Some places don't ask for your attention. They take it.
Ichkabal is one of them — one of Mexico's most recently uncovered Maya cities, still untouched by crowds.
Structure 4 rises taller than the pyramids of Chichén Itzá. You'll stand on top and understand why the Maya chose this place.
A professional local guide walks with you — not a leaflet. Real history, at your own pace, with answers to everything you ask.
Cruise the Seven Colors Lagoon by pontoon and float through Los Rápidos' crystal-clear channels.
Choose your day: ruins only, ruins + rapids, or the full experience with a pontoon cruise across the lagoon. Small group, door-to-door pickup, all tickets included. No rush.
Bacalar, the way it was meant to be.
Tour Options
Option 1 Only Ruins
Only Ichkabal Ruins: Climb the tallest Mayan pyramid in the region — taller than Chichen Itza — hidden deep in Bacalar's lush jungle.
Pickup included
Option 2 Ruins & Rapidos
Ruins & Los Rapidos: Experience the famous ruins of Ichkabal & get relax at Los Rapidos
Pickup included
Option 3 Ruins, Rapidos & Boat
Ichkabal + Boat + Los Rapidos: Ruins, lagoon & rapids in one perfect day. Door-to-door service, all entry tickets included. Bacalar at its absolute best.
Pickup included
Itinerary
Admission included120 min
Travelers will walk through the ancient plazas of one of Mexico's most recently excavated Maya cities, guided by a professional local guide who brings the history to life. The highlight: climbing a massive pyramid that rises higher than those of Chichén Itzá, with panoramic views of uninterrupted jungle stretching to the horizon.
Admission included120 min
Travelers will cruise across the famous Seven Colors Lagoon aboard a comfortable shared pontoon, taking in the shifting shades of turquoise that give Bacalar its name. The boat stops in open water for swimming, and fresh tropical fruit is served on board while you enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
Admission included180 min
Travelers will enter a natural canal where a gentle underground current flows through crystal-clear water. Here they can swim and float carried by the current, surrounded by mangroves and jungle on both sides — one of Bacalar's most unique and memorable experiences.
Highlights
Professional bilingual guide at the Ichkabal Maya ruins
Local captain-guide on the lagoon (option 3)
Door-to-door hotel & B&B pickup, wait time at every stop & return
Air-conditioned transportation
Shared pontoon cruise on the Seven Colors Lagoon (option 3)
Meals at Los Rápidos (restaurants available on-site at own expense)
Personal expenses
Optional for driver and guide
Pickup Locations & Times
The driver will arrive outside your hotel or Airbnb, please remember the pick up in Xulha, huay pix and sorounding areas of bacalar the pick up starts 1 hour before de departure time.
Traveller Ratings
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Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
In these zones, it is permitted to take a taxi if needed, except at the Ichkabal ruins.
The visit to Los Rapidos is to see the canal and enjoy it, the restaurant and other facilities have usage surcharges that are not included in this ticket.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Ichkabal Ruins, Lagoon & Los Rapidos by Locals — Bacalar in 1 Day lasts about 4–10 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $94 per person for this Bacalar experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. The driver will arrive outside your hotel or Airbnb, please remember the pick up in Xulha, huay pix and sorounding areas of bacalar the pick up starts 1 hour before de departure time. Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyHJ4KzWWg1xUzklyMhDTQ+I=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyPK+lvzeCBnKtpzbw0l6e54=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(5)
G
G8285ECnathanh
March 7, 2026
Awesome New Mayan Ruins
Tour guide picked us up at are choice of hotel in Bacalar, it was a nice drive to the ruins on newly paved highway, with good company from the tour guide. The excavation site has new facilities for sitting out of the sun, new clean washrooms and new walk ways.
The ruins are definitely 10/10 being able to walk the steps, and the different levels of the pyramids really shows the shear size of the ancient city, are guide was very informative on Mayan culture and was able to answer are questions. Excellent tour guide and perfect English, this is a site I would definitely like to come back to as more of the city is excavated.
Operator response
Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us!
