Costa Maya Private Guided Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion

Description

• Private round-trip transportation from the meeting place near your Costa Maya cruise ship terminal!
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
• Private, English-speaking, certified guide!
• Entrance fee to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins!
• Bottled water during the excursion!

Here's your chance to step back in time on a private excursion to the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben, in Costa Maya, Mexico, and learn about the ancient Mayan culture.

This private excursion is just for you and your party. You'll meet your private guide just outside your cruise terminal in Mahahual and board your private transportation before setting off to the ruins. The drive is approximately 50 minutes through the jungle to the mysterious ruins of Chacchoben, named after a nearby village. The original name and leaders of this archeological site are unknown, so it has been given the name of the village, which means The Place of the Red Corn. Along your drive, your guide may point out a few native animals like spider monkeys, small mammals, reptiles, and snakes. It's also a bird watcher's paradise as there are many species of birds living here too. 

Like many Mayan ruins, these were known only to the locals and have only been discovered and excavated within the past 50 years. On its 70 hectares, you'll find various buildings and complexes. The site has been dated to 200 BC with structures dating from 700 AD, even though some have been rebuilt. While flying a helicopter over the area, the American archeologist Peter Harrison noticed hills on the flat land and concluded that they were temples. He reported his find to the Mexican authorities in 1972, though excavations by the National Institute of Anthropology and History didn't begin until 1994, and the opening wasn't until 2002.

Chacchoben was a prosperous city due to the cultivation of corn. Today you can walk around the 3 excavated pyramids and many restored walls and staircases. At the base of the largest pyramid is a stela (large stone slab) with Mayan hieroglyphics that have unfortunately been so eroded they are unreadable but the stela still stands. The structures appear to have been used for civic and religious functions, due to a large number of incense burners recovered in the top of the large basement. The temples were used to study the stars and astronomy and as a place of worship. The top of the temples has a structure that tracks the sun throughout the day. You can see the excavated portion of the ruins from a circular path.

So far only 5 buildings have been excavated with many more waiting their turn. At present date, you can still climb a short way up the pyramids. Some of the red paint that used to cover the structures is still visible and now being protected from the sun to further preserve it. The ruins are set in the jungle which is home to animals like deer, armadillos, raccoons, spiders and howler monkeys, and many others.

Come and explore the beauty and mystery of one of the world's greatest prehispanic civilizations in this Private Shore Excursion. At the end of your amazing day, your transportation will return you to your Costa Maya cruise terminal.

What is included?

• Private round-trip transportation from the meeting place near your Costa Maya cruise ship terminal
• Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation
• Private, English-speaking, certified guide
• Entrance fee to Chacchoben Mayan Ruins
• Bottled water during the excursion

Excursion Notes

• Bring along sunblock, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a camera, and cash for souvenirs at the ruins.
• The use of video cameras at the Mayan ruins is subject to an approximate $5.00 USD fee at the entrance by the Federal Government Authority (INAH). Price is subject to change by the government.
• Tripods are not allowed inside the Mayan ruins area.
• The amount of walking time is approximately 1.5 hours total, it can be adjusted by your guide since this is a private excursion.
• Time inside the ruins is approximately 2 hours.

Where we meet

For the Costa Maya Private Chacchoben Mayan Ruins Excursion, you will meet just outside your cruise terminal. All details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

• Some walking over uneven surfaces is part of this excursion and is not recommended for guests with walking disabilities. Wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers are not allowed.
• This excursion is best suited for children ages 6 years and up due to the amount of walking.
• The ruins close their gates at 5:00 PM.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• You want to cancel at any time, for any reason, before or after your arrival. Simply contact us via email reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com within 14 days of your missed excursion date for a deposit refund.
• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location.
• Your ship misses/skips the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator to run the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the tour operator or guest may send doctor's note).
  
• Cancellations that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund. Guests must notify us within 14 days after their excursion date via email for requesting a refund of booking payment made to Shore Excursioneer.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.