Costa Maya: Raiders of the Lost Port

Scene one: Into the green unknown

We booked our excursion through our ship, the Carnival Jubilee, and it turned out to be the perfect play—organized, comfortable, and stress-free. After a walk down the long pier, we found our coach and met Juan, our driver, along with Aldo, the knowledgeable guide who would soon become the storyteller of the day. Once aboard, we settled into cool air-conditioning as the bus rolled inland, leaving the bright blue Caribbean behind for an hour-long journey into the heart of Yucatán.

Getting my Indiana Greg vibe on

The deeper we traveled, the scenery changed dramatically. Dense greenery lined the road in every direction, palms swayed in the breeze, and the modern port world disappeared in the rearview mirror. It felt like we were driving straight into an opening sequence from an adventure film—civilization fading, mystery rising. Aldo used the ride wisely, sharing background on the region, the weather seasons, and what life in this part of Mexico has always revolved around: sun, jungle, and survival. By the time we arrived, anticipation had built perfectly.

Behold the majesty of Temple One

At the site’s entrance, we were divided into smaller groups of about a dozen guests, which made the experience feel far more personal and immersive than one giant cattle-call crowd. Led by Aldo, we entered the grounds beneath the trees and began walking the circular path through the restored sections of this once-great city. The jungle opened to reveal the first major structure—Temple 24—our first Mayan temple ever, rising proudly from the earth in the sunlight like a stone announcement that the adventure had officially begun.

Where supplies were stored for Bloodletting and Celestial rituals

Scene Ttwo: Temple of Indiana Jane

From there, the story only deepened. Aldo explained that the city dates back to around 200 AD, with many of the grand structures completed between 600 and 700 AD. In Plaza B, he described the rituals, ceremonies, and celestial alignments that defined Mayan life. Many of the plazas and buildings were positioned with astonishing precision to honor the equinoxes and solstices—one reason the civilization still inspires awe today.

We passed additional structures that once stored ceremonial supplies, then residential areas where nobles, priests, and warriors lived, while common citizens stayed beyond the elite zone.

Finally came Temple One—the crown jewel of the site. Rising 42 feet above the Acropolis platform, its grand staircase commanded the plaza below. This was the hero shot. When it came time to climb, Valley Girl Darlene took the lead like a fearless “Indiana Jane,” navigating the steep, mossy stones while I handled the essential supporting role of filming the triumph and preserving my ankles for future adventures.

My Indiana Darlene heading up to the Top

Final cut: Treasure found

Back at Costa Maya, the party crowd was in full swing—but we had already uncovered the day’s real treasure. Not gold. Not jewels. Something better: a story worth telling. Chacchoben is the kind of excursion I recommend to travelers who want more than a beach chair. It’s history, mystery, and adventure wrapped in comfort. In other words, exactly the kind of blockbuster day we travel for.

Get ready for mysteries to be uncovered at this ancient site

The Yucatan Peninsula experiences two major weather seasons. The dry season, which runs from November to April, and the rainy season, which runs from May to October. We went in January, and it was mild. In the hot season, bug repellent is also a must so you don’t get eaten alive by all those local mosquitoes. But you are in the Yucatan Peninsula. It will be humid.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Mexico page.