Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Excursion

The Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Excursion offers visitors a captivating blend of ancient history and breathtaking natural beauty. Travelers can explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben, discovering significant structures like Temple 24 and Gran Basamento while gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The adventure continues with a scenic boat tour on the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, renowned for its vibrant hues and fascinating geological features. This all-inclusive experience promises a memorable day filled with culture and awe-inspiring landscapes. But the true highlights of this excursion may just surprise you…

Key Points

• This 6-hour excursion offers a comprehensive sightseeing experience, including a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chacchoben and a boat tour of the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.

• The guided tour of the Chacchoben archaeological site allows visitors to explore well-preserved Mayan structures like Temple 24, Plaza B, and Gran Basamento.

• The boat tour on Bacalar Lagoon provides an opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors,’ including the Black Cenote and Cenote Esmeralda.

• The excursion includes a visit to the charming Pedro Santos village, known as Pineapple Village, where visitors can learn about traditional pineapple farming practices.

• The excursion is all-inclusive, with round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Excursion Overview

This Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Excursion offers visitors a comprehensive, 6-hour sightseeing experience, priced from $160.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The excursion includes a visit to the local Pedro Santos village, a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Chacchoben archaeological site, and a boat tour of the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.

Travelers can explore ancient Mayan structures, such as Temple 24, Plaza B, and the Gran Basamento, while also discovering natural wonders like the Black Cenote and Cenote Esmeralda.

With an included lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant, and round-trip transportation, this excursion provides a seamless and immersive cultural experience in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Itinerary Highlights

The excursion takes visitors on a journey of discovery, beginning with a visit to the local Pedro Santos village, also known as the Pineapple Village.

Next, guests will explore the Chacchoben archaeological site with a 1.5-hour guided tour. They’ll discover several key structures, including Temple 24, Plaza B, Gran Plaza, Gran Basamento, Los Gemelos, Las Vasijas, and Templo Uno.

The highlight of the day is the boat excursion on the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, where they’ll witness the Black Cenote, Cenote Esmeralda, and the Pirate Channel.

Throughout the experience, the bilingual guide provides expert commentary to enhance the participants’ understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.

What’s Included

The excursion package includes a bilingual professional guide who’ll provide commentary in English, French, and Spanish throughout the tour.

The tour also includes:

1. Entrance fee to the Chacchoben archaeological site, where you’ll explore ancient Mayan ruins such as Temple 24, Plaza B, Gran Plaza, Gran Basamento, Los Gemelos, Las Vasijas, and Templo Uno.

2. A boat tour on the breathtaking Bacalar Lagoon, where you’ll see the Black Cenote, Cenote Esmeralda, and the Pirate Channel.

3. Lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant, where you’ll enjoy 4 tacos per person, as well as drinks like beer, tequila, soft drinks, and water.

4. Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Mahahual to Chacchoben and Bacalar.

Additional Information

Participants should be aware of a copyright fee of $5.00 USD for video cameras at the Chacchoben archaeological site, which is payable on-site.

Plus, the use of tripods isn’t allowed at the site.

The excursion caters to a range of participants, including adults aged 12-99, children aged 4-11, and infants 3 and younger.

This all-inclusive experience provides round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles from the Costa Maya cruise terminal to Chacchoben and Bacalar.

Guests can expect a bilingual professional guide, entrance fees, a boat tour, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day.

With a 4.5/5 rating based on customer reviews, this excursion promises an unforgettable exploration of the Mayan ruins and the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.

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Meeting Point and Customer Reviews

Guests will follow the red arrows from the Costa Maya cruise ship terminal to the Costa Maya Main Street to reach the meeting point for this excursion.

Based on customer reviews, this trip is easy to arrange and find right outside the cruise terminal, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. As one reviewer noted, ‘Great trip to Chacchoben and Bacalar. Juan Corona was an amazing guide.’

The meeting instructions are straightforward:

1. Look for the red arrows guiding you from the cruise terminal.

2. Follow the arrows to the Costa Maya Main Street.

3. The meeting point will be easily accessible right outside the cruise terminal.

4. Guests can expect a well-organized and enjoyable excursion based on the positive reviews.

Chacchoben Archaeological Site

After being welcomed at the meeting point, visitors explore the captivating history of the Chacchoben archaeological site through a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours. This ancient Mayan city, dating back to the Classic Period (250-900 AD), offers a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once thrived here. The guided tour explores several key structures, including:

Structure	Description
Temple 24	A pyramid-shaped temple
Plaza B	A central plaza surrounded by buildings
Gran Plaza	The largest open space in the site
Los Gemelos	Twin pyramid-shaped structures

Visitors can admire the intricate carvings, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and impressive architectural designs that showcase the Mayans’ remarkable engineering and cultural achievements.

Bacalar Lagoon Boat Tour

Upon completing the guided tour of the Chacchoben archaeological site, visitors embark on a captivating boat excursion across the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colors.’ This natural wonder showcases a mesmerizing array of vibrant hues, from turquoise to deep indigo.

The boat tour includes highlights such as:

1. Exploring the mysterious Black Cenote, a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters.

2. Admiring the breathtaking Cenote Esmeralda, whose emerald-green waters are truly enchanting.

3. Navigating through the Pirate Channel, a serene waterway surrounded by lush mangroves.

4. Learning about the lagoon’s rich history and ecosystem from the knowledgeable local guide.

This boat adventure offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation, providing an unforgettable experience for all participants.

Local Village Visit

Before exploring the Chacchoben archaeological site, visitors first stop at the local village of Pedro Santos, also known as the ‘Pineapple Village,’ providing a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the region. In this quaint community, guests have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their pineapple farming practices. The village offers a charming, authentic experience away from the typical tourist-centric attractions.

Pineapple Farming Techniques
Soil Preparation	Planting	Harvesting	Processing
Tilling the land	Spacing plants	Cutting ripened fruit	Cleaning and packaging
Adding organic matter	Maintaining irrigation	Selecting the best fruit	Selling to local markets
Controlling weeds	Monitoring growth	Transporting harvest

This intimate visit to Pedro Santos sets the stage for the immersive cultural experience that awaits at the ancient ruins of Chacchoben.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

Typically, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks on excursions. The tour operator usually provides meals, snacks, and beverages as part of the package. It’s best to check the tour details before deciding whether to bring your own items.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Tour?

The excursion does not have any age restrictions for the boat tour. Children, adults, and infants are all welcome to participate. Life jackets are provided for safety. The tour is suitable for all ages.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Camera or Is One Provided?

Guests don’t need to bring their own camera, as one isn’t provided. However, they can bring their own cameras to capture the scenic views during the boat tour on Bacalar Lagoon, though tripods are not allowed.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Archaeological Site?

There are souvenirs available for purchase at the Chacchoben archaeological site. Visitors can find a variety of local handicrafts, replicas, and other mementos to take home and remember their visit to the ancient ruins.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Excursion?

There’s no option to extend the duration of the excursion. The tour package has a fixed 6-hour itinerary, which includes visiting the Chacchoben archaeological site and taking a boat tour of the Bacalar Lagoon. Extending the time isn’t available.

Recap

The Chacchoben Ruins & Bacalar Lagoon Excursion offers a captivating blend of Mayan history and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the ancient city of Chacchoben, then embark on a scenic boat tour of the stunning Bacalar Lagoon, known for its vibrant colors.

This all-inclusive experience provides a memorable day of cultural exploration and breathtaking landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: