Best Mayan Ruins Accessible by a Western Caribbean Cruise

The famous El Castillo at Chichen Itza

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of embarking on numerous Western Caribbean cruises exploring Mexico and Central America.  Together with my family, we’ve had the opportunity to visit different ports and partake in various excursions along the Central American coastline.  We have enjoyed engaging in recreational activities, relaxing on beautiful beaches, discovering natural areas, immersing ourselves in cultural experiences, and exploring historic sites.  

Among the many tours we have taken, our visits to diverse Mayan archeological sites are the ones we remember the most.  Currently, cruise ship tourists seeking to visit Mayan sites or climb Mayan pyramids are facing limited options.  Being aware of these limitations can help you to make an informed decision regarding how to best utilize your valuable excursion time during a Western Caribbean cruise.

Presently, the most popular Western Caribbean cruise itineraries include stops at Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Cozumel, Mexico.  I have always enjoyed visiting Belize City because it offers a wide range of archaeological tours to various Mayan sites.  Throughout my journeys, I had the opportunity to visit Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai, all of which were absolutely amazing.  

The Casa de las Águilas (The House of the Eagles) at Chichen Itza

Nowadays, many of the major cruise lines are stopping at Harvest Caye, Belize, for beach and recreational activities instead of visiting Belize City.  This means that there are fewer opportunities to see the major Mayan sites in the heart of Belize since they are quite far from Harvest Caye.  Similarly, visiting Mexican sites while on a cruise can be quite challenging as the major ports of Cozumel and Puerta Costa Maya are not close to major Mayan sites.  Cozumel, being an island adds an extra hurdle to reaching the mainland sites.  Although there are some minor sites along the coast, getting to a major site in the interior of Mexico usually requires a significant amount of time and effort.  

It is important to note that there are insignificant sites near Cozumel that are not worth your time. These sites merely consist of small structures, and in certain instances, it is uncertain whether they are authentic or have been relocated from elsewhere solely for tourist purposes.

Puerta Costa Maya along the southern Mexican Caribbean coast

During a recent Western Caribbean cruise, I had the opportunity to choose from four tours to visit Mayan archaeological sites. In Puerta Costa Maya, a 4-hour tour to Chacchoben and a 6 1/2-hour tour to Kohunlich were available. In Cozumel, an 8-hour tour to Tulum and a 9-hour tour to Chichen Itza were offered. I carefully assessed each option to determine the amount of time spent in transit. The bus journey from the pier to Chacchoben lasted approximately 1 hour, while the trip to Kohunlich involved a 2-hour bus ride each way. A visit to Tulum from Cozumel necessitated a 45-minute ferry ride to the mainland of Mexico, followed by a 1-hour bus drive to Tulum. Similarly, an excursion to Chichen Itza required a 45-minute ferry boat ride to Playa del Carmen, followed by a 2-hour and 15-minute bus ride each way.

Chacchoben

During my cruise, I decided to join a tour to Chacchoben instead of Kohunlich due to the length of the bus journey. The information I found online also suggested that Chacchoben was a larger and more extensively excavated archaeological site.

Mayan ruins in the residential area of Chacchoben

The ancient city seems to have been initially inhabited around 200 BC, with the majority of the structures seen today dating back to approximately 700 AD.  Chacchoben, which means the land of the red corn, has quickly emerged as one of Mexico’s most popular Mayan sites due to its close proximity, just an hour’s drive from Puerta Costa Maya.

Temple 1 in the Gran Basamento at Chacchoben

My experience getting to Chacchoben was similar to previous tours I have taken while on a cruise. The tour was set to depart at 8:30 am. Since our ship arrived ahead of schedule at 7 am, I had plenty of time to make my way to the designated meeting point at the end of the pier. After a brief wait in line, I boarded the bus.  However, our group had to endure an additional 30-minute wait on the bus due to the closure of the pier for the arrival of another cruise ship. Finally, at around 9:30 am, we set off, and the journey to Chacchoben lasted approximately an hour as we traversed from the coastal area to the Mexican interior.  By the time we arrived, numerous buses from various cruise ships were present at the location.

Temple 24 at Chacchoben

Our group began our visit at the entrance/souvenir area with a 45-minute guided tour of the grounds. We walked along a circular path within the archeological site, passing by three excavated and restored temples.  Additionally, we observed numerous unexcavated mounds. The first large temple we came across was known as Temple 24.  Although we were able to ascend part of Temple 24 for photography, we were unable to reach the summit.  We also explored various plazas and settlement areas.  

The steep stairway descending from the Gran Basamento at Chacchoben

The highlight of the site was the Gran Basamento ritual plaza. To access this area, we had to climb a steep staircase leading to a platform with two major temples. Their elevated position on a hill above the majority of the surrounding vegetation offered a stunning view of the jungle.  Subsequently, we descended and made our way back to the refreshment/souvenir section. In total, we spent approximately 90 minutes in the archeological park and 30 minutes at the souvenir area before returning to our bus.

