Tour Reviews

John Heimann
Arlington, Virginia
Mayan Experience
Celebrity SOLSTICE

The high-point of the entire cruise

Our tour of the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins was led by Veronica of your staff. After the formal tour of the ruins we were taken to her village, where a delightful meal had been prepared for us. Costa Maya was the last of 4 stops the Celebrity SOLSTICE made during the cruise. At two of the other three stops we took a local tour, and there is no question that the high-point of the entire cruise for me and my roommate and I am sure for many of the others was the NATIVE CHOICE tour at Chacchoben, and the reason for this was the outstanding performance of Veronica. Throughout the tour, on the bus going and returning, at the Mayan ruins, and in the village of Chacchoben, her entire focus was on making the trip informative, entertaining, and enjoyable. She worked tirelessly, answering every question fully, pointing out amazing details at almost every step of the way.

She took great care to see that all of us had an opportunity to see every aspect of the sights available to us, and that we moved safely up and down the ancient steps. We all paid full attention to what she told us, in excellent English. A number of us are not young people and are used to more comfortable conditions. I was amazed that in spite of the fact that it rained upon us for several minutes, no one became grouchy. I'm convinced it was because Veronica was so interesting, courteous and helpful. It was absolute delight to have her as our tour guide. Thank you for making her available to us for a wonderful tour, a fascinating day. It was worth every penny we paid for it.

Stephanie
Florida
Chacchoben Ruins
Celebrity

Ivan was the BEST tour director I ever had.

Fabulous!!! Ivan was the BEST tour director I ever had. Given he grew up on the land of these ruins, he gave you a perspective unlike you could ever get anywhere else.

He LOVES his home and consequently he imparts the incredible history of the Mayans and the incredible ruins here that should not be missed.

According to folks on our cruise that took the ships's tour, there's never came close to this one!!!!

I highly reoommend it.

Lonnie Baird
Salt Lake City, UT
Mayan Experience
Holland America Ryndam

The best option

I have used Native Choice several times. They are without a doubt not only the best tour option for Costa Maya, but the best guides anywhere in Mexico!
All guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and entertaining. We love the Mayan Experience where we visit the ruins as well as lunch with a Mayan family.

If you only do one excursion while on a cruise this is the one to do.

Sara C
Madison, WI
Kohunlich Ruins Premier
Carnival

It felt like a private tour.

Amazing. The company was well- organized and everyone working was friendly. Our tour group consisted of our family of 5 (three children 13, 11, 6) and only two other people! It felt like a private tour. Very different than the crowds on excursions sponsored by the cruise ship. The van was comfortable and clean and the driver drove very safely.

We had a 1.5 hour drive but it went so fast. Our tour guide, Friene, was WONDERFUL! She taught us about the culture of the area. She was personable and fun to talk with. She answered all of our questions. It made the van ride go very fast. When we stopped on a bathroom break (clean/safe place) she helped us pick out some great Mexican treats.

The Ruins were amazing! The masks beautiful. Best Mayan ruins I have seen. All of my children had a great time. Even if some of the people in your party aren't into ruins, the jungle around is breathtaking. I highly recommend this excursion!

Aggie Kall
Locust Grove VA
Mayan Experience
Royal Carribbean

Informative and enjoyable tour

We want to commend Native Tours and Joel for a most informative and enjoyable tour of the Mayan temples and an absolutely delicious lunch at a Mayan home. We made our own tortilla which the hostess kindly baked over the open fire in her kitchen and then served us a wonderful native lunch surrounded by beautiful foliage in her yard. Victoria and her two daughters could not have been more welcoming. We would highly recommend this tour which was far less expensive than the one offered by Royal Caribbean to anyone wishing to spend a few hours immersed in the history of this enchanting place.

Sara Sick
Corning, NY
Chacchoben Ruins
Norwegian Pearl

An excellent tour at Chacchoben

Frine took us on an excellent tour at the Chacchoben Mayan ruins site. She was an amazing tour guide. She was very knowledgeable of the ruins themselves, the natural habitat surrounding them, and she even told us some mythological Mayan stories! I was extremely pleased to have such an excellent tour guide take us to see the ruins which was the highlight and purpose of my entire trip/cruise.

I would highly recommend Native Choice.

Rachael Prater
Kansas City, MO
Mayan Experience
RC Mariner of the Seas

Just book the tour already!

Just book the tour already! What an operation, what planning, what a tour! All of your fears should be allayed. This native group runs a tight ship. Our tour guide, Joel, was even more concerned about the time than I was. That was remarkable and allowed me to relax and look around, soak up the sun, the ruins, culture, and everything this area had to offer.

Bato (sp?) transported us in a timely manner and we arrived safely at each destination. The vans were air conditioned, spotless, and had seat belts. I was personally very impressed with their condition. They looked almost new.

The Mayan Experience Tour included being taught how to make tortillas Mayan-style and a FANTASTIC buffet of traditional cuisine. After hearing nightmares of passengers picking up norovirus ashore in Cozumel, I was concerned about eating, well, just about everything. I took the plunge and devoured everything that was offered. I used the silverware, plates, and drank the amazing juice from an actual glass. There were no consequences whatsoever. The food was handled with gloves, in a sanitary manner, and hand washing was strongly encouraged for everyone.

Like many other cruise travelers, I hesitated about booking with a private group not affiliated with the cruise line. However, there is no other way to go. We should be supporting these grass-roots operators and allow them to explain their culture and their history.

Kudos, Native Choice!

Damon Wisdom
Atlanta, Georgia
Mayan Experience
Carnival Dream

What a great experience!

What a great experience! I have to admit, I was bit nervouse about booking privately and not through the cruiseline, but this was a flawless excursion!!! They run a great operation there.

The ruins were fantastic, the archeologist guide was superb and very knowledgeable.
The lunch at the village was a fantastic, fantastic, experience. My entire family; me, my wife, daughter (12 years old), and my mother in law were completely blown away by this event. The food was unbelievable, and the people were so nice and sweet.

Thank you Native Choice for an unforgettable "Mayan Experience" !!!