ek balam tour moon palace

• Tours & Excursions /

Ek Balam Tours

• Promotions & Discounts
• Best Selling Tours
• New excursions
• Parks Tours
• Adventure Tours
• Boats & Sailing
• Dive & Snorkel Tours
• Private Tours
• Chichen Itza Tours
• Tulum Tours
• Swim with Dolphins
• Isla Mujeres Tours
• Night Activities
• Caves Tours
• Wildlife Tours
• Ziplines Tours
• Cenote Tours

By tour operator

• Grupo Xcaret
• Cancun Passion
• Aventuras Mayas
• Ekinox Tours
• Maroma Beach

The Mayan ruins of Ek Balam is the Mayan archaeological site most recently opened to visitors; the architecture of its buildings, its sculptures, paintings and offerings are unique and different from the rest of the Mayan ruins in the area. It is a tour that is perfectly combined with a visit to cool off in the waters of a nearby cenote or with a visit to the charming colonial city of Valladolid, which is only 15 minutes from the ruins.

Ek Balam Mayan Traditions

Join us on a captivating journey through time and nature with our Ek Balam Archaeological and Cenote Adventure Tour! Step into the mystical world of the Mayas as you explore one of their impressive architectural marvels, the city Ek Balam.

Departs from: Cancun and Riviera Maya

Duration: 12 hours approx

Ek Balam and Valladolid Private

Discover Yucatan at your own pace and privately, explore two wonders of the peninsula in a single tour, visit two sites full of great cultural wealth, Ek Balam archaeological area and the traditional city of Valladolid

Duration: 10 hours approx.

Ek Balam and Cenote Maya Tour

Visit Ek Balam, the most recent archaeological zone in the region to be opened to the public. You will also enjoy the Cenote Maya Park, a beautiful natural formations and great natural pool of 80 m of diameter.

Departs from: Temporarily unavailable

Ek Balam tour + Cenote

• Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
•  Category Coba Tours, Cenotes Tours, Chichen Itza Tours
• Available:   Sun
• Bilingual Guide:  English & Spanish
• Mobile ticket
• Pickup included

• Hotel pickup.
• Visit Valladolid
• Visit Ek Balam
• Visit the Hubiku cenote where you can swim
• Artisan Tequila
• Buffet lunch with regional specialties.
• Back to the hotel

Tour Includes:

• Round-trip transportation from/to hotels in Cancun
• Bilingual guide
• Entrance fee to the archaeological zone at Ek Balam
• Entrance fee to Cenote Hubiku
• Guided tour of a traditional Mayan Village
• Maya ceremony
• Buffet lunch with regional specialties and beverages

Does not include:

• Any other product or service not mentioned on the inclusions list

Full Description

A yucatan dream, a guided ek balam tour, and the cenote maya.

Our Ek Balam Cenote Maya tour  combo includes two Cancun activities  we highly recommend to adventurers and history enthusiasts.

Ek Balam  is a lesser-visited site than some of the more well-known Mayan ruins , a great opportunity to explore an ancient civilization without crowds. Climb the soaring Acropolis temple to marvel at the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, one of the most important rulers of the city. The views from the top are spectacular, the whole of Ek Balam and the Yucatan jungle spread before you, a picture-perfect moment. 

After the Ek Balam tour and a Mayan ceremony, you'll enjoy the  Cenote Maya.

Top up your Ek Balam tour with all the exciting activities inside the Cenote Maya!

Additional information / recommendations:.

• Pick-up times range between 7:00 am and 7:55 am depending on the location of your hotel or meeting point
• Your pick-up schedule will be sent by email after completing the booking process
• This tour is not recommended for children under 6
• Rates for children are valid for kids up to 11 years old
• Children 12 or older pay as adults
• Children under 12 years must present a valid ID with a photo to verify their age

Suggestions:

• It would be a good idea to carry some cash
• Do not bring heavy backpacks
• Wear comfortable clothes, shoes, and sunglasses
• Wear a cap or a hat and a swimsuit
• Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen
• Bring a towel, your bathing suit, and an additional set of clothes

Cancellation & Refunds

• Cancellations made up to 48 hours before the service = 100% refund
• Cancellations made between 36 and 47 hours before the service = 80% refund
• Cancellations made between 24 and 35 hours before the service = 50% refund
• Cancellations made up to 23 hours before your service = No refund applies
• If the client simply does not show up for the tour (no show) = No refund applies

Main Location:

Any questions?

Ask our Cancun & Riviera Maya Experts!

Some of us were born here, others moved years ago to the beautiful Mexican Caribbean and we all love to explore the natural parks, the ancient Maya cities and the tropical islands in the area. Let us share with you everything we know!

Astrid Anguiano

Josué López

Fernando Santacruz

Receive our promotions

MyCancunTours.com is certified by PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council), a committee formed by the most important credit and debit card companies in the world responsible for providing the standard of security in the management of sensitive user financial data.

By complying with this standard and making internal verifications permanent to detect and neutralize new threats, MyCancunTours.com guarantees the protection of your data against hacker attacks or possible fraud attempts.

• Authenticity
• Terms & Conditions
• Leave your comments here
• Site Policies
• Privacy Policy
• My Cancun Tours Reviews
• Tours a la Mexicana
• Actions taken by MyCancunTours for COVID-19 pandemic
• Travel Guide
• What to do in Cancun?
• Things to do in Tulum
• Chichen Itza Tours
• Tulum Tours
• Isla Mujeres Tours
• Cozumel Tours
• Cancun Dolphin Swim Tours
• Cancun Eco Tours
• Cancun Adventure Tours
• Cancun Snorkeling Tours
• Xcaret Park
• Cenotes Tours
• Cancun Food Tours
• Cancun Dining & Night Shows
• Weatherproof Tours

Search your tour

• Mayan Ruins

Ek Balam Tour

$ 189 USD -30%

Google: 4.5 - 17,870 reviews

Min 8 years old

Small Groups

Embark on our Ek Balam tour to three amazing spots that will transport you through time and culture. The first stop will take you to the hidden gem of the Mayan world, Ek Balam. This beautiful and well-preserved city will leave you mesmerized, surrounded by nature's beauty and ancient history.

Continue to the colorful colonial city of Valladolid, where art and architecture come alive in pastel-colored buildings and historic churches. Stroll through the town square and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this charming city.

The final stop will be at a cenote, a natural sinkhole that is perfect for cooling off after a day of adventure. The crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations will leave you awe-inspired and rejuvenated, and you’re sure to love the entire experience.

This adventure is a must-see for anyone who wants to explore the beauty and culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. Don't miss out on our Ek Balam tour from Cancun.

What's included in this experience

• Round transportation with air conditioning
• Professional guide
• Bottle of water
• Cereal cookies
• Soft drinks
• Typical food from the region

What do you need to know before you book

• Minimum suggested age 8 years-old.
• Guests must be relatively fit and must be able to swim.
• Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
• For safety reasons, we do not recommend participation on any snorkel activity if you have respiratory problems, injuries, back/neck issues, heart conditions, or conditions that can cause loss of consciousness.

What to bring

• Change of clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Sun protective clothing

• Travel Guides Plan your adventure
• Destinations Our favourite places
• Tours Book a trip
• Travel Companies Independent specialists
• Travel Guides
• Destinations
• Travel Companies

Visiting The Ruins At Ek Balam

Archaeology without the crowds.

Susannah Rigg

• In this guide
• Chichén Itzá
• Lesser-known sites

How to get to Ek Balam

Those who prefer to explore archaeological sites without the crowds—or those looking for an alternative site to Chichén Itzá—should make time to visit Ek Balam.

Here, unlike at some of the more popular sites in the region, you are allowed to climb the pyramids and get up close and personal with the structures while taking in the impressive views from the top.

Ek Balam’s intriguing name means Star Jaguar or Dark Jaguar and there is still much of the site that has yet to be excavated and understood. Probably the most impressive structure is the Palace, the façade of which takes the form of an intricately carved serpent. Look out for the tomb of Ek Balam’s former ruler located under a thatched roof near the top of the temple.

Around a mile from the Ek Balam ruins is the X’Canche cenote. This sinkhole is surrounded by sheer rock walls and tree roots dangling into the turquoise water, which is home to black catfish. Take some time to walk along the wooden boardwalks and listen to birdsong before taking a swim.

Ek Balam is located about 15 miles from Valladolid or a two-hour drive from Merida and makes a great place to stop if travelling between the two cities. If you want a guided tour of Ek Balam, it is best to hire a guide in Valladolid or Merida and travel to the site together, since the quietness of Ek Balam means that guides are not always waiting at the site.

Ek Balam, one of Mexico's lesser-visited archeological sites

You can easily drive to Ek Balam from nearby Valladolid or from further afield locations such as Merida or Cancun, both of which are a two hour drive from the site. There is a small parking lot on site. Getting to the site by public transport is possible from Valladolid. Wait for collectivos (shared taxis) on the corner opposite Hotel Zaci. These taxis often overfill with passengers so if there are a few of you you might want to negotiate to have the whole taxi to yourself which will likely cost around $160 pesos ($7/£5). The collectivo will take around 35 minutes. Tours also run to the site, leaving from Valladolid, Merida, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

The entrance fee to Ek Balam is $413 pesos ($20/£15). Onsite guides (when available) charge around $500- 600 pesos ($30/£20) for their services and are well worth hiring to really understand what you are seeing. Tours running from Cancun, including a trip to the nearby Samula cenote, start at around $70/£50.

