A Guide To The Best Mayan Ruins Near Costa Maya

Costa Maya stretches 60 miles along Mexico's southeastern coast — far enough from Cancun that the Mayan ruins here rarely make the tour bus circuit. That's the point. The three main sites near Costa Maya — Chacchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanché — are uncrowded, well-preserved, and genuinely different from each other. This guide covers what makes each one worth the drive, and how to pick the right one for your day in port.

How far are the Mayan ruins from Costa Maya cruise port?

The terrain is flat jungle — the drives are easy, just a bit long in places on narrow roads. All three sites are inland from the coast. Here's the quick breakdown:

Costa Maya ruins: quick comparison

Ruins Site	Travel Time from Port	What Makes It Special
Chacchoben	1 hour	Closest to port, shaded jungle paths, well-preserved temples with traces of original red paint. Good for shorter port days.
Kohunlich	1.5–2.5 hours	Quiet rainforest setting, very few crowds. Known for the Temple of the Masks — enormous carved faces, still intact on the stone walls after 1,500 years.
Dzibanché	2–2.5 hours	Remote and rarely visited. One of the few sites where you can still climb the main temples for treetop views.

The most practical way to get to any of these sites from the port is an organized Mayan ruins excursion — air-conditioned transport, bilingual guide, and a back-to-ship guarantee. Independent travel is possible via rental car or taxi-colectivo from the town of Limones, but gives you less buffer on return timing.

The Maya in Costa Maya

The Maya civilization established cities in this region around 750 BC and controlled large sections of eastern Mexico and Central America for over a thousand years. They developed a sophisticated writing system, precise astronomical records, and durable stone architecture. The sites near Costa Maya were largely unknown outside local Maya communities until the mid-20th century — which partly explains why they feel less processed and more intact than the famous ruins farther north.

Chacchoben

Chacchoben is the easiest to reach — about an hour inland — and the most visited of the three. The city peaked around 300 AD. The main structure, the Gran Basamento, rises over 100 feet and gives views across the jungle canopy. You can still see traces of the red paint that originally covered several temples, which is unusual and worth looking for.

Bring good shoes and water. The paths are uneven jungle terrain and humid year-round. Howler monkeys and iguanas are common sightings. The site recorded over 29,000 visitors in January 2025 — the second most-visited archaeological site in Quintana Roo — though on the ground it rarely feels crowded, since visits are spread across many different cruise days.

See the full Chacchoben visitor's guide for a detailed breakdown of what to see and practical tips.

Kohunlich

Kohunlich is about 90 minutes from port and significantly quieter. The site spreads across 21 acres of rainforest, with around 200 structures — many still unexcavated under the trees. The standout feature is the Temple of the Masks: enormous carved stone faces, over 1,500 years old, staring out from the main pyramid walls. On a typical visit you'll have long stretches of the site to yourself.

Bring insect repellent and sturdy shoes. The payoff is a genuinely atmospheric site that most tourists never reach.

Dzibanché

Dzibanché is two hours from port and rarely visited — on most days you may have the main temples essentially to yourself. The city was founded around 300 BC and at its peak covered nearly 40 square kilometers. Unlike the other two sites, you can still climb several of the main structures, including the Temple of the Captives and the Temple of the Owl, for wide views over the tree canopy.

Best for travelers with a full day in port who want something genuinely off the tourist trail.

Shore excursion options

All three sites are accessible independently, but organized excursions are worth it on cruise days — the guides know the sites well and the back-to-ship guarantee removes the one real stressor of going this far inland.

Chacchoben Day Trip from Costa Maya

A 3.5-hour shore excursion with a bilingual guide meeting you outside the terminal gates. About 90 minutes on site, round-trip transport included. Over 500 five-star reviews. Small group format — not a bus tour.

The most popular pairing is the Chacchoben + Bacalar Lagoon combo — ruins in the morning, then a boat tour on the lagoon with lunch. Works best with 8+ hours in port.

Kohunlich ruins excursion

The Kohunlich excursion departs from outside the Costa Maya port and takes about 1.5 hours to reach the site. An English-speaking guide walks you through the full site, including the Temple of the Masks and the residential compounds that give a sense of how the city was organized. Plan for a full half-day from port.

Combo tours

The most popular combination is Chacchoben plus Bacalar Lagoon — ruins in the morning, then the lagoon by boat or kayak with lunch. The Bacalar portion adds about three hours to the day. Other combos pair ruins with snorkeling or beach time if you want more variety on the water side.

Frequently asked questions

Are the ruins near Costa Maya good for families?

Yes, especially Chacchoben — the paths are manageable and wildlife sightings (monkeys, iguanas, birds) tend to be a hit with kids. Kohunlich and Dzibanché work well for older kids who want to explore. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.

When is the best time of year to visit?

November through April has the driest and most comfortable weather. Morning tours are cooler and less crowded. The ruins are open year-round — summer works fine, just bring more water.

Which site is least crowded?

Kohunlich and Dzibanché are the quietest. Dzibanché in particular can feel like you have the site to yourself. If that matters, either is worth the longer drive — just plan for a full day in port.

Can I climb the temples?

At Dzibanché, yes — several main structures are still climbable. Climbing is restricted at Chacchoben and Kohunlich to protect the stonework. Follow site staff and guide instructions.

Are the roads to the ruins safe?

Yes. The routes are well-traveled by tour groups daily. Roads narrow as you get closer to each site, which is part of why organized tours with local drivers are the preferred option for cruise passengers.