Chacchoben and Mahahual in 6 hours

Jungle-clad Mayan ruins an hour from the port, then an afternoon of beach and ceviche on the Mahahual boardwalk — a fixed pier, so no tender needed.

ExploraGo Team

Published on September 29, 2026

Duration: 6 hours
Budget: mid-range
Best for: family
Style: cultural
Season: Nov–Apr

Stops

1
transport
Costa Maya Cruise Terminal
20 min · — · On arrival
Ships dock at a pier (no tender) inside a purpose-built complex with pools, shops and restaurants; Mahahual is 5 min by taxi or 25–30 min on foot along the boardwalk.
Tips
For local tours and better prices, leave the port area for the yellow-taxi zone
Carry cash: Mexican pesos or USD
Take care
The port complex is noticeably pricier than the village
2
transport
Transfer to Chacchoben
55 min · Included in the tour · By reservation
About 70 km (roughly 1 h) along Highway 307 in an air-conditioned van to the archaeological site.
Book ahead
Tips
Book ahead in high season
Most tours include water and fruit
Take care
That is nearly 2 h of driving round trip: don't leave it to the end of the day
3
activity
Chacchoben Archaeological Site
95 min · ~US$69 (tour with guide and transport) · 8:00–17:004.6
A Mayan city founded around 300 AD, set in jungle, with the Great Platform rising about 25 m; roughly 90 min of guided walking on shaded paths.
Best time: First thing in the morningBook ahead
Tips
Closed shoes and mosquito repellent
Less crowded than Tulum or Chichen Itza
Take care
Reaching the top of the Great Platform involves climbing several steps
Taxi · 5 min
4
food
Mahahual boardwalk and lunch
85 min · ~US$15–20 · All day4.5
A fishing village with a wooden boardwalk, fish tacos, ceviche and beach clubs; most tours stop here on the way back to the port.
Tips
A beach massage costs ~US$20–25
Try the conch ceviche
5
nature
Mahahual Beach
65 min · Free (club consumption ~US$15) · All day4.5
Shallow, calm water with the reef close to shore; ideal for swimming or snorkelling straight off the beach.
Best time: Morning or mid-afternoon
Tips
Beach clubs charge for chairs and umbrellas, usually against consumption
Bring water and reef-safe sunscreen
Take care
There is broken coral at the waterline: water shoes help
6
transport
Return to Costa Maya port
20 min · — · Before all aboard
The pier access control can queue late in the day, so head back with a margin.
Tips
All aboard is usually 30 min before departure
Keep your boarding card and passport handy