Las Vasijas (The Temple of the Vessels) in the Gran Basamento at Chacchoben

In comparison to the previous sites I have visited, Chacchoben was noticeably smaller.  Overall, it was not as grand as the sites in Belize and the northern Yucatan. The absence of an excavated ball court and the relatively lower elevation of the temples, unlike towering structures such as El Castillo in Chichen Itza, were quite apparent.

Although I did enjoy my visit, it didn’t quite have the same “Wow” factor as Tulum and Chichen Itza.  However, the advantages of being less crowded and partially excavated allowed me to experience a greater sense of a true Mayan city nestled within the jungle.

The Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai that I have visited in Belize were much more extensive and featured multiple temples, ball courts, plazas, and larger pyramid structures.  I highly recommend any of these sites over Chacchoben.  If you find yourself in Belize City, I highly encourage you to explore one of the prominent Mayan sites to witness the impressive pyramids. During my visit to Xunantunich, I had the opportunity to climb nearly to the summit of the temple.  Unfortunately, at the current time, most of the newer and larger cruise ships do not make a stop at Belize City, so your options are likely limited to Chacchoben, Tulum, and Chichen Itza.

The northern entrance to Tulum

Tulum and Chichen Itza

While the Tulum and Chichen Itza are considered exceptional examples of Mayan settlements, they differ significantly. Tulum, situated along the Gulf of Mexico with a stunning beach, does not feature major temple pyramids such as Chichen Itza.  However, the juxtaposition of the ruins and blue waters of the Caribbean creates a picturesque experience that will surely leave a lasting impression.  

A small outpost structure overlooking the Caribbean at Tulum

Chichen Itza, on the other hand, stands as one of the most renowned Mayan sites, showcasing the iconic El Castillo alongside other significant temples, a remarkable ball court, an observatory, major plazas, and a cenote. Ultimately, your decision will depend on your personal desire and commitment.

The Castillo Temple centerpiece of Tulum

Opting for a comprehensive bus tour to either Tulum or Chichen Itza will require approximately 8 to 9 hours, taking up all of your port time in Cozumel. You will disembark when the ship docks and be the last passengers to return before it departs. If you choose to book through the cruise ship, they will ensure the ship waits for your return, eliminating concerns about traffic delays. However, if you decide to embark on an independent tour, there are no guarantees that the ship will still be present when you return.  

The beach at Tulum in back of the Castillo

Exploring Tulum will involve around 4 hours of travel and three hours at the site, while Chichen Itza will require approximately 5 hours of travel with 3 hours at the site. Unfortunately, the limited time spent at these archaeological parks will only provide a glimpse of their offerings. Although it would be ideal if you could book a small group tour, it is important to note that this option will be more expensive and not available on every cruise line. Ultimately, you must carefully consider how much you truly desire to witness these remarkable sites.

The Juego de Pelota (large ceremonial ball court) at Chichen Itza

The Tzompantli (The Plaftorm of the Skulls) at Chichen Itza

I must admit that I was eager to visit both Tulum and Chichen Itza, so I explored each site on two different cruises. Although I did feel that I missed out on many structures, I was glad I made the trips even though both were long, exhausting days.  I found both experiences to be worth the time and cost.  However, I do plan to revisit both locations in the future for a more thorough exploration under different conditions.

The Grupo de Las Mil Columnas (Temple of a Thousand Columns) at Chichen Itza

It can be challenging to compare all these Mayan sites and decide which one is the best option. Factors like time availability, budget, and personal interest in Mayan sites will play a significant role in making your decision. If you are truly interested in witnessing a remarkable Mayan site, I strongly recommend booking an excursion to either Chichen Itza or Tulum.

A reconstruction of a domestic dwelling at Chichen Itza

A sacrificial stone found in the Casa de las Águilas at Chichen Itza

However, it is important to be aware that this will be a lengthy and tiring day. Therefore, it would be wise not to make plans for later in the evening. Instead, allow yourself some time to unwind and relax.

El Templo de Los Guerreros (The Temple of the Warriors) at Chichen Itza

Conclusion

On the other hand, if you simply want to dip your toes into the Mayan experience, consider scheduling a trip to Chacchoben when you visit Puerta Costa Maya. This excursion will take place in the morning, leaving you with ample time to visit a beach and bask in the afternoon sun. If your ship happens to make a stop in Belize City, I strongly recommend taking the opportunity to schedule a tour to Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Lamanai, or Cahal Pech. This may be one of the rare chances you have to explore these sites without specifically planning a trip to Belize.

A Mayan-themed water park at Puerta Costa Maya

If you have not yet explored a Mayan archaeological site, make sure to seize the chance to admire some of the most captivating structures built by the ancient inhabitants of Central America. On your cruise, each port will offer a beach stop, and the souvenir shops will be similar everywhere you go.  However, a Mayan site is a distinctive historical artifact that can only be fully appreciated in this particular region of the world.  While you are in the region, take a history break and experience some unique wonders of the ancient world.  You’ll return home with a collection of unforgettable memories and stunning photographs.

author Barry Kramer and his wife, Liping, sitting on the steps of Temple 24 at Chacchoben