Calakmul Ruins & Stop In The Jungle

The ancient Mayan city of Calakmul stands as a captivating relic, nestled deep within the lush jungles of southeastern Mexico. This 12-hour tour offers adventurers an immersive journey into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, promising an unparalleled encounter with the region’s rich history and natural wonders. From scenic drives through Calakmul National Park to guided explorations of the ceremonial center, the experience promises to transport visitors back in time, where they’ll have the chance to witness the diverse wildlife that thrives in this remarkable setting. Intrigued? There’s much more to uncover about this exceptional tour.

Key Points

• The Calakmul Ruins tour offers a 12-hour immersive experience exploring the Mayan ceremonial center and experiencing the biodiversity of the surrounding jungle.

• The tour includes a scenic 3-hour drive through Calakmul National Park, a 3-hour guided tour of the ruins, and a 30-minute jungle walk to spot wildlife.

• Calakmul was a major Mayan power, and the tour provides the opportunity to learn about the historical significance and architectural grandeur of the site.

• The tour is best experienced during the dry season (October to April) when milder temperatures and increased wildlife activity enhance the overall experience.

• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, traveler insurance, and a local guide, with entry fees and optional video filming permits available for an additional cost.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Calakmul Ruins tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Mayan city, offering visitors a 12-hour immersive experience.

Priced at €117.33 per person, the tour includes roundtrip transportation from hotels/Airbnbs in Bacalar, Chetumal, and Xpujil, as well as a guided tour of the impressive ruins.

Participants can expect a scenic 3-hour drive through Calakmul National Park, followed by a 3-hour guided tour of the Mayan ceremonial center.

A 30-minute jungle walk also increases the chances of wildlife sightings.

The tour is limited to 9 participants and is available in both English and Spanish.

Flexible cancellation terms and a "pay later" option make booking convenient.

Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with pickup from the agreed-upon location, kicking off the 12-hour adventure.

After the scenic 3-hour drive through Calakmul National Park, travelers enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins for 3 hours.

To increase the chances of wildlife sightings, a 30-minute jungle walk follows.

The return drive takes another 3 hours before drop-off at the original pickup location.

Highlights include climbing Mayan temples, exploring the ceremonial center, and learning about the rich Mayan culture.

The tour offers an immersive experience in this UNESCO-recognized reserve, home to diverse wildlife like turkeys, monkeys, and potentially felines.

Wildlife and Nature

Calakmul was a major Mayan power alongside other prominent city-states like Tikal, Copan, Tonina, and Palenque.

The reserve covers over 1,300,000 hectares and is recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance.

Visitors may spot a variety of wildlife, including turkeys, aguties, monkeys, coatis, and potentially even feline species.

The short jungle walk during the dry season from December to June enhances the chances of observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Exploring this expansive reserve provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich biodiversity and uncover the mysteries of the ancient Mayan civilization that once thrived in this remarkable region.

Inclusions and Fees

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off services, traveler insurance, a cooler with beverages, and a professional local guide to accompany visitors.

The total entry fees are 285 pesos per person, covering the costs of visiting the village, the reserve, and the archaeological institute.

Visitors have the option to obtain a video filming permit for approximately 50 pesos or $5 USD, as well as permission to use professional photography equipment.

However, meals, snacks, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour operator emphasizes the importance of following rules, such as no smoking, no drones, no flash photography, and no alcohol consumption or feeding of animals.

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Important Information

Certain health conditions, such as back problems or heart issues, may make this tour unsuitable for some individuals. Visitors are advised to bring sun protection, insect repellent, and comfortable clothing and footwear. Smoking, drones, flash photography, and alcohol consumption are prohibited. Feeding the wildlife is also not allowed. The tour is best experienced between October and April to avoid extreme heat. Customer reviews have highlighted the knowledgeable guides, impressive ruins, and wildlife sightings.

What to Bring	What’s Not Allowed
Sunglasses	Smoking
Sun hat	Drones
Change of clothes	Flash photography
Snacks	Alcohol
Sunscreen	Feeding animals

Recommendations

Although certain health conditions may make this tour unsuitable, visitors can prepare for an enjoyable experience by bringing essential items.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable clothing to protect against the elements. Insect repellent is a must to ward off pesky bugs. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for the short jungle walk.

Bring some snacks and cash for optional fees. Refrain from smoking, using drones, or feeding animals, as these aren’t allowed.

Customer Reviews

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews underscore the tour’s ability to deliver an immersive and enlightening experience. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable local guides who bring the Mayan history and culture to life. Many highlight the opportunity to climb the ancient pyramids and explore the ceremonial center as a true highlight. The diverse wildlife sightings, from monkeys to coatis, further enhance the journey. With the majority of reviews rating the tour as excellent, it’s clear that this excursion provides an unforgettable window into the grandeur of Calakmul.

Rating	Percentage
5 stars	92%
4 stars	8%
3 stars	0%
2 stars	0%
1 star	0%

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Calakmul Ruins is between October and April, when the weather is milder and more comfortable. This is the dry season, which brings several advantages for visitors:

1. Cooler temperatures make exploring the ruins more enjoyable.

2. Wildlife sightings are more likely, as animals are more active during the drier months.

3. The risk of extreme heat and humidity is reduced, enhancing the overall experience.

4. Crowds are typically smaller, allowing for a more intimate and immersive exploration of this UNESCO-recognized archaeological site.

Regardless of when you plan your visit, the Calakmul Ruins promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mayan history and the lush Calakmul National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Under 12 Join the Tour?

Children under 12 can join the tour. The group size is limited to 9 participants, so children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. Some health restrictions may apply for younger children.

Is There an Option to Rent Equipment for Photography?

Yes, the tour offers an optional photography permit for professional equipment. The fee is around $50 pesos or $5 USD and allows visitors to use their cameras with flash and tripods during the tour.

Are Guided Tours Available in Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

The tour offers guided tours in English and Spanish. While other language options are not explicitly mentioned, it’s recommended to inquire about availability when booking as the tour provider may accommodate additional languages upon request.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour operates with a group size limited to 9 participants. There is no minimum number of participants required for the tour to run. The small group size ensures a personalized experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to fit individual preferences. Travelers can discuss their specific interests and needs with the tour provider, who will accommodate requests within the tour’s parameters to deliver a personalized experience.

Recap

The Calakmul Ruins & Stop In The Jungle tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization. With its scenic drive, guided exploration of the magnificent ceremonial center, and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst stunning natural landscapes and ancient ruins. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour provides a unique and enriching way to discover the wonders of Calakmul.

You can check if your dates are available here: