Discover the Kohunlich Excursion from Costa Maya
What to Expect on the Kohunlich Excursion
Ancient Mayan City in the Jungle Kohunlich is a sprawling archaeological site nestled in the rainforest of Quintana Roo. It features over 170 unexcavated mounds, plazas, and pyramids dating back to 200 BC.
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Pyramid of the Masks The highlight is the Pyramid of the Masks, adorned with large, well-preserved stone masks honoring the Mayan sun god.
Guided Cultural Tour. Our excursions included a knowledgeable guide who explained Mayan social, political, and religious structures. Our guide was engaging and informative. He gave us free time to explore the different areas of the ruins on our own with good commentary on what we were seeing.
Scenic Drive: The journey takes you through lush rainforest and rolling hills, often passing the Bacalar Lagoon. While scenic, the 2+ hour bus ride each way was long but worth it in our opinion.
🕒 Duration & Activity Level
Total time: ~7 hours. I am not going to lie, it was a long day, but if you enjoy history. It was well worth it.
Activity level: Moderate (walking on uneven terrain, stairs)
Excursion type: Cultural, historical, scenic
Traveler Reviews & Tips
Bring water, bug spray, and good shoes: The site is remote and humid, with limited amenities. Also, the food was not great. We were given a snack with cookies and an apple with water. We were given a ham & cheese sandwich for lunch. I would definitely be prepared if you are picky like me. I was starving when we got back to the ship!
Is It Worth It?
Yes—if you love history and don’t mind the long ride. Kohunlich offers a deeper, less crowded experience than Chacchoben or other nearby ruins. I visited Chacchoben last year, and I enjoyed this site more. It’s ideal for travelers who want to explore less-touristy Mayan sites and enjoy a full-day adventure. We also visited Chichen Itza last year, and this one didn’t have people hounding you to buy things. A huge plus in my book! I will say they are all amazing, so you cannot go wrong to pick any of them.
If you’re traveling with kids or prefer shorter excursions, you might consider alternatives like Chacchoben or Bacalar Lagoon, which are closer to the port.