We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the journey to Ichkabal, the comfort of the new facilities, and especially the opportunity to explore and climb the ruins — it truly is an impressive and growing archaeological site.
It also means a lot to know that you appreciated the guiding and the insights into Mayan culture. We always aim to make the experience both informative and enjoyable.
You’re absolutely right — Ichkabal still has so much to reveal, and we would love to welcome you back in the future as more of this incredible city is uncovered.
Thank you again for choosing us and for your recommendation!
Best regards,
Gerardo
N
Neel_S
February 3, 2026
Raymundo, our guide, is...
Raymundo, our guide, is very knowledgeable and up-to-date on current affairs in the Mayan archeological scene.
Operator response
Thank you very much for your kind words. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the experience and that Raymundo’s knowledge and passion for Mayan archaeology made your visit even more meaningful. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback
J
Joanna_L
January 19, 2026
Book this trip!
This trip was absolutely one of the highlights of our 3 week travels around Mexico. Armando was a fantastic guide and his knowledge and passion of the Mayan culture was unbeatable. The whole day was perfectly organised from our early morning pick so that we were able to enjoy Ichkabal alone with only the monkeys, toucans and other wildlife for company. Truly a magical experience. Then onto the Pontoon boat ride and of course a swim in Lake Bacalar. And finally Los Rapidos for fun in the river. Such a great day and perfect for those who are short on time and want to make the most of some of Bacalar’s highlights. Armando really made our day perfect and I would 100% recommend this guide and this trip to anyone.
Operator response
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review.
We are truly happy to hear that this experience was one of the highlights of your travels around Mexico. Armando will be delighted to know that his passion and knowledge of Mayan culture made such a positive impact on your day. Visiting Ichkabal early and enjoying it surrounded by wildlife is indeed something very special.
We carefully design our tours to offer a complete and meaningful experience, and we always try to avoid sacrificing the quality of the experience in exchange for lower prices. Knowing that you were able to fully enjoy Ichkabal, the Bacalar Lagoon pontoon ride, and Los Rápidos in one day confirms that this approach makes a difference.
Thank you very much for your recommendation—it truly means a lot to our team. We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Warm regards,
Gerardo
"Thank you for your visit and for highlighting Raymundo’s great service! 🌊🚤
We are glad you enjoyed the crystal-clear waters of the Rapids and the unique experience at Ichkabal. As you mentioned, bringing a swimsuit is essential to fully enjoy the natural 'drift' of the lagoon!
Regarding the meals, we appreciate your feedback. We choose to give our guests the freedom to select their own lunch at the local stops to ensure everyone finds something they personally enjoy. We hope to see you again for another adventure in Bacalar!
非常感谢您的评价！ 我们很高兴您喜欢Raymundo的服务以及美丽的快艇和水上漂流体验。期待再次为您服务！
— The Team at ABCTours
E
Edwina_B
November 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unforgettable Day Exploring Bacalar with Geraldo!
Our full-day tour with Geraldo was absolutely incredible from start to finish! We explored the awe-inspiring Ichkabal ruins, took a breathtaking boat tour of the Bacalar Lagoon, and drifted through the stunning Los Rápidos. Every stop was amazing — but what made the experience truly unforgettable was Geraldo himself. His love and passion for his Mayan culture are infectious. You don’t just visit these places — you feel the history and connection through his stories and energy.
By the end of the day, we were already talking about when we can come back… next time, snorkeling with sea turtles?! Yes, please! 🐢
One word of advice: don’t eat before the tour! Geraldo will introduce you to the best local taco stands for the perfect breakfast — I’m still drooling thinking about this morning’s tacos. 🌮
Thank you, Geraldo, for sharing your culture, your joy, and your incredible knowledge with us. We’ll be back!
Operator response
Muchas gracias por compartir una experiencia tan especial. Nos alegra enormemente saber que disfrutaron Ichkabal, la laguna de Bacalar y Los Rápidos, y que Gerardo logró transmitir su pasión y amor por la cultura maya. Comentarios como el suyo nos inspiran a seguir creando experiencias auténticas. ¡Será un placer recibirlos nuevamente en su próxima aventura!
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