You will need around two hours at Ek Balam to really explore it fully.

Since you are allowed to climb the temple at Ek Balam, make sure you come wearing good walking shoes or sandals.

To visit the X’Canche cenote you can hire a bicycle taxi from the entrance to Ek Balam to take the ten minute journey.

Visiting The Ruins At Uxmal

About the author.

Susannah Rigg is a freelance writer and Mexico specialist based in Mexico City. Her work has been featured by Condé Nast Traveller , CNN, BBC Travel and AFAR among others. She has visited 26 of Mexico’s 32 states and is captivated by Mexico’s rich Mesoamerican history.

Featured travel companies

Intrepid Travel

Small group adventure tours, featured travel companies view all, why horizon guides.

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.

Our guides are 100% impartial and are written by independent, professional travel journalists. We make money by charging carefully-screened travel companies to list their business on our website. Our advertisers have no influence on our editorial content and we never accept payment for positive coverage.

Read more about how we work and what we believe in here .

• Travel guides
• Work with us

Sitemap , Privacy Copyright © 2024 Horizon Guides

• Mazatlan Tours
• Riviera Maya Tours
• Cozumel Tours
• Mazatlán
• Riviera Maya
• Español

Slide title

Interested in this tour?

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

Mayan Ruins Of Ek Balam Mexico: The Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Soumya

Ek Balam Mexico, also known as the Jaguar City of Mexico, is an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan Peninsula. Far lesser-known than the world wonder, Chichen Itza , and therefore, much less visited, the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam are a pretty offbeat Yucatan destination .

That said, the ancient city of Ek Balam Mexico is stunning and unique!

Here’s my definitive guide to visiting Ek Balam ruins with tips from my own trip there. You will learn

• All about the history of Ek Balam
• Practical information to help plan your trip
• Tips for getting to Ek Balam Mayan ruins from Valladolid
• Ticket information and recommended tours

Plus, there are loads of tips for you to decide if you need to visit this hidden Mayan pyramid in the jungles of Yucatan or not.

If you find this guide a little too overwhelming, take a look at this highly-rated day trip that covers the ruins of Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and a nearby cenote in one day. Or read on for a do-it-yourself Ek Balam ruins tour with our top tips.

Table of Contents

Quick tips for visiting Ek Balam ruins

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

• Ek Balam ruins are absolutely worth visiting because they are not as crowded as the other, more famous sites of Chichen Itza or Tulum . Plus, they are unique because of the presence of beautiful stucco sculptures that you won’t find anywhere else.
• The entrance fee for Ek Balam is a little over the top, quite comparable to Chichen Itza. That is because of inclusion of a state and federal component in the ticket prices at both these places.
• You can still climb the Ek Balam pyramid or Acropolis. However, be careful because the stairs aren’t in great shape and are slippery in many places.
• Ek Balam makes for a great day trip option from Valladolid , Cancun , or Playa del Carmen.
• This small group tour from Playa del Carmen or this full-day tour from Cancun are assured ways to seeing the best of this ancient Mayan ruin.
• Good news: You can easily visit Ek Balam and Chichen Itza on the same day. Find out how here .

Ek Balam History

The Mayan city of Ek Balam in Mexico thrived for more than a thousand years from 100 BCE to 900 CE. It reached its peak around the 8th century. Most buildings here were built around that period.

Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar” in the Yucatec Mayan language. The Black Jaguar, or the “Sun Jaguar” as it is often referred to, was a powerful symbol of the Mayan civilization.

Ek Balam was the seat of power of the Kingdom of Tlalol. Its first king was King Ukit Kan Le’t Tok. He was a promoter of culture and arts as well as technological developments in the kingdom.

Le’t Tok is said to have built the sumptuous pyramid of Ek Balam called the Acropolis which is the tallest standing structure in the region. 

It is believed that the king was buried inside the Acropolis in a chamber called the White House of Reading along with more than 7000 ceramic objects, shell objects, and other riches.

Things to do at Ek Balam ruins

The ruins of Ek Balam taken together form a cluster resembling a city. Restoration started only in the 20th century. You can spot remains of the city walls as you walk in.

Apparently, only 10% of the entire area of ruins at Ek Balam has been excavated! So there’s more to come.

But for now, there is an entrance gate, an oval palace, the twin pyramids, the main temple called the Acropolis, and several smaller structures. Let’s see how each one looks.

Ek Balam Pyramid or The Acropolis

The Acropolis is the tallest structure inside the Ek Balam archaeological area. It is 95 feet or 30 m tall.

It is quite unlike the other Mayan pyramids in Yucatan because of the palapa-roofed rooms that flank its sides. You can digress from your climb and take a little detour to visit some of these palapa-covered sanctuaries.

While climbing your way to the top of the Acropolis, you will notice these thatched roofs or palapas on your sides. Original stucco sculptures are preserved under these roofs.

Underneath one of these roofs on the upper left-hand side, lies the tomb of King Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’. This makes the Acropolis a very important structure in the Kingdom of Tlalol.

Recommended: How to visit the majestic pyramid of Chichen Itza ?

Original stucco sculptures

The stucco art at Ek Balam is one of its kind and quite distinctive because of the following reasons.

• Most of the other Mayan ruins have stone-carved sculptures and stucco work is hard to come by. Ek Balam in Mexico is one place that boasts of excellent stucco work.
• Among these stucco figures, are the figures of winged warriors that have interested historians for a long time. You can see a couple of them in the picture above on the left.
• There are multiple theories on who the winged warriors of Ek Balam could be. They could have been angels but apparently, Mayans did not believe in angels. They could have been Mayan warriors with supernatural powers. Or they could have been creations of artists influenced by global seafarers who brought learnings from lands far away. It is not uncommon to find winged creatures in Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
• Of great interest is the huge teeth-like structure in front that makes the entrance look like a big monster mouth . For Mayans, this door was probably an entry to the underworld.

Also read: 18 Best things to do in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Ek Balam’s Oval Palace

After you finish exploring the main pyramid of Ek Balam, the next place of interest is the Oval Palace at a 2-minute walk from the pyramid. Burial relics have been found here.

It is believed that the Oval Palace was used for cosmological ceremonies. The fact that it is comparable to the rounded observatory at Chichen Itza or Tulum confirms this. Therefore, it is also known as the La Redonda.

From the top of the Oval Palace, you can get some stunning views of the entire site.

Read next: Visit the stunning, sea-facing Mayan ruins of Tulum.

Twin Pyramids of Ek Balam

Right in front of the Oval Palace on the left, lie two identical pyramids called The Twins. These pyramids are constructed on a single platform.

A little ahead lies the Ball Court, albeit a smaller one than the one at Chichen Itza. Further ahead, you can see the Acropolis with the palapas.

Entry Arch of Ek Balam

At the entrance of Ek Balam, you will find this beautiful arched-gate that once connected Ek Balam to the rest of the Mayan kingdom.

The gate is believed to have connected to an ancient road called the sacbe .

The concept of sacbe is interesting. It is believed that sacbes crisscrossed the Mayan empire connecting major cities at their intersections. Much like the freeways and highways of our time. This sacbe probably connected Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and Coba together.

Recommended: Learn more interesting facts about Mayan pyramids in Yucatan.

Ek Balam cenote

Right next to Ek Balam is the Cenote Xcanche which is also known as the Ek Balam Cenote. It is a stunning, open air swimming pool complete with waterfalls and rope swings. Enjoy a swim in the cool waters here after exploring the ruins nearby.

The cenote requires a separate ticket – priced at 170 Mexican pesos per person.

There are some other attractive cenotes nearby too. For example, you could visit the majestic Cenote Maya along with Ek Balam ruins on this full-day tour from Cancun. Or do this trip from Playa del Carmen where you could visit the Hubiku Cenote. All Ek Balam tours usually include a cenote or two.

Practical information for visiting Ek Balam

Ek Balam entrance fee

The entrance fee for Ek Balam is 499 Mexican Pesos (approx. $27) for international tourists. This fee is split into two parts: Yucatan State (409 Pesos) and Federal (90 Pesos). Mexican citizens and locals from Yucatan have to pay lower amounts.

Honestly, I feel the admission fee for Ek Balam is high, especially when it is not as big as the ruins of Chichen Itza or Uxmal.

To add to that, the fee keeps on changing quite often. You can check the latest federal fee on INAH website here but the state component can be quite a mystery.

Like other archaeological sites in Mexico , locals can enter for free on Sundays. Expect a bigger crowd on Sundays and if possible, plan your Ek Balam tour between Monday – Saturday.

Make sure you have pesos with you when you get here. They do not accept any other currency.

Recommended Ek Balam tours

I feel it is always a great idea to take a guided tour to explore the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam. Local tour guides come with such an abundance of information, local myths and legends.

Here are some of my favorite guided tours for the Ek Balam ruins.

• This highly-rated, all-fees-included tour from Playa del Carmen takes you to both Ek Balam and Chichen Itza as well as accommodates a swim in the Hubiku Cenote.
• On this value-for-money, small group tour , you will enjoy early access to Chichen Itza with an expert archaeologist guide, climb the pyramid at Ek Balam, and swim in a cenote.
• This full-day tour from Cancun takes you to the ruins of Ek Balam and the majestic Cenote Maya.

Ek Balam opening hours

The archaeological park is open between 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Sunday. The ticket office closes at 4 pm. They are open every day of the year.

Best time to visit Ek Balam

The best time to visit Yucatan is from late October to early March. This is the colder season with average daily temperatures below 86 Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

However, December and January can get very crowded. So, it makes sense to visit during the shoulder season if that’s feasible.

We went in March and had to encounter smaller crowds. April and May are unbearably hot. June, July, and September get really wet due to rains.

Other helpful tips for visiting Ek Balam ruins

• Carry sufficient water because it can get pretty hot during the day.
• Bring your hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable, airy clothes. You can refer to this packing list for Mexico to help you decide.
• There is a restroom at the site.

How to get to Ek Balam?

Ek Balam is often done as part of any Yucatan road trip . You can hire a car and drive down to Ek Balam, one of the most visited Mayan ruins near Cancun and Valladolid.

Valladolid to Ek Balam

Since we had our base at Valladolid, we did a day trip from there. The distance between Ek Balam and Valladolid is around 20kms.

You can either take a colectivo van or a taxi from Valladolid to Ek Balam.  We took a collectivo taxi and since there were three of us we reserved it to get to Ek Balam and back.

The collectivo fare is usually 50 pesos per person if you are sharing it with others. We paid 200 pesos to reserve the taxi.

The journey from Valladolid takes about 30 minutes. These taxis run from the corner of Calle 44 and Calle 37 in Valladolid and leave only when they have 4 passengers. You can get a taxi back to Valladolid from the Ek Balam parking lot or ask your driver to wait for an extra charge.

Cancun to Ek Balam

Ek Balam is a longish day trip from Cancun. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, one way. But it is absolutely worth it if you are looking for a calmer, more peaceful heritage experience in the Yucatan.

The best way to do this is to take a guided tour from Cancun that usually includes a cenote swim as well. I especially love this full-day tour from Cancun because it has got rave reviews + includes blessings from a Mayan shaman + has a cenote swim. History, culture, and nature – all rolled into one!

Also read: 12 Majestic Mayan ruins to visit near Cancun

Where to stay near Ek Balam?

We stayed in Valladolid for a few days and made day trips to Chichen Itza , Ek Balam, and Rio Lagartos.

Valladolid is a pretty little town in Yucatan that has a rich colonial history. Here, you can see pastel-colored colonial buildings, old churches, and experience some amazing local culture.

I would highly recommend spending a couple of days in Valladolid and tour the surrounding area which includes Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and several pretty cenotes.

Click here to book your stay in Valladolid.

Ek Balam ruins FAQ

Is ek balam worth visiting.

The Mayan ruins of Ek Balam are absolutely worth visiting because of their unique stucco work which you will not find elsewhere in Yucatan . The winged warriors and the big open mouth of hell are fascinating. Plus, this is one of the few Yucatan pyramids that is still open to climbing.

Can you still climb Ek Balam?

Yes, you can still climb Ek Balam. The main pyramid is 7-8 floors high and you get an impressive view from the top. They say on a clear day, you can even spot Chichen Itza or Coba in the distance!

However, I would also like to mention that the stairs of the Ek Balam pyramid are not exactly in a great condition. Most of them are worn out. And it can get slippery and dangerous especially when climbing down. Plus, there is nothing to hold on to. So, be careful while climbing up and down.

What does Ek Balam mean in Mayan?

In the Mayan language, Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar”. Ek refers to the color black and Balam means Jaguar.

Who built Ek Balam?

A powerful king, Ukit Kan Le’t Tok, from the Kingdom of Tlalol built the city of Ek Balam.

What is Ek Balam known for?

Ek Balam is known for its unique stucco sculptures that are usually not seen anywhere else in the Yucatan Peninsula. Be sure to look out for the sculptures of the winged warriors and the big mouth of hell that are the highlights of Ek Balam ruins.

How high is Ek Balam?

The Acropolis or the main Ek Balam pyramid is 95 feet (30 m) tall.

Loved our Ek Balam ruins travel guide? Pin it for later!

You may also like:

• How To Visit Chichen Itza And Ek Balam In One Day
• 5 BEST Mayan Ruins Near Valladolid Mexico (2024)
• 8 Iconic Yucatan Pyramids - To Climb Or Not To Climb?

53 thoughts on “ Mayan Ruins Of Ek Balam Mexico: The Complete Travel Guide ”

Ek Balam the town nearest has cabins to rent they are awesome and they include breakfast and supper.

Thanks for the info, John. This will be really helpful for my readers who want to visit Ek Balam. Do you have a name for the place that rents cabins and provides breakfast?

thanks so much soumya, traveling to valladolid in february and this was all very helpful!

You are welcome, Brian. I hope you have a great time in Valladolid. Happy travels!

Ek Balam name sounds so Indian and even the structure bears some resemblance. It seems to be an offbeat gem and I would love to visit it in winters. It’s a bonus that there are good photo spots in the area.

Even I thought the same when I first heard about. Who knows there could be that Indian connection with the stucco work, the architecture, and the name! Pretty exciting stuff

Ek Balam in Mexico looks breathtaking, historic and so unique. It is architecturally beautiful and love those scultures! Thank you for introducing a new place in Mexico for us. The pictures gave a virtual tour and we would definitely like to visit this place and use this post as reference guide. Love it.

Agreed. It was so beautiful I sometimes liked it better than Chichen Itza. I am sure you will love it.

Ek Balam seems like an incredible place to visit! I have never heard of this place before, but would surely consider visiting there on my trip to mexico. Great pictures too! Thanks for the highly informational guide!

It is an amazing place and I am sure you will love it.

Thanks for the post! I’m not sure I’ve even heard of Ek Balam before. But I’m a sucker for well-preserved frescoes, so I’ll do my best to get there the next time I’m in the Yucatan! (And I think I’d much rather go here than crowded Chichen Itza.) 😉

Absolutely! I am sure you will love it.

Looks like a fascinating place. I would love to see the ruins and get a closer look at the carvings.

That sounds like a great plan.

These ancient ruins look so cool! I would love to visit here! Thanks for sharing and happy travels to your family!

Thank you so much Valerie. I am sure you will love it.

Love this place!! It looks amazing and I will definitely keep it in mind when visiting Mexico the next time if I make it down to the Peninsula.

I am sure you will love it.

Awesome post! Never heard of this place before! Would love to check it out someday. Thanks for the thorough tips!

You are most welcome.

Great post, very detailed historical background information! Worth a visit for our next Mexico trip.

This is quite an interesting place. I love the stucco work. You are right about it seeming similar to the Indian art. Glad to see that some preservation efforts have been made

Yeah, the stucco is beautiful. Hope we get to see more of such work.

Ek Balam looks like a fantastic place to visit! The ruins hold so much history and so many stories; it would be fascinating to experience them. I especially love the views from the Oval Palace. Thanks for the practical tips about food availability and best time weather-wise; those are things that it is especially important to take note of when traveling with children.

Quite true. It can be hard to be without food when you have kids with you.

Everything nice.

Thank you so much ?

We are travelling to the Yucatan in five weeks. We’ll have to put Ek Balam on the list. We are spending a couple of days driving through the interior checking out all the Mayan ruins and cenotes we can find. It’s fascinating to think that there wasn’t just one city but rather a full Mayan civilization connected by roads and commerce. The Mayan world was so much more advanced than we give it credit for.

That’s so true. And it’s so exciting to go around discovering all the little pieces. I hope you have a great time there.

What a lovely guide to visiting Ek Balam, a ruin I hadn’t read as much about, compared to Chichen Itza. I love reading about the history and details of the site; the black jaguar theme is interesting as I have come across that symbolisation in other Mayan historical references. You mention that only 10% of the site is currently excavated, so I am thinking there will only be more and more to see over the next few years. I must try and visit before it becomes more known and more crowded!

Yeah there’s so much more to come. I wonder what it looks like. Hope to go there again some day!

What a beautiful location! I’m actually planning a trip to Valladolid after the new year and this article gave me a lot of useful information about my upcoming trip. It’s really fascinating that most of the remaining Mayan ruins have stone-carved sculptures. Lovely read btw, thank you for sharing

Thanks Daniel. Hope you have a great time in Yucatan.

Ek Balam looks beautiful! I would love to visit one day. It sounds like it is full of history! Thanks for the great tips. I would love to visit during the winter months when the weather is cool.

Absolutely the best time to go!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

EK BALAM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.00 mi) Hotel Maya
• (0.01 mi) Suites Los Arcos - Adults Only
• (0.01 mi) Hotel Xul-ha
• (0.01 mi) Maya Casitas
• (0.02 mi) Hotel Marcianito
• (0.00 mi) Rosticeria La Mexicana
• (0.00 mi) El Arrecife
• (0.00 mi) El Patio Casa De La Musica
• (0.00 mi) Amigos
• (0.01 mi) La Terraza

How to visit Ek Balam Ruins in Mexico, The Ultimate Guide

The Mayan Ek Balam ruins are among the most interesting that you can enjoy in Yucatan. It is a great settlement with several attractive elements that you will appreciate if you know about them.

In this post, we will tell you all about it so that you can learn about this beautiful ancient Mayan City and explore it either on your own or with a guide.

In Ek Balam, you can climb the great Acropolis, with its 32 meters high, and enjoy the impressive views, observe one of the great tombs of the Mayan civilization, besides other amazing details that impress every curious traveler.

Without a doubt, we would not miss it on our journey through Mayan lands.

In fact, Ek Balam is one of the largest for us 🙌. Besides, you should know that the area is full of cenotes that you can explore after you visit the archeological site, including one on the very same premises. But let’s find out what makes Ek Balam so special and unique!

