Embark on an excursion from the Costa Maya cruise port to Chacchoben, the ancient Mayan city, followed by a relaxing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Laguna Bacalar.
This was our itinerary when your Norwegian cruise ship stopped here.
Start of the Trip
We headed off the cruise ship onto the pier. The lineup for excursions is to the right of the shopping plaza and you are led back to a parking lot where the buses are lined up.
Next, we got onto the air-conditioned bus which included a small restroom.
Then we headed to Chacchoben.
Going to the Ruins
Restrooms and a gift shop with snacks and drinks are by the parking area.
Next, we headed down a crushed rock path through the jungle to the ruins.
Chacchoben was named by the archaeologist who studied it and derives from the name of the nearby Mayan village. The meaning is Place of Red Corn.
Original settlement began as early as 1000 BC although most of the construction took place between 200-700 AD.
Temple 24
You first come to a squat pyramid noted as Temple 24.
Our tour guide said that the structure has been modified and made up of three different pyramids.
The first was Pramde Mayor, the smallest; then Estrustura Meda which was the main part and then finally Pramde Mas Pequena, which included the room on top.
We stopped and took pictures. You can’t go all the way to the top but you can walk up some stairs on it.
Going Through the Jungle
Now heading down a path, she pointed out another structure still in the woods with plants and trees on it.
Then we came to another pyramid structure that included an opening that an archeologist used to see what was inside.
Although nothing was found.
Gran Plaza
The tour guide next talked about these amazing two trees that grow into each other and how one will eventually win out.
We came to a large plaza. Above the plaza were the foundations of former homes.
She pointed out that the higher foundation kept their homes from being flooded by hurricanes and storms.
Hearing a rustling in the leaves, I look up and see monkeys. Swinging from one limb to the next were spider monkeys. They are wild so don’t approach them. They also might throw stuff at you.
Gran Basamento
We came to the Gran Basamento which is a raised platform that includes a temple complex. You have to go up some stairs to reach them so be careful here.
To the far right on the platform is Temple 1, the largest pyramid. It is believed that it was used for astronomical and religious purposes.
An excavation was going on top to learn more about its history.
On the left is Los Gemelos, closest to the stairs, and to the right is Las Vasijas, both were used for religious purposes.
Next, we walked back down from the pyramids.
After checking these structures out we headed back to the bus to go to Bacalar.
Uchben Kah Jungle Retreat
We headed to Bacalar for our beach stop.
The lagoon is fed by natural springs. The Mayan name translates to Lake of Seven Colors. If you were flying above it you could make this out easier.
The retreat is not near the town of Bacalar but down a gravel road.
First, we had our meal which included alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is a changing room to put on swim clothes.
The water is clear to swim in.
Hammocks are over the water, which my son enjoyed.
I took a kayak out to gain a full view of the lake. Kayaking is included with the excursion.
You can easily see fish swimming about.
Large seagrass grows along the shoreline.
Mangroves hug the coastline. Then I headed back to the retreat.
Back on land, we relaxed in covered lounge chairs.
I loved the nearby trees with their long trunks across the jungle floor.
Stop at the Port
We had a little time to stop at the shops before heading to the ship. Make sure to check out the dolphins here which are fun to watch.
Final Thoughts
The ruins are amazing especially how many there are and that they are still tucked away in the jungle. It is not as big as Chichen Itza, but still worth exploring. I liked how the back temples are on a raised platform, which is different from the ones we have gone to before.
Then taking a break at the retreat after the walks at the ruins. I am not sure if I would have done this if it was the only excursion, but it was a relaxing addition to the jungle walk at Chacchoben Ruins.
We had thought about doing one of the beach excursions, we might do that next time. I am glad we didn’t do that on our day here since it rained heavily on the coast.
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