Chacchoben & Bacalar: Ruins Tour with Lagoon Boat, Tacos & Drinks

4.78

(129 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Brushing a hand along the cool stone, I tried to picture what Chacchoben must’ve looked like when it was alive with voices. Our guide, Martín, kept switching between Spanish and English—sometimes both in the same sentence—which made me smile. He pointed out a tree where you could smell the sap if you scratched the bark (I did; it was sharp and earthy). There were birds everywhere, some so loud I had to pause to hear Martín’s story about the Mayan calendar carved into one of the stones. I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under those trees, but there it was.

The drive from Costa Maya was longer than I thought—maybe an hour?—but honestly, I didn’t mind. Watching the jungle flicker past felt like its own part of the day trip to Chacchoben and Bacalar. When we finally reached Lake Bacalar for our boat tour, someone in our group let out this little gasp at all those shades of blue. The crew laughed and handed us cold beers (or soda if you wanted), and then we just drifted for a while. The water was warm enough that even I got in—usually I’m chicken about that stuff—and floating there looking up at the sky felt weirdly peaceful.

At some point, our captain sliced up fruit right on the deck—pineapple so sweet it almost stung my tongue—and we passed around plates while trying not to drop anything overboard. Later at lunch (tacos with guacamole at this tiny spot they love), I tried saying “gracias” like Martín did and got teased for my accent. The shrimp tacos were messy but perfect after swimming; my hands still smelled faintly of lime hours later.

I keep thinking about how quiet it got out on Bacalar Lagoon once the motor cut off—just wind and water slapping against the hull. It’s funny how much you notice when you’re not rushing anywhere. If you want a day that feels real—not just photos—you’ll probably get that here.