Table of Contents

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EK BALAM

Ek Balam is one of the great Mayan cities situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the capitals of Eastern Yucatan.

In the ancient Mayan world you cannot find one great capital that ruled over the rest, but several independent capitals or cities that were in power at times and in different zones.

Ek Balam was one of those capitals that under the government of Talol conquered this area of ​​eastern Yucatan, dominating several cities.

The most outstanding governor of Ek Balam was Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’, the initiator of the reign of Talol. His successors followed the legacy but were not as distinguished as he was.

During the time of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’ it was the apogee of Ek Balam, where it developed as a great city.

This governor had very good taste when it came to beautifying his city.

Let’s see the chronology of events:

► Ek’ Balam was populated from the Middle Preclassic period (300 BC) ► Its climax was during the Late Classic, from 770 to 896 AD. During these great times, Ek Balam conquered the nearby cities through wars ►The city remained alive almost until the arrival of the Spanish Conquerors

We can see the importance of Ek Balam from the wall that surrounds the city.

Every city with a wall means that it needs to protect itself from its enemies. You wouldn’t spend time and resources on something you don’t need. Later we see this wall on the map of Ek Balam.

Did you know?

✅ Ek Balam covered about 12 km2: a sacred central space of just over 1 km2 where the elite resided, protected, and delimited by 3 walls that served as access control and defensive purposes.

✅The walls had 5 entrances, with 5 pre-Hispanic paths or sacbés (sak bé oob in plural). Between 12 and 18 thousand inhabitants lived in its main nucleus.

✅ The Acropolis of Ek Balam is one of the largest buildings in all Mesoamerica. It measures 162 meters long, 68 meters wide, and 32 meters high.

✅ On the Acropolis lays the impressive tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’, with an offering of more than 7,000 pieces of various materials.

✅ Ek Balam has an Emblem Glyph: it is a glyph that identifies a ruler with his city or kingdom. Not many ancient Mayan cities have Emblem Glyphs.

The Mayan architectural style of Ek Balam Ruins

In Ek Balam, we can see various architectural styles from the different cultural regions, with a great variety of decorative elements such as the Petén, the Puuc, the eastern coast of Quintana Roo, Chenes, and Río Bec.

Ek Balam takes certain elements from all these styles, and we cannot say that it belongs to any of them.

The city combines them with its own styles, which makes Ek Balam a truly unique place 💛

Meaning of Ek Balam

The meaning is lucero/star (EK) Jaguar (<BAH-la-ma> what is read /bahlam/)= Star Jaguar .

The main cult was the jaguar, just as in Chichen Itza it was the Feathered Serpent (Kukulcan or Quetzalcoatl). This also gives us an idea of ​​how Ek Balam set itself apart from its neighbors.

EK BALAM EXPLORATION HISTORY

The first discovery of Ek Balam was made by Claude Joseph Désire Charnay, a French explorer, archaeologist, and photographer known for his photographs and explorations of the pre-Columbian world since his first trip to Mexico in 1857.

He visited Ek Balam in 1885 first and returned to the Mayan city on his last trip to Yucatan in 1886.

In 1994, the Ek’ Balam archaeological project of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) started and excavation works began.

While the exploration works for this city are relatively recent, in the past few years, there have been many advances in recollecting information about this ancient city.

Here is an interesting fact about Ek Balam that not many know

Ek Balam holds one of the most beautiful treasures of the Mayan world that’s related to writing: a panel known as the 96 Glyphs painted on a mural in one of the inner chambers of the Acropolis.

It has exactly 96 glyphic blocks, like the famous Palenque panel, arranged in three lines with 32 glyphic blocks each. (Location: the interior wall of room 29-sub, Structure 1 of the Acropolis).

It was not possible to get all the information from the glyphs but a lot of it could be recovered.

The bad news is that, in order to preserve it, it’s closed to the public.

We are dying to see it because it would be contemplating one of the great treasures of the Mayan world.

These direct windows to the past are astounding. 😁🙌

Whenever experts talk about these glyphs they mention the exquisite and unique calligraphy, especially the one from the hand of the scribe of Mural A, which is particularly embellished with curls and flourishing that makes it more difficult to interpret but a beauty to look at.

The chamber was opened and sealed over the years. Normally we see the glyphs carved in stone. This time they are painted as a mural on a wall.

Here below is a summary with photos to understand how exquisite this space is.

• Room 29_sub: Mural A of the 96 glyphs. Dating: 9.16.19.3.12 11 Eb’ 10 Sotz’ (April 7, 770 AD) and 9.16.19.6.1 8 Imix 19 Xul (May 26, 770 AD)
• Room 29_sub: Mural B below to the left of Mural A. Date: 9.18.15.9.0 1 Ajaw 3 Wayeb’ (January 16, 806 AD)
• Room 29_sub: Mural C below Mural A to the right of Mural B. Dating: 9.19.3.10.14 3 Hix 17 Kumk’u (January 8, 814 AD)
• Room sub_29: Mural D is located in the free space left by Mural C. Unfortunately, this mural is simple graffiti imitating the original glyphs.

HOW TO GET TO EK BALAM

Ek Balam is located 28 km north of Valladolid, 172 km from Cancún, and 186 km east of Mérida. As an additional attraction is the Cenote X-Canché, located 1.5 km. from this archaeological zone.

MEXICO STATE: Yucatan

How to get Ek Balam by car

Ek Balam Ruins are located:

► 172 km (106 miles) west of Cancun (2 hr 15 min by car)

► 156 km (68 miles) northwest of Playa del Carmen (2 hr by car)

► 127 km (79 miles) from Tulum town (1 hr 45 minutes by car).

► 28 Km (37 miles), north of Valladolid (35 minutes by car)

► 202 Km (125 miles), east of Merida (2 hr 30 min by car)

Renting a car on the Riviera Maya is something you would want to do if you want to be free to move around and discover all the other amazing sites in the region.

It’s a relatively safe place to drive, the roads are good and the sites are well-marked. Therefore traveling by car is a very good option.

However, remember, if you decide to get a car rental, make sure you include full insurance with 0 deductible so you will drive with no stress.  

➣ When renting a car in Mexico we recommend Discover Cars because on their website you can compare different companies and their prices and you can choose between their car insurance or the ones offered by the car rental directly, or both.

How to get to Ek Balam Ruins by local transport from Valladolid

► Taxi (collective): Collective taxis leave when they have at least 4 passengers. You can find the taxi stand on Calle 44 between 37 and 35, very close to the center of Valladolid.

You can pay for the full ticket if you don’t want to wait. It’s 70 pesos per person. They leave you at the entrance of the archaeological zone.

On the way back you will have to walk about 2 kilometers from the archeological site to the crossroads on the way to Ek Balam town to wait for the collective taxi to Valladolid.

How to get to Ek Balam Ruins by taxi

You can agree on a price with a taxi driver from Valladolid, or from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or anywhere you are.

Taxis have official rates, but in this case, if you want them to wait for you and take you back, you must agree on a price with the taxi driver. Do it before boarding, so there are no misunderstandings.

We leave you with the telephone number of a trustworthy taxi driver/guide in Valladolid with whom you can discover the area around Valladolid.

DRIVER CONTACT DETAILS 👉Manuel Sánchez +52 985 112 21 43

TOURS EK BALAM

An easy and comfortable way to get to Ek Balam is on a tour. Normally tour companies combine a visit to Ek Balam with a local certified guide with another archaeological zone or a cenote.

There are different tours that may be of interest to you. We leave you the information so you can enjoy the place.

Click on the image to read all the information.

EK BALAM MAP

Ek Balam is an easy and very entertaining site to visit. It is a relatively small place, with several buildings to climb that offer you different views.

The driveway under a rich shade of trees leads you to the entrance of one of the 5 roads that leave Ek Balam.

Ek Balam ruins suggested itinerary

The structures of the Ek Balam ruins are divided into two large groups: The South Plaza and the North Plaza. In addition to structure 18 or Vaulted Passage.

➡️ Vaulted Passage – The path from the entrance leads you here. It is believed that it was the main access reserved for the elite of Ek Balam. Here begins the tour of the interior of the enclosure.

➡️ South Plaza – follow the path to the left and go around the Oval Palace from behind, until you reach the Platform of the Stelae. In this square, we find Las Gemelas, two identical buildings that define the square. Do not miss the beautiful panoramic view of the Acropolis from the Oval Palace, for us the best view of the place.

➡️ North Plaza – here we find the Acropolis, a monumental building with several constructions. In this building is where you can appreciate the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’, one of the most beautiful in the Mayan world.

The views are incredible from the top. Leaving Ek Balam again through the same place you entered, you pass through the Ball Court.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION EK BALAM RUINS

As always, we leave you updated information to make your trip easier:

Ek Balam ruins facilities

• parking 100 pesos per car
• bathrooms 
• facilities for wheelchair access
• certified guide service

Ek Balam ruins opening hours

From 9 am to 5 pm every day. Last access at 4 pm

Ek Balam ruins entrance fee

The total price of the ticket is 531 pesos for foreigners (90 pesos is the INAH payment and 411 pesos is the payment for the Yucatan government). Foreign child from 4 to 12 years old is 90 pesos.

Only in Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Ek Balam do you have to pay the Government of Yucatan, this greatly increases the price of these archaeological zones.

211 pesos if you are Mexican. Yucatecan Mexicans are exempt from paying the Government of Yucatan by showing their credential, the entrance fee is 90 pesos.

✔ On Sundays, the entrance is free for Mexicans and foreigners with permanent residence. 

✔ Access to the Mayan ruins is open every day for kids up to 12 years old, students, teachers, and seniors (must show ID).

✔ Parking is 100 pesos per car.

FREE ENTRY TO EK BALAM FOR: Mexicans •Over 60 years old (with official ID) •Retired and pensioners (with official institution credential) •Teachers and students (with an official credential from the Mexican Educational System) •Children up to 12 years old •Researchers and interns (with INAH permission)

Mexicans and foreigners • People with Disabilities

5 Tips for visiting Ek Balam

✅ Use comfortable light clothing and shoes. Don’t wear flip-flops, they are a problem to climb because you can easily trip

✅ If you go early you will be alone, open at 8.

✅ Bring a bottle of water but keep in mind that you cannot walk in with food or alcoholic drinks.

✅ Big backpacks are not permitted. There are no lockers

✅ You can hire a certified guide at the entrance

How much time do you need to visit Ek Balam Ruins?

Between an hour and a half and two hours is the estimated time. There are tours that visit it in an hour, for us it is not enough time.

INSIDER TIPS – Just 1.5 kilometers away you can visit the beautiful Xcanché cenote. Or you can combine your visit with another cenote in the area, there are several very nice ones. We’ll give you ideas later, don’t worry 😊

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE ABOUT EK BALAM RUINS

What we like the least is the price, as it is one of the most expensive places to visit. Although it is not a reason to miss this amazing Mayan site.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT EK BALAM RUINS

It is one of our favorite archeological zones because as a whole it has everything: you can go up to the Acropolis, also to the Oval building from where you have incredible views of the Acropolis.

Stelae and the impressive tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’ will be one of the most beautiful things you will see in the Mayan world.

It is a charming place that leaves the traveler speechless, with great views and beautiful details. We really love Ek Balam, if it wasn’t clear 😜

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF EK BALAM

Without a doubt, the Acropolis and the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’ are the most impressive of Ek Balam. The large jaws of the Jaguar are the entrance that “swallows” the burial of the great governor.

This tomb was the Sak Xok Naah (“the white house of reading”) of Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’. When he died it was destined to house his burial chamber.

The stucco, both in the details and the coating, is extraordinary, an impeccable job.

It has been preserved so well thanks to a wall that was made to protect it. Today a large palapa protects it from the sun and rain.

Ukit Kan Le’k To’k’ was buried in 797 or 802 AD.

“The mortal remains of the sovereign were accompanied by a rich offering, made up of 21 vessels and more than seven thousand pieces of jade, shell, bone, and pyrite, as well as some unusual materials such as a gold earring in the shape of a frog and three pearls. ”, according to reports from INAH researchers, Leticia Vargas de la Peña and Víctor Castillo Borges, co-directors of the Ek Balam Archaeological Project.

WHAT YOU CAN VISIT NEARBY EK BALAM

➡️ Cenote Xcanché 1.5 km/ 0.9316 miles

➡️ Cenote Hubiku 16 km/ 10 miles

➡️ Cenote Sac Aua 14 km/ 8.6 miles

➡️ Cenote Chichikan 22 km/ 13.6 miles

➡️ Cenote Palomitas y Agua Dulce Tulum 16.5 km/ 10.2 miles

➡️ Valladolid 28 km/ 17 miles

➡️ Ek Balam town 3.7 km/ 2.3 miles

➡️ Kuluba ruins 73 (45 miles)

➡️ Chichén Itzá ruins 68 km/ 42 miles

BEST HOTELS NEAR EK BALAM RUINS

There are several places where you can stay near Ek Balam. The most common is Valladolid, the nearest colonial city where many stay for a few days to explore the area.

You can also choose a more local experience and stay in the town of Ek Balam in the Uh Najil cabins .

There are still cabins in the Xcanché cenote and in other cenotes in the area such as the Secreto Maya or the Xuux Peek the same (in this case the cabins are not as rustic as those in Xcanché).

EK BALAM RUINS FAQ

Yes, you can climb the Acropolis. Several Mayan cities have restricted access to some buildings after the 2020 pandemic, this is not the case in Ek Balam.

Is Ek Balam worth visiting?

Of course, it is, it is a very comprehensive place where you can enjoy one of the best examples of the Mayan civilization and old city

How many steps has Ek Balam?

Get ready to climb 106 steps of the Acropolis, 32 meters high. Climb with great caution because the steps are not even and it gets complicated, but most of all are careful on your way down.

Is Ek Balam a pyramid?

No, Ek Balam is the name of the entire old pre-hispanic city. There are temples (not pyramids) inside the city that you can appreciate and some of them can be climbed to the top.

Is Ek Balam or Chichen Itza better?

That is a difficult question to ask, Chichen Itza is magnificent and huge with a complex history and eclectic architecture, proclaimed a UNESCO world heritage site, it’s a MUST-VISIT if you haven’t been there yet.

Ek Balam is smaller but still with an interesting history and surrounded by a lush jungle that you can admire by climbing on top of a temple (which you can’t do in Chichen). It’s also more intimate and with fewer crowds and no vendors, which let you appreciate the mystical atmosphere.

If you have time you should really check out both of them.

Similar Posts

How to Visit the Muyil Mayan Ruins – The Only Guide You Need

Wondering how to Visit the Muyil Mayan Ruins? You are in the right place as in this post we will share everything you must know about this beautiful site. We will also offer practical tips on how to make the best of your time there and share information that you won’t find anywhere else! The…

How to visit the Mayan Ruins of Kuluba, an Hidden Treasure

The Kulubá ruins are one of those places loved by the most adventurous travelers. They are not very well known, and hardly anyone visits them. You reached them by a narrow path off of the main road that leads to you one of the most magical places. And of course, Kuluba ruins are some of…

El Meco archaeological site: Prices + info

El Meco archaeological site in Cancun is a special place for us, as we have spent many hours together there. El Meco is a small area very close to Cancun downtown and surrounded by captivating nature. When we lived in Cancun, El Meco was one of our meeting places on Sundays, since the archaeological sites…

How to Visit Chichen Itza Mexico, The Ultimate Guide

chichen itza mexico

The ultimate guide to Xelha ruins | the most underrated Mayan site

The Xelha ruins are located on the Riviera Maya, right in front of the popular Xelha amusement park. This park is actually more famous than the archeological site so much so that when we talk about Xelha we just think about the amusement park (unfortunately, we would add, as we don’t support these kinds of…

How to visit Coba Ruins: the best itinerary and practical tips

✅ In this post, you will learn everything you need to know about the Coba ruins, from practical tips to interesting and fun facts about this ancient city.

Visiting the Ek Balam Ruins & the X’canche Cenote

Last Updated on: 7th May 2023, 12:02 am

Located 25 km north of Valladolid , Ek Balam only gets a fraction of the crowds of nearby Chichén Itzá . But it’s easily one of the region’s most remarkable sites. Not only can those visiting Ek Balam climb every structure, but the massive Acropolis contains what’s arguably the best-preserved stucco frieze of the Mayan world.

Ek Balam’s name translates to ‘Black Jaguar’ or possibly ‘Star Jaguar,’ and it was named after the city’s first ruler who maintained control for over 40 years. At the time, the city was the capital of the Mayan kingdom of Talal.

While originally founded around 300 BC, Ek Balam would peak from 700-1100 AD. What we see today was largely built during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD), and the city’s architectural style seems to have been influenced by the Petén region of Guatemala.

While the site was known by the Spanish colonists, excavations only began as recently as 1997. And the Ek Balam ruins have just been open to the public for the last 15 years or so. With excavations far from being finished, expect the number of accessible structures to grow with time.

In the following guide, we’ll be going over what you can expect from a visit to the Ek Balam ruins. Also be sure to bring a swimsuit, as the nearby X’canche Cenote can easily be visited in tandem with the archaeological site.

For info on reaching the ruins and where to stay in Valladolid, be sure to check the end of the article .

Visiting Ek Balam

Ek Balam opens at 8:00 in the morning, and you’ll want to take an early shared taxi from Valladolid (learn more below ) to beat the crowds. While Ek Balam doesn’t get nearly as many visitors as Chichén Itzá, I still encountered several other ruins enthusiasts lining up with me before opening.

Unfortunately, the state of Yucatán is out of control in regards to their pricing of archaeological sites. Ek Balam is yet another site to cost around $500 MXN – several times higher than the prices of comparable sites in Quintana Roo, Campeche or Chiapas!

But despite the steep price by Mexican (or even global) standards, few visiting Ek Balam will regret it. Understand, however, that the nearby cenote is not included in this price, and costs yet another $150 MXN to access (more below).

After walking down a forested path, visitors will reach the city’s outer walls. Ek Balam was one of the few Mayan cities to have been surrounded by outer walls, and the 3 m-wide walls here were once decorated in stucco and paint. 

They likely weren’t built for defensive purposes, as the low walls would’ve been easy to penetrate. More probable is that they helped demarcate the sacred inner precinct from the outer realm of the profane. 

The first structure you’ll encounter is the Arco de Entrada, a unique gate with arches on all four sides. It’s been recently restored by archaeologists.

And from the gate, you can see one side of the largest structures of Ek Balam’s South Plaza area, the Oval Palace. It consists of 10 rooms at the bottom level and a few more at the top. And as its name suggests, it consists of multiple ovoid tiers.

The South Plaza

If you’re one of the first people to reach the South Plaza in the morning, you’ll have the choice of climbing up the Oval Palace for clear views of the plaza, or walking straight ahead to be the first atop the Acropolis.

If you’re looking for photos of Ek Balam with nobody in them, there are bound to be a few people standing atop the Oval Palace by the time you ascend the Acropolis.

In my case, having rushed over to be the first one at the plaza, I ascended the Oval Palace to enjoy clear views of an empty Ek Balam. There’s nothing quite like having an entire Mayan city all to yourself, even if it’s only for a couple of minutes.

Just beside the Oval Palace is a set of identical buildings appropriately known as ‘the Twins.’ One of the best-preserved structures at the site, ‘the Twins’ was originally decorated in elaborate stucco masks.

While no longer present here, there are still plenty of well-preserved stucco decorations to see along the Acropolis (more below).

Elsewhere in the plaza are some stelae, including Stele 1. It was erected in 840 AD by a king whose name we cannot fully read, but it was probably the same ruler who commissioned the nearby ball court.

Just about every ancient city in Mexico possessed a ball court, where the highly ritualistic and symbolic Mesoamerican ball game would take place between two teams. We know that this one was dedicated in 841, just a year after Stele 1 was inscribed.

It’s noticeably much smaller than the massive court you’ll encounter at Chichén Itzá, though it’s pretty much average size for the Mayan world.

Located to the east of the South Plaza is Structure 10. It appears as a large platform, and ascending the staircase reveals a tiny temple at the top. 

Notably, it’s similar to the small chapels one might see at sites like Tulum or Cobá . And it was also built around the same time during the Postclassic period (c. 1000-1200 AD). The large base, on the other hand, dates to the Late Classic era (700-1000).

To the west of Structure 12 is Structure 10, a long and narrow building that almost appears as a wall. While we don’t know for sure, this Late Classic structure likely played some kind of ceremonial role.

It would probably be a good idea to save these minor structures for the end of your visit, as you’ll want to quickly make it to the Acropolis before too many visitors arrive.

The Acropolis

By far the largest structure at Ek Balam is the Acropolis, which stretches out to 160 m long by 70 m wide. It’s also 31 m high, and visitors are still able to climb all the way to the top – a rarity in this part of Mexico, especially since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Made up of six different levels, the Acropolis contains no less than 72 rooms. And what’s most remarkable about them are the well-preserved stucco friezes that have remained intact for centuries.

One of these rooms housed the tomb of King Ukit Kan Le’k Tok (r. 770-801 AD), who was responsible for the Acropolis’s construction. Located on the pyramid’s fourth level, it’s marked by one of, if not the most impressive stucco facades ever found in the Mayan world.

Though it looks like it might be a modern reconstruction, this really is the original piece that’s been left in place for hundreds of years! It was able to survive in the jungle undetected thanks to protective exterior stones that once concealed it.

Incredibly, the tomb entrance appears as a giant mouth belonging to a ferocious monster, complete with humongous fangs.

But especially noteworthy are the figures above them which appear as humans with wings. They look strikingly similar to depictions of angels in the West, leading some to theorize about some kind of pre-Columbian contact. 

It’s probably just a coincidence, albeit a mysterious one. In any case, this amazing facade easily stands out as the highlight of visiting Ek Balam.

While inaccessible to visitors, dozens of funerary texts were discovered inside the tomb, both painted and carved. Among them is the Mural of the 96 Glyphs, an elaborate text which details Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’s ascent to the throne.

Notably, despite being relatively close to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam shows no traces of Toltec influence or that of any other Central Mexican culture.

Finished with admiring all the stucco artwork, it’s time to finish climbing the steep staircase to the top.

After catching your breath, you can relax for a while to enjoy a clear view of the South Plaza off in the distance. Otherwise, it’s nothing but treetops in all directions, revealing how flat this part of the Yucatán Peninsula really is.

Coming back down, you might want to walk around the entire structure. While there’s not much to see, it helps give an idea of how massive the Acropolis is and what a tremendous effort it would’ve taken to build.

Some of the smaller rooms at the base can also be accessed, though don’t expect to find much inside.

The X'canche Cenote

By now, you’ll likely find yourself covered in sweat, while more and more tourists will start arriving by late morning. Compared to sites like Chichén Itzá, visiting Ek Balam doesn’t take all that long, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a dip in the nearby X’canche Cenote.

While most Mayan ruins have a swimmable cenote within short driving distance, few feature them right on site. And that’s part of what makes visiting Ek Balam special. But as mentioned above, the cenote costs an extra $150 MXN or so on top of the standard entry ticket.

While technically walkable, your entry ticket includes the free use of a bicycle, and it’s a 5-10 minute ride along a dirt trail to reach the sinkhole.

Once you arrive, you can’t hop in the water just yet. You’ll be required to use the shower in the changing rooms first. Wearing sunscreen in the water is prohibited, as the chemicals could potentially harm the local fish and other organisms.

The lockers here don’t have locks, so you might want to bring your own. Otherwise, there’s ample space along the edge of the cenote to place your belongings and keep your eye on them while you swim.

Given the Yucatán Peninsula’s lack of rivers and lakes, these natural sinkholes were basically the only freshwater sources many Mayan cities had.

But they were also viewed as a link to Xibalbla, or the underworld, with many cenotes being used for ritualistic purposes. Within the Cenote Sagrado at Chichén Itzá, for example, numerous bodily remains were uncovered by archaeologists. Thankfully, that doesn’t seem to be the case with the X’canche Cenote!

If you’ve arrived early enough at the ruins, you’ll be able to reach the cenote before it gets too crowded. Take your time here enjoying the beautiful blue waters and the natural waterfall before finding the return taxi for Valladolid.

Additional Info

The Ek Balam ruins can easily be visited from Valladolid, as the site is just about 25 km north of the city.

Finding transportation is easy, as regular shared taxis depart from Calle 44, just north of Calle 37 (about one block north and one block east of the main bus terminal).

As opposed to the colectivos for Chichén Itzá, these vehicles look like regular taxis instead of minivans.

Conveniently, the driver only waits for three passengers to get in before departure, so you shouldn’t have to wait very long. At the time of my visit, a one-way journey cost 60-70 pesos.

Getting a ride back to Valladolid should also be easy, as you’ll likely find a car waiting at the same spot where you got dropped off.

While I recommend most people base themselves in Valladolid and visit Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam on separate days, not everyone has the time. That’s where tours come in handy.

For those staying in Playa del Carmen, this highly-rated tour takes you to both archaeological sites along with a nearby cenote.

Those based in Cancún, meanwhile, may want to consider this tour to Ek Balam and a cenote (Chichén Itzá not included).

And if you’re already based in Valladolid and prefer the convenience of a tour, this one combines Ek Balam with nearby nature reserves where you can see flamingos and unique pink lakes.

Given its convenient location between the Rivera Maya and Chichén Itzá, Valladolid attracts a lot of visitors. And as such, the Pueblos Mágico contains plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

Popular mid-range options near the center of town include  Hotel Casa Bamboo  and  Hotel Fundadores .

As a budget traveler who prefers a private room and bathroom, I found a great deal at  Hostal 230  for an average of $314 MXN a night (including VAT). What’s more, is that breakfast is included as well. Looking back, this is the best value I found in all of eastern Mexico.

Even if you want to leave early to explore the ruins, they will give you lunch later when you come back. The place actually doubles as a local Chinese restaurant.

Valladolid is small, so pretty much everywhere is walkable. But I was happy to discover that Hostal 230 is only about a two-minute walk from the colectivo stop for Chichén Itzá, and only several minutes on foot to the shared taxis for Ek Balam.

The best way to get to Valladolid is by bus. You’ll find direct routes connecting it with cities all over the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancún , Mérida , Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

The main first-class bus terminal is the ADO Bus Station in the center of town. And just a block away is the lesser-known terminal of the Centro bus company, which also runs routes to Izamal .

• Cancun Tourism
• Cancun Hotels
• Cancun Bed and Breakfast
• Cancun Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Cancun
• Cancun Restaurants
• Things to Do in Cancun
• Cancun Travel Forum
• Cancun Photos
• All Cancun Hotels
• Cancun Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Cancun
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Ek Balam - Cancun Forum

• Mexico    
• Yucatan Peninsula    
• Quintana Roo    
• Cancun    

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Quintana Roo forums
• Cancun forum

Does anyone have a suggestion of who I can contact about this trip? We've done Tulum , Coba, and Chichen Itza, so we were looking for something different this time.

Seems to be trustyworthy and honest. Speaks english well. Check your email for more details if you want them. You could do a Ek Balam/Valladolid

trip. There is a cenote at Ek Blam.

We did Ek Balam as part of a pkg that also included the cenote Il Kil and Chichen Itza. While Ek Balam is smaller than CI, I really enjoyed the details and the fact that it was much less crowded. We used Entertainment plus for this tour and had a fabulous day. Hope you have fun! :)

http://www.entertainment-plus.net/tour_ekbalamadventure.cfm

cenote, in the city ... not at the ruins. Just clarifying.

We did our tour of Ek Balam through Thomas More Travel.

Thanks for your help!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• HELP!!!!! Best Cancun All Inclusives for teenagers????? 7:51 pm
• eSim? Anyone use one recently? 7:41 pm
• Taxi driver arrested for charging Canadian tourist $1000 USD 3:45 pm
• Is Cancun airport always so terrible? 3:07 pm
• Royal resorts sold- former owners left out in the cold 1:47 pm
• Best way from airport to hotel zone. 11:23 am
• Getting around Cancun 10:49 am
• Father & daughter trip to Cancun - where and when ? 9:06 am
• American Airlines baggage 8:57 am
• Puerto Madero in Cancun 8:30 am
• Tipping in an all inclusive resort today
• AQUA Experiences Cancun - Private Yacht Rental yesterday
• RIU (U) Room Reservation yesterday
• Is there a pain-free way of hiring a car in Cancun? yesterday
• THE best all inclusive ?? 16 replies
• Secrets The Vine Cancun 254 replies
• Best Time of Year to Visit Cancun...?? 14 replies
• New RIU Palace Peninsula 469 replies
• Party resorts for 20-30 years old? 26 replies
• December weather? 11 replies
• cancun airport transfers 11 replies
• Best time of the year to go Mexico?? 18 replies
• How is the weather in Cancun in August? 7 replies
• Best All Adult Singles All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun? 19 replies

Cancun Hotels and Places to Stay

• Safety, Advice, Tips, and Hurricanes -
• Maps of Area Resorts
• Cancun Restaurant Trip Advisor Listing and Ratings
• Dollars or Pesos: What should I use?
• Weather: What will it be like in ...
• Bus, Taxi or Private Driver: Getting around Cancun
• Private/public ground transfer options:
• Online Tourist Card
• Airport Arrival, immigration limits,and hotel tranportation
• Best way to get to Isla and what to do
• Replacing a lost immigration form (tourist card)
• Avoid immigration jail. Verify your FMM visit duration.
• AA Meetings in Cancun and Nearby
• Departure Tax: Do I have to pay to leave Cancun?
• Travelling to Cancun/Riviera Maya with a criminal record
• WEATHER & June thru November - Hurricane Season Information
• How Do I Go by Bus from Cancun to Merida

My Free Range Family

Destinations , Mexico · Last Updated: March 14, 2024

Self-Guided Tour of Ek’ Balam Ruins: Visit Without a Tour + Map

🧞‍♂️ Welcome to your handy all-in-one self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam. Download & print our custom made map, along with directions & explore Ek’Balam ruins like a pro!

Coming up we share a little bit of the history and we highlight the main attractions of the Ek’ Balam ruins. Then we guide you smoothly around Ek’ Balam, step by step, on a self-guided tour that will give you enough information to keep you interested, but not put you to sleep!

Take the time to admire the cool little map we created… because we made it especially for you. No strings attached, simply download our free map of Ek’ Balam to your phone. OR you might even like to print it and bring it along to the ruins.

With our self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam we’ll save you paying for a guided tour and give you the freedom to see it in your own time.

📖 Also read our Ek’ Balam guide , for how to get there, the entrance fees, key tips & the best guided tours if you prefer to have someone tell you about the sights and sounds.

* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Ek’ Balam Self-Guided Tour – The History Basics!

The Mayan settlement of Ek’ Balam started around 300 CE and continued to develop through until 900 CE. The city reached its peak between 770 – 840 CE . The city of Ek’ Balam, is thought to have supported up to 20,000 people while it was the Capital of the Tlalol Kingdom.

Ukit Kan Le’k Tok (the Father of the Four Flint Fronts) was the first known ruler of Ek’ Balam. And it was during his reign that he had the Acropolis built as his Palace, along with several other impressive structures. In particular, the noteworthy Sak Xok Naah, or White House of Reading, was erected within the Acropolis.

Archaeologists believe that this later became his tomb, where he was buried with a collection of over 7,000 offerings. These included ceramics, shells and objects made of Tumbaga which is a non-specific alloy of gold and copper found throughout Pre–Colombian Mesoamerica.

Fun Fact: The name Ek’ Balam, in the Yucatecan Mayan language refers to Dark Jaguar , Black Jaguar or Jaguar Star .

Ek’ Balam Ruins More Recently

It’s believed that the city of Ek’ Balam covered approximately 12 km 2 in it’s time. However, it’s currently only the inner sanctum that has been uncovered. In other words, an area of around 1.2 km 2 with 45 structures, is currently excavated, restored and now open for your visit.

After the Spanish left Ek’ Balam the jungle slowly reclaimed the site, where it remained mainly undisturbed until 1980. From 1980 to 1990 large sections of the site were uncovered, at which time a major mapping program took place.

Ek’ Balam opened to the public in 1990 , with further extensive research carried out over four stages between 1994 to 1999.

While researching for our own visit, we found this great blog written by a couple who visited Ek’ Balam in the mid 90’s . During this time they wandered the site, experiencing it before much had been restored and was still under rocks. For interests sake, take a look through their photos to get a better idea of what Ek’ Balam looked like nearly 30 years ago.

Entrance & Tickets for Ek’ Balam Ruins

From the parking lot, make your way to the main entrance. This is a short walk down a jungle path not far from the Ek’ Balam main sign.

The ticket office is inside a large circular building. Here you’ll also find the toilets, access to X’Canche Cenote, an information counter and a small snack bar. Tickets were a breeze with no line when we arrived.

We recommend visiting earlier in the day if you’re looking to find an empty site.

💰 For the Ek’ Balam entrance fee details and costs, read here .

Free Printable Map for Self-Guided Tour of Ek’ Balam

🗺 Download our free map of Chichén Itzá that we created just for your self-guided tour. Keep it on your phone, or print it for your walk. 📍 And don’t forget the second page which gives you a step by step explanation of how to navigate between the key sights at Chichén Itzá. 👆 Tap this link to download… no need to sign-up, no strings attached. Just a pretty little map, created by us with love… especially for you!

Let’s begin with the fun part! This is where your self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam starts. Tap the link to get the complete map with walking directions. Read this before you get to Ek’ Balam or bring it along with you, or keep it ready on your phone.

It’s important to note, that we are not experts. However, we have done a lot of researching and reading. So our self-guided tour to Ek’ Balam is a collection of all of this information, the stuff we thought was interesting. If you’re a history lover and like ALL the details then we recommend you look at some of the official guided tour options of Ek’ Balam .

Beginning the Self-Guided Tour of Ek’ Balam Ruins

Below we begin by explaining each attraction or sight, of which we highlight #1 through to #8. Then under in the coloured text box, you’ll find the walking directions. Use these to navigate your way to each sight mentioned… with the help of our map!

Ready… set… go!

#1 The Defensive walls

The Defensive Walls once encircled the entire inner sanctum of Ek’ Balam. The inner wall is two metres tall and three metres wide, while the outer wall is smaller in size.

🚶Walking Tour Directions From the main entrance follow the path beyond the small section of craft vendors, through the forest, to the ticket check point. As you approach the Ek’ Balam ruins from the jungle you’ll pass by two walls, these are the (#1) Defensive walls .

#2 The Entrance Arch

This raised rectangular structure sits atop of the sacbe , which is a raised path or road typically found in Mayan Archaeological sites.

Climb to the raised platform of the Entrance Arch and look up. Or atleast, be sure to walk the full exterior, noting each arch at all four sides. The unique architectural design is made up of intersecting vaulted ceilings.

In terms of purpose, the Entrance Arch is thought to have served as the main entrance point to the inner sanctum. In addition to this, it would have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

🚶Walking Tour Directions Continue on the same path, beyond the Defensive Walls . Next is the (#2) Entrance Arch , which is the first structure you’ll see as you emerge from the forest. Note : Beside the Entrance Arch the rear side of the (#3) Oval Palace comes into view.

#3 The Oval Palace

The Oval Palace is a large structure, believed to have been constructed over several phases and was used for both residential and ceremonial purposes.

The bottom section is a rectangular base that housed 10 rooms around its perimeter. While the upper section was a tiered oval with a shrine at its peak.

Human remains, as well as various offerings were found during the excavations. One of the remains was a young child found within a ceramic vase or pot covered with a plate.

🚶Walking Tour Directions From the Entrance Arch, walk around behind the southern side of the (#3) Oval Palace . Circumnavigate the building in an anti-clockwise direction. Explore some of the smaller rooms on the lower section of the Oval Palace . Then pass between it and the covered area that houses the Stela – Monument – of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ , to view the Oval Palace from the front (the northern side). Don’t miss the opportunity to walk to the top to admire the views. In the distance is the Acropolis , to your left are The Twins .

#4 The Twins

If you look closely, you’ll see the Twins are built on a singular large rectangular base. Upon this, two identical secondary structures or temples are built side by side. Both of these two vaulted buildings, each have four rooms.

Access to these are from two identical staircases positioned side by side.

🚶Walking Tour Directions Standing at the bottom of the stairs of the Oval Palace , looking towards the west is the structure referred to as (#4) The Twins .

#5 Stela – Monument – of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’

Directly opposite the twins you will find a Stela of the ruler Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’. This is a free standing monument, and used by Mayans to commemorate important moments in history and significant people. 

From the section above related to the history of Ek’ Balam, we explain the role Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ played in the development of this city. It was clear he was a key figure in the prosperity of Ek’ Balam. As such this Stela is an important structure within the tour.

🚶Walking Tour Directions From the Twins, head back to the (#5) Stela of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ for a closer look at the carving dedicated to the great historical Mayan ruler.

#6 Structure 10

Structure 10, is on the eastern side of Ek’ Balam. It’s essentially a large rectangular base with slopping walls and a central staircase leading to a grassy upper plateau. Upon which you’ll find two small platforms and a vaulted temple.

The outer back edge of this structure drops off into the surrounding jungle. From this vantage point, you get a better sense of what Ek’ Balam looked like, before it was rediscovered.

🚶Walking Tour Directions Make your way from behind the Stela of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok ‘, towards (#6) Structure 10 and up the steps for a look around.

#7 The Acropolis

The largest of the buildings found within Ek’ Balam is the Acropolis. This impressive structure was the Royal Palace and stands at approximately 152 metres long (500 feet), 60 metres wide (200 feet), and 30 metres high (100 feet).

Positioned on the northern edge of Ek’ Balam, this structure like many others has been added to over time. Now it finally stands, rising over six levels, with both an east and west wing. The Acropolis comprises of numerous rooms, temples, courtyards, corridors and stairways. And to date, more than 70 spaces within the Acropolis have been excavated.

Climbing on the Acropolis at Ek’ Balam

One of the most exciting things about visiting the Ek’ Balam ruins, is that you can climb to the top. The main external staircase leads to the summit of the Acropolis. The 360 0 view from up there, emphasises the incredible remote location of Ek’ Balam. Peeking through the trees ahead is the Oval Palace and the Twins, and it’s a beautiful sight!

The White House of Reading / Sak Xok Naah

Just below, on the forth level is a self-contained structure, with an external façade decorated in the most impressively detailed stucco. This is the Sak Xok Naah or White House of Reading, wherein the tomb of Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’ was believed to have been found.

Admire the open mouth and fangs. Through our research, these have been explained as an earth monster, earth deity, mouth of jaguar or a flower mountain monster. We’ll let you be the judge on this one. At any rate, it certainly appears protectively guarding the main entrance door, which leads deeper into the structure and tomb.

Unfortunately, you can only admire this area from the outside, as it’s currently cordoned off.

🚶Walking Tour Directions From Structure 10 head north to the (#7) Acropolis on the way passing Structure 7 and the Steam Bath . Begin the slow, steady walk to the summit. Provided you’ve caught your breath, it’s time to make your way down to the 4 th level. Take it slowly, as the steps down seem a lot steeper than they did on the way up. Here you will step off the stairs to your right, to pass by the façade and entrance of Sak Xok Naah / The White House of Reading. Don’t forget to take your time to admire the impressive Acropolis from below, particularly the two monuments at the base. Two Hieroglyphic Serpents, with extended tongues stand to the left and right.

#8 The Ball Court

The Ball Court at Ek’ Balam is significantly smaller than Chichén Itzá in both length and height. Furthermore, the walls are lower, wider and have a gentler angle, thereby providing a lot easier field for the players.

It’s understood that the game at Ek’ Balam was only for the upper class. And unlike Chichén Itzà, no signs of human sacrifice were depicted as a result of the game.

🚶Walking Tour Directions After you’ve seen everything there is to see at the Acropolis , head south towards the Entrance Arch . In doing so you’ll walk though the pitch of the (#8) Ball Court , with the walls to your left and right. This is the last sight on our self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam! Make your way back to the Entrance Arch , to rejoin the path towards the exit.

Audio Guides & Guided Tour Options at Ek’ Balam

Okay, what did you think? Did our self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam give you enough of the details… or do you feel like you need more. Perhaps you’re a facts and dates person and need more in the way of history. If that’s the case, you have three options.

Firstly, grab yourself a guide at the ticket office on arrival. Easy peasy.

Secondly, you can read our blog on the best guided and private tours – Valladolid (and beyond) to Ek’ Balam. In this post we share the best group or private tours from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. As well as, the best private tours from Valladolid. All of these tours include visits to other attractions, such as cenotes, Chichén Itzá, or the north coast of the Yucatan.

Your third option is to download one of the audio guides below for your tour. I mean who doesn’t love a good audio guide! And the second of these guides includes Chichén Itzá among others.

Is Ek’ Balam Worth Visiting

Is Ek’ Balam worth a visit? This is a definite yes, yes, yes!!! This was hands down one of our most favourite days in Mexico. Probably given also to the fact that we went by scooter which was a total adventure.

But for sure, for our family the Ek’ Balam Ruins were a definite positive. It was less overwhelming than Chichén Itzá and therefore easier on the kids. However, primarily we loved it for the fewer crowds, the quality of the experience, and the tranquility of the site.

What’s more Ek’ Balam is located 10 minutes from the Cenote Route and some of our favourite cenotes in Valladolid . We definitely recommend a visit to the nearby cenote of Sac Aua .

More on Valladolid

We hope you loved our self-guided tour of Ek’ Balam and most importantly that you found it helpful. Let us know if there was anything you think that needs adjusting, or clarifying. And if you’re planning on staying in Valladolid for a few days, then you might like to browse through the other posts we’ve created.

Check our other posts for your itinerary and visit to Valladolid.

• The best cenotes of Valladolid – we recommend and review our favourite cenotes.
• The best place to stay in Valladolid – our review of the Oryx Hostel.
• The best things to do in Valladolid – (post coming soon).

And of course don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post: how to visit Chichén Itzá without a tour!

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

You’ll Also Love

December 10, 2023 at 9:38 pm

Great info. Thank you

December 14, 2023 at 10:53 pm

Glad to be of help 🙂

February 5, 2024 at 9:03 pm

Thank you so much! Your pages were so helpful while in Valladolid. Very detailed and informative. I look forward to using your pages for resource on future trips.

February 12, 2024 at 11:09 pm

Thanks Damien, absolutely my pleasure 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Privacy Policy

Join the List

Enter your email address below to receive updates from us.

• Slow Travel
• Sustainability
• Packing Lists
• Travel Products
• New Zealand
• Yemen, Socotra Island

Copyright © 2024 My Free Range Family · Theme by 17th Avenue

• Chichen Itza Tour Classic
• Chichen Itza Tour Plus
• Chichen Itza Tour Deluxe
• Chichen Itza Tour Diamante
• Private Chichen Itza Tour
• Luxury Chichen Itza Tour
• Premium Chichen Itza Tour
• Chichen Itza Tickets
• Chichen Itza Maps
• Chichen Itza Ruins
• Chichen Itza History
• Chichen Itza Hotel
• Mayan Calendar
• Mayan Predictions

CHICHEN ITZA TOUR FROM MOON PALACE GOLF & SPA RESORT ALL INCLUSIVE

About the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive

This is the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive , and it’s named Classic because it’s the most used to go to Chichen Itza, but it has nothing about “boring classic”.

With this Chichen Itza Tour from Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive you’ll enjoy a journey full of adventure, exploration, culture and Mayan knowledge. Lets know forget that Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Begin with an early pick up to make the most out of the day. You’ll be taken by bus from your hotel to Chichen Itza, along the way you’ll get to know some info about this astonishing Mayan Archaeological Site.

The first stop with the Chichen Itza Tour is CHICHEN ITZA. When you arrive to Chichen Itza you’ll enter the great Mayan city and the first thing you’ll see is the Chichen Itza Pyramid called El Castillo or “The Castle” which was built to honor the God Kukulcan. You will have 2 hours onsite, divided with a guided tour and some free time at the Mayan Ruins so you can explore on your own all the Chichen Itza Ruins and buildings.

After visiting the great Mayan City in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll be taken to a buffet lunch, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mayan food and refreshing drinks.

After having your delicious meal, you will be able to enjoy the visit to the Cenote and actually swim in it! The Cenotes were sacred to the Mayans and swimming in them will not only be amazing but also refreshing.

With the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort All Inclusive you will also visit Valladolid, Yucatan, a colonial town in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula really close to Chichen Itza. Valladolid will show you a typical Mayan living style, calm and relaxed people and nice small business around the plaza.

The reason why you should book this Chichen Itza Tour is because it’s simply perfect to get to know this ancient Mayan City that’s now part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll end up knowing more about the Mayans and its culture and knowing a great place named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture.

• Not Included
• Recommendations

What is included in the Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Round trip on board our luxury air-conditioned panoramic buses.
• 2. Shared transfer
• 3. Certified guides specialized in archaeology and Mayan culture who will accompany you throughout the tour.
• 4. Buffet with a wide variety of typical foods of the region
• 5. Guided access (bilingual) to Chichen Itza and free time to walk around and take pictures at the archaeological site.
• 6. Visit to the Cenote (swimming is allowed, life jackets are provided on site and have an additional cost of 4 USD)
• 7. Brief visit to the historic city of Valladolid, Yucatan.

Not included in the Chichen Itza Tour

• 1. Any type of drink throughout the tour.
• 2. Photo or video services.
• 3. Use of lockers, life jackets or towels in the cenote.
• 4. Snacks or box lunch, outside of what is contemplated in the buffet meal.
• 5. Other activities in Chichen Itza, the cenote or Valladolid.
• 7. Any other product not mentioned in the list of what the tour includes.
• 8. If you wish to have a more “All Inclusive Tour” you might want to check the Chichen Itza Tour Plus or the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour .

Recommendations for the Chichen Itza Tour

Please confirm with us by dialing the number indicated on our home page that we have transportation service to and from the lobby of your hotel in Cancun, or if you must travel to a meeting point for the transfer.

The details of the transportation, time of arrival and return, as well as meeting points will be sent to you by email at the end of the reservation process.

The rates for minors are valid for children between 3 and up to 11 years of age.

Infants below three years of age do not pay.

• 1. Carry a certain amount of cash with you for products and services not included in the package.
• 2. Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags.
• 3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses.
• 4. Bring a hat or a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• 5. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
• 6. Bring a towel and swimsuit.
• 7. If you suffer from any health problem or physical impairment, please contact us before booking so we can advise you about it.