooms, making it convenient for visitors. Photography is encouraged, but note that there’s a government-imposed fee of approximately $5 USD for using video cameras.
Overall, Chacchoben is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring ancient cultures.
👉 For more photos and stories from our trip, visit: joelfeld.com
Summary:
•Historical Significance | ★★★★★
Well-preserved Mayan ruins offering deep cultural insights 
•Guides | ★★★★★
Knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing the experience
•Facilities | ★★★★☆
Basic amenities available; shops and restrooms at the entrance
•Accessibility | ★★★☆☆
Uneven terrain; not suitable for all mobility levels
•Value | ★★★★☆
Reasonably priced with an additional fee for video recording
•Recommend | ✅ Yes"
Joel Feld (Learn with Joel)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chacchoben Ruins are located about 50 minutes to an hour north of the Costa Maya cruise port. Many cruise lines offer direct excursions. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or arrange private transportation.
Yes, Chacchoben Ruins are situated about an hour north of Bacalar, making it a feasible combination trip.
Many visitors opt for organized tours from cruise ports or nearby towns like Bacalar for convenience and guided insights.
Yes, you can drive to the ruins. There is parking available, and it's a relatively short drive from the main highway.
Chacchoben Ruins are approximately 50 minutes to an hour away from Mahahual, the main town near the Costa Maya cruise port.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees can vary, but expect a reasonable price. There's an additional fee for using video cameras.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by sharing historical context and insights. +1
Opening hours can vary, but it's best to check in advance, especially if you are not on a cruise ship tour. Arriving early is advised.
Tickets are typically available for purchase at the entrance, but booking in advance through an excursion can sometimes offer a smoother experience.
While general photography is usually included, there is a government-imposed fee for using video cameras.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore several large pyramids, plazas, and ancient structures, offering a glimpse into Mayan civilization. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
The walkways are not paved and can be uneven, making it challenging for those with mobility problems.
No, you cannot bring food or drinks inside the park. You must hold onto any containers until you leave.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the entrance of the site.
Visitors have reported seeing monkeys and other jungle creatures. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Grand Plaza and the main pyramids offer iconic photo opportunities. Early morning visits can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Photography is generally allowed, but there's a fee for using video cameras.
Drone usage policies can be strict at archaeological sites; it's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator beforehand.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer people, enhancing your photographic experience.
The main restriction is the fee for video cameras. Always be respectful of the historical site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
+1 Many cruise lines offer organized tours, which handle transportation and often include a guide. 🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mayan History at Chacchoben
The site was rediscovered in the 1920s and has since been excavated and preserved, offering visitors a fascinating look into the past. The ruins are spread across a large area, with several distinct architectural groups, including the Grand Plaza and the Jaguar Temple. These structures served various purposes, from ceremonial centers to residential areas for the Mayan elite. Guides at the site are crucial for understanding the historical context, the rituals performed, and the daily lives of the people who inhabited Chacchoben.
Walking through Chacchoben is like stepping back in time. The well-preserved monuments and the surrounding jungle create an immersive experience. It's a place where history comes alive, offering a profound sense of connection to the Mayan heritage.
Navigating the Jungle and Wildlife
The sounds of the rainforest, including the calls of monkeys, create an immersive natural soundtrack to your exploration. It's essential to be prepared for this environment. Bringing insect repellent is highly recommended to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
The jungle canopy provides some shade, but the tropical sun can still be intense, so sunscreen is also a must. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are crucial for navigating the uneven jungle paths and archaeological sites safely. The combination of ancient ruins and the vibrant jungle ecosystem makes Chacchoben a unique destination. It offers not just a historical journey but also an opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit