Exclusive Calakmul Expedition: Ruins & Jungle in Small Group
Description
Step into the heart of the rainforest and discover one of the most powerful and mysterious cities of the ancient Mayans: Calakmul Archaeological Zone. This World Heritage Site, hidden in a vast forest, offers a unique opportunity to explore history and nature away from the crowds. This exclusive tour for up to 10 people guarantees an intimate and immersive experience. Start with a guided hike through the jungle, where you can observe howler monkeys, tropical birds and other species in the reserve. The tour reaches the ceremonial center of Calakmul, with monumental structures such as Temple II, one of the highest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula. Guided by local experts, you will discover the fascinating history of this Mayan kingdom and the ecological richness of the environment. The combination of archaeology, fauna and intact landscapes makes this expedition authentic, exclusive and unforgettable, ideal for those seeking a real adventure.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We begin the pick-up and then we head towards the Calakmul Reserve, the trip is 3 hours. Once in the reserve we will have a scenic drive through the low tropical jungle for approximately 1.5 hours and will only stop briefly in case of wildlife sightings. After crossing the jungle we will explore the Archaeological Zone of Calakmul Mixed Heritage of Humanity according to UNESCO. We explore the areas open to visitors, such as the civic and ceremonial center, the tallest structures over 50 meters high, the solar observatory of equinoxes and solstices, among other multiple uses. Many of the buildings can be climbed, so it is still possible to see the view that previously only the kings and most powerful of the city could see. During the walk you will be accompanied by a guide who will share information related to this world-renowned park that was once the most feared and glorified Mayan settlement.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please wait 10 minutes in the lobby or outside the hotel or Airbnb. The Driver or Guide will pick you up in the lobby or at the entrance of the Hotel. We will previously send you the type of service vehicle and the names of the staff who will be with you during the tour.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with mild or severe allergies to animals, pollen, or insects.
- Not recommended for travelers with recent surgeries.
Reviews(8)
Excellent guided tour from start to finish. Taxi arrived promptly and a lovely driver (Spanish speaker) Argeo, drove for an hour to pick up our guide for the day (English Speaker) Armando. Learned loads about the jungle plants and animals, the Mayans and the ruins at the archeological site. Thank you, both.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and that both Argeo and Armando helped make your day informative and enjoyable. Our goal is always to provide a comfortable, reliable, and well-organized experience from start to finish, and we’re glad the transportation and guiding met your expectations. Learning about the jungle, wildlife, and Mayan history is something our guides are truly passionate about, and it’s wonderful to know that came through during your visit. Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another adventure in the region. Warm regards, Around Bacalar & Chetumal Tours
This was a great day exploring Calakmul and the biosphere reserve. Our driver Argeo and guide Armando made us feel very welcome and made sure we were comfortable and had enough food and water for the day. Armando is a very knowledgeable and a patient tour guide. Climbing up the 3 pyramids was also an amazing experience experience. The drive there didn’t seem that long because we stopped to get food and then did the nature walk, but by the time we got to the archeological site, it was already quite hot. I would personally like to get to Calakmul earlier in the day, but I understand the nature walk had to be done in the morning. Overall a fantastic experience!!
Thank you for your detailed review! We’re delighted to hear you had a great day exploring Calakmul and the biosphere reserve. Argeo and Armando are wonderful team members, and we’re glad they made you feel welcome and ensured you were comfortable throughout the day. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the nature walk and the climb up the pyramids — it truly is a memorable experience. We appreciate your feedback about the timing, and we plan activities to balance wildlife observation with the archaeological visit. Thank you again for choosing us. We’re happy you had a fantastic experience! Warm regards, Around Bacalar & Chetumal Tours
Thank you very much to our guide Armando and our driver Argeo for their kindness and explanations throughout the day! The excursion was maintained even if we were only 2 participants, which we enjoyed! Just maybe a little downside on the surprise increase in entrance tickets since booking. For the various complementary tickets, there is a charge of 525 pesos MXN per person. (End of January 2026) Snacks to plan in advance for the day, there is not much choice on the road.
Thank you very much for your kind words about Armando and Argeo — we’re delighted to hear you appreciated their friendliness and explanations throughout the day. We’re also glad you enjoyed that the excursion was confirmed even with a small group. Regarding the entrance fees, these are set by the authorities and can change without prior notice, but we always aim to keep our guests informed as clearly as possible. Your comment is very helpful. Thank you as well for the practical note about bringing snacks; it’s great advice for future travelers. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again. Warm regards, Around Bacalar & Chetumal Tours
Armando 10/10. Calakmul 10/10. Monos 10/10. A unique experience, the most beautiful archaeological site in a beautiful setting. Armando accompanies us in the discovery of nature and Mayan culture. Super convenient for those who do not rent a car;)
Merci beaucoup, Aline! 🐒🏛️ It was a true pleasure to take you into the heart of the jungle. I am so glad you enjoyed the Calakmul Expedition and that we got to see the monkeys in their natural habitat—they definitely made the 10/10 experience complete! For us, it’s all about making these remote Mayan gems accessible and "no hassle" for travelers staying in Bacalar or Chetumal who want to skip the car rental and dive deep into nature and history. Thank you for choosing us and for recommending our service to the community. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again for another adventure! 🚐🌿 — Armando & the ABC Tours Team
The tour was great! The guide really knew the history of Calakmul and was able to answer any questions. It was a long drive from Bacalar, but totally worth it to see this extraordinary phenomenon! During our walk we also saw howling monkeys and heard them howl, it was incredible! Make sure to bring repellent, because the mosquitos are insane, but the walk is for about 40 minutes, so it’s not that bad, just be prepared. We had a great time and really enjoyed it. It’s a full day so be prepared for a long one. Would 10/10 recommend!
Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia. Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron el tour y el conocimiento del guía sobre Calakmul. Coincidimos en que el trayecto vale totalmente la pena y que escuchar a los monos aulladores es algo único. Agradecemos sus recomendaciones y su entusiasmo. ¡Será un gusto recibirlos nuevamente!
