CHACCHOBEN RUINS

A city dating to around 350 A.D., the Chacchoben Ruins  of Costa Maya are located 110 miles south of Tulum, less than 60 miles from the Costa Maya cruise port, and about 7 miles from the farming community of Chacchoben.   The port of Costa Maya opened for business in 2001, closed after Hurricane Dean in August of 2007 and reopened again in October 2008.  

Once I disembarked the Norwegian Pearl, the first order of business was to locate the Native Choice office.  I had booked their 5.5 hour “Mayan Experience” for a party of four. 

The pier in Costa Maya is extremely long however there are shuttles to help transport passengers.

Lengthy pier in Costa Maya

Arial view of Costa Maya port complex   Photo: Public Domain

The Native Choice office is located four blocks from the port. You can safely walk from the port to their office, or walk out of the port complex and take a taxi for the quick four block ride. 

Route map to walk to Native Choice office

Once you disembark the ship, you will walk or take the trolley from the ship to the terminal building.  After you cross the entrance arch (#1 on the map) you will stay on the right hand side and walk past the shops towards the exit to the street. The shortest way out of the shopping plaza is under the tower (#2 on the map). When you cross port security (#3 on the map) you'll be out on Costa Maya Main Street.  Continue walking to the Maya pyramid (#4 on the map) ahead of you and then veer left on Paseo del Puerto Street, making sure you stay on the red brick street. The Native Choice Office (#5 on the map) is the white building on your left on the corner of Paseo del Puerto Street and Zapote Street - two blocks once you pass the pyramid.

Pyramid just outside the port complex

If you have difficulty walking and prefer to take a quick taxi ride, you will first need to walk out of the port complex.  You will find the taxis just a few steps from the port gate.  Local taxis are not allowed to pick up guests inside the port. 

Port complex map

Numbers on the map indicate the following shops:

(1) Diamonds International 
(2) Tanzanite International  
(3) Diamonds International
(4) Carpet Emporium 
(5) Diamonds International 
(6) Havana Club  
(7a, 7b) Tequileria International 
(8) Del Sol 
(9) Silver Factory 
(10) Taxco 
(A) Bandito's (Lobster Shack) 
(B) Mamasita's (Restaurant & Bar)

The walk to the Native Choice office was on flat ground and was quite easy.  The office is very clean, air-conditioned and very organized with lots of staff to assist with the check-in process.  I was introduced to our tour guide David Villagomez.

Co-owner and tour guide David Villagomez   Photo:Public Domain

I would later find out that David is one of the co-owners of Native Choice. We were immediately provided with bottles of ice-cold water as we waited for our group to form.  This was a very nice touch as it was very hot and humid.

Our white van departed right on time and the drive to the Chacchoben Ruins took an hour.  When driving to the ruin site, take full advantage of the pineapple ladies who sell whole and cut pineapple at the topes before you reach the turn off to the ruins. For 10 pesos a bag for pre-cut pineapple or 40 pesos for an entire pineapple, you will experience some of the best pineapple found anywhere. It is called honey pineapple for a reason! 

Roadside pineapple stands

David mentioned that the admission fee to the ruins was $55MXP and that it had to be paid in Mexican Pesos. 

The fee was included in the price of the tour.  You should allow 1.5 hours to complete this attraction. 

Walking up to the entrance to the ruins

Shops at entrance to the ruins

Lots of tourists

Walking through shops on our way to main entrance

The site and structures were found by a local Mayan family in 1946.  An American archeologist reported the site to the Mexican government in 1972 and excavation started by the National Institute of Anthropology and History in 1994. The pyramids at Chacchoben stand as a testament to the myths and rituals of the mysterious Mayan people.

Chacchoben map overview

Tour guide David always explaining the sites to us.

Our little group of 4 in front of Temple1

David, our tour guide, proved to be excellent.  He is an expert in flora and fauna of the region and also have extensive knowledge of medicinal plants that he received first hand from his grandmother who served Chacchoben as a midwife.  David was very attentive to our needs and answered every question we posed. 
 

Note: There is a $5.00USD copyright fee, not included in the tour price, for the use of video cameras at Chacchoben.  This fee is paid directly at the site. Tripods are not allowed at the ruins site. 

It was then back in the van and a very short drive to the village where David grew up.  It was here that we had the privilege of being introduced to a local Maya family.  Using local spices and fresh ingredients, it was now time to experience a traditional Maya lunch.  As we entered the home and the garden area, David shared with us that he maintains the garden at this home.

David leading us into the home

Some of the garden area

Before sitting down to eat, we had an opportunity of displaying our talents by making tortillas.  It looked so easy.  

But then, it was our turn.  Each of us were given the opportunity to make the "perfect little tortilla" that would become part of our lunch.

Trying our skill at making tortillas

 

cooking them up

The buffet table displayed samples of the items that were used for our lunch and David educated us about each of them. 

Now it was time to sit down and enjoy.  We were seated at a table set for four.  First to appear was a glass of “hamika” (hibiscus juice). It was so delicious and refreshing.

Hibiscus Juice

This was quickly followed by the buffet lunch.  Choices included carrot filled burritos with glaze sauce and a tostada looking type of food with salad on the top.  They also made available chicken with potatoes and black beans.  All of this was served with with a stack of nice warm tortillas. 

As we finished this fabulous meal, the four of us explored the property viewing some of the handcraft items that were made available for purchase. 

Family host

One of the reasons for selecting Native Choice is that for every tour booked, a contribution of $2.00USD is made to the community.  The funds are administrated by a committee elected by the locals and are used in programs to support elders, people in need of specialized medical attention or similar programs. 

At a cost of $75 per person, this tour included the round trip transportation in an air conditioned van, travel insurance, English speaking guide, entrance tickets, guided tour at the Chacchoben Ruins and bottled water. It also included a visit to the Chacchoben Village where we were allowed to interact with a local Mayan family and be treated to a Maya lunch.

Enjoy the beauty and majesty of Chacchoben Ruins.  

 

We finally found ourselves back in the van and leaving the community at 1:30pm, putting us back at the cruise port at 2:30pm. We did not use the shuttle service down the pier but instead, walked all the way back to the ship. Next time I may take the shuttle.