Chacchoben, the place we call home

While the beginnings of Chacchoben remain a mystery, its history spans over two millennia. The village was once a vibrant Maya community, likely abandoned and reoccupied multiple times.

Modern occupation of Chacchoben dates back to the early 19th century, when the area fueled the world's demand for chewing gum. The village became a permanent base for "Chicleros," men who ventured into the rainforest to harvest sap from the zapotilla trees. The traditions and legends of their early days here live on, preserved through the timeless art of storytelling.

The opening of the Costa Maya Port sparked a tourism boom, with the Chacchoben Ruins becoming one of the most popular excursions. While tourism has brought significant economic benefits to the region, these have largely bypassed the local community. The people of Chacchoben have had limited opportunities to participate in this new industry due to a language barrier and a lack of access to formal education.

Chacchoben continues to thrive as a sustainable, self-sufficient farming community, blending tradition with new economic opportunities. Its people have also diversified into the controlled extraction of precious woods. In recent years, they have expanded into the production of handmade textiles and crafts, which are sold to tourists visiting the ruins.

Our Commitment to Chacchoben

As the first and only locally-owned and operated tour company in Costa Maya, The Native Choice is deeply committed to empowering our community. For every guest who books a Mayan Experience, Chacchoben Ruins, or Chacchoben Extreme Tour, we contribute $7.00 USD directly to a fund administered by a committee of local villagers. These funds are used for essential programs, including elder care and specialized medical assistance. Additionally, tours like the Mayan Experience create direct economic opportunities for participating local families, ensuring the benefits of tourism are shared widely.

A Snapshot of Chacchoben's Community

Today, the population of Chacchoben is approximately 685 people, with a near-even split of 40% men and 52% women. The majority of the community's 216 homes are traditional wooden structures with thatched roofs. Most residents are of Maya descent and around 40% speak Yucatec as their first language, with Spanish as a second language.

Chacchoben now has a full educational system in place, from kindergarten to secondary school. Despite this progress, a significant challenge remains: 297 people over the age of 15 lack basic literacy skills.

Chacchoben has a clinic staffed by a doctor and nurse, available from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. While homes have access to electricity, running water is only provided for a few hours each afternoon. The community has recently gained connectivity with the installation of a cell tower and internet service, though most information from the outside world still comes from local radio stations broadcasting from larger towns, and only a few families have access to satellite TV.