Chacchoben Archaeological Zone — Local services in Quintana Roo

Chaccoben Mayan Ruins: A Journey through History and Culture

Nestled off the coast of Costa Maya lies a hidden gem that captivates the hearts and minds of all who visit - the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins. My experience exploring this ancient site during a Norwegian Cruise excursion left an indelible mark, revealing a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural connections that transcends time and borders.

As our 12 group embarked on the journey to Chaccoben, excitement permeated the air. The anticipation of unraveling the mysteries of this ancient civilization was palpable. Little did we know that what awaited us would far surpass our expectations. Upon arrival, the grandeur of the Mayan ruins unfolded before our eyes. Towering pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and sprawling temple complexes painted a vivid picture of a once-thriving civilization. Surprisingly, the architecture and religious symbolism bore striking resemblances to structures found in South India, a testament to the interconnectedness of human history and the universality of human expression.

Guided by the knowledgeable Fabiola, we embarked on a journey through time, delving into the rituals, beliefs, and daily life of the ancient Mayan people. Fabiola's insights illuminated the significance of each structure, from the towering temples dedicated to deities to the humble dwellings of the common folk. As we explored the sanctums and ceremonial plazas, it became evident that every stone told a story, every carving a testament to a bygone era.

One aspect that added an element of adventure to our exploration was the presence of wildlife, particularly snakes. Thankfully we had appropriate footwear and stayed vigilant as we navigated the site. Despite the couple of sightings, the allure of the ruins remained undiminished, a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of the Mayan civilization.

As we traversed the ruins, the importance of preparation became apparent. The journey from the port to Chaccoben took approximately 1.5 hours, followed by an equally enriching 1.5-hour tour of the site. Our presence of mind to carry water, sunshades, caps, and sunscreen proved invaluable, ensuring that we remained comfortable and hydrated throughout our expedition.

Each step we took was a testament to the awe-inspiring legacy of the Mayan civilization. From the intricate carvings adorning the temples to the verdant jungle that embraced the ruins, Chaccoben offered a glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and wonder.

In conclusion, my visit to the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins was an unforgettable journey through history and culture. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the spiritual significance of the site, every moment was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the ancient Mayan people. As I reflect on my experience, I am reminded of the profound connections that unite humanity across time and space (continents), reaffirming the importance of preserving our shared heritage for future generations to cherish...

This was a phenomenal site. Never heard of it until we started searching for different sites as we were driving thru Mexico. Huge parking area with a small restaurant and tourist items for sale near the entrance. The site was amazing and the jungle plaza was probably the most impressive with all the palms. Also saw quite a few monkeys near the pyramids. Don’t miss this site!

In the 1940s a farm was established near the site by the Cohuo family. The site was reported visited by archeologist Loring Hewen and briefly described in a letter to ethnohistorian Ralph Roys in 1962. The principal pyramid was apparently then still used as a site for religious worship. The ruins were officially reported to the Mexican government in June 1972 by Dr. Peter Harrison, an American archaeologist who was working on a project for The Royal Ontario Museum, and who also made the first maps of Chacchoben. Harrison stumbled upon this site while flying a helicopter over Mexico and noticed numerous hills in predominantly flat lands. Harrison realized there were temples beneath these hills, which were naturally covered over a period of 2000 years.

Visitors to the site today walk a circular path that includes three excavated and restored pyramids, as well as many walls and staircases. Excavation is continuing on several mounds which are known to contain further buildings. Some structures still bear traces of the red paint with which they were originally coated, and INAH has set up shaded areas to prevent further degradation of this pigment by the sun. Also notable at the base of the largest pyramid is a large stone slab called a stela with a Maya hieroglyphic inscription. Chacchoben is one of the more popular ruin sites in southern Quintana Roo, with regular tourist trips from the port of Costa Maya.

The surrounding jungle is characterized by abundant species of fauna, such as deer, peccary, armadillo, gray fox, spider monkey and howler monkey. Deeper into the jungle, more dangerous animals like jaguar, ocelot, puma and tapir...

We just did the Chacchoben Mayan ruins and beach break. We rode acomfortable tour bus from the port to the entrance of the Mayan ruins. We were given 5 minutes for a bathroom break and then walked maybe a 1/4 of a mile to the first ruin site. The walkway was a rough finished concrete mixed with some gravel. The walkway extended furher back from Chacchoben to more Mayan ruins. I think the walk to the ruins in the back then back to the gift shops was maybe a mile, if that. We were concerned about the terrain due to having an elderly family member. We brought collapsible walking sticks for them and they helped a lot. The pace was not too fast or slow. There were a few benches scattered around each ruin site. The areas around the actual ruins were dirt, grass and some tree roots. When we got back, we had maybe 10 minutes to spend in the gift shop and then we got back on the buses. They took us to the tour company's private lagoon/section of the beach area where we were given lunch, assorted beverages and beach access. There were also kayaks, but the water was choppy the day that we went. There were rocks and shells in the water so swim shoes would be a good thing to have if going on this excursion. Be prepared to tip for various services. They do take US currency. At the end, they dropped us off at the market entrance that we had to walk through before getting back to the port. There was time to explore and shop in this area. We got a little lost though as we walked through the market. It was a little difficult to find our way back to the port entrance to the ship, but in the end we made it...