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Ek Balam Mayan Ruins: Explore Ancient City and Experience Cenote
4.3
32 Ratings
Ek Balam Village
Explore the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam, experience its rich history and stunning views, indulge in a Yucatan-style feast, and swim in a mystical cenote.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Ek Balam - Ek Balam
- Cenote Maya Park - Refresh yourself and enjoy de lunch
What's Included
- Swimming in a cenote, rappelling descent, and use of lianas.
- Transportation with air conditioning and traveler’s insurance.
- Bilingual guide certified by the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History).
- Buffet-style regional meal (beverages not included).
- Life jacket and lockers.
- Bottled water during the excursion.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Souvenirs or photographs
Additional Information
Step into the past with Ek Balam, a 1000-year-old Mayan metropolis once presided over as a capital. This ancient city, established in 300 B.C., by its namesake Ek Balam, flourished under the reign of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, who embellished it with timeless murals and architectural frontages. Absorb the breathtaking vista from its central edifice.
Post your historical tour, immerse yourself in the local culture. Watch the creation of local crafts, tantalize your taste buds with handmade tortillas and Xtabentun, and experience the blessings of a shaman. Delight yourself with a broad array of dishes in Yucatan-style banquet.
Cap off the excursion with a dip in one of the storied cenotes, the ancient sources of water. Soak up the spiritual vibes of this magical locale. Dare to rappel into the cenotes’ depths for a thrilling experience. Make every instant unforgettable.
- This expedition is not suitable for people with severe physical or motor handicaps or serious heart problems
- It is definitely not recommended for pregnant women.
- People under the influence of alcohol will definitely not be permitted to participate in this expedition.
Location
Ek Balam
20-minute drive from Valladolid on highway 295, direction Tizimin
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(32 Ratings)
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Hayley_s
May 26, 2024
A Must See - This tour is a must. There were a few hiccups that were completely out of the operators control but they handled it well and kept us on track. Our guide was very helpful and informative. This is a very long day so come prepared.
Review provided by Viator
Jacqui_b
Apr 6, 2024
A great tour - We had a wonderful time on this tour!! Francesco our guide grew up here is of mayan decent and gave great explanation of everything!! The walking thru ruins was a wonderful experience with reaching the acropolis as the grand finale!! Ek Balam is not crowded and so interesting!!! The centote was beautiful and fun so refreshing on a hot day too!! Lunch was served as a buffet and was very good. There are crafter that toy can buy from there too
Diego was our driver her got us there safely and stayed with the van and our things
Review provided by Viator
C9170rhcaroll
Mar 27, 2024
Ek Balam ruins and cenote- a must see! - Ek Balam and the cenote! Unforgettable experience! Highly recommend this tour from Cancun Adventures. Thank you guide, Nestor and driver Javi.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanette_m
Jan 20, 2024
The ruins were great but... - The ruins were great but the time at the shopping outlet was a bore. I do understand that the local people need the money but I would not ever choose to go to such a place.
Review provided by Viator
Lola
Dec 28, 2023
Amazing Ek Balam and Cenote Secreto Maya! - Ek Balam is far less crowded than other sites. Our guides were courteous and knowledgeable. The cenote offered rappelling and zip lining which were both really fun. I enjoyed not having to wear a mandatory life jacket like we've had to at other cenotes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hilla_g
Dec 22, 2023
Great way to spend the day! - Don't miss out on climbing up the Ek Balam pyramid before it's not allowed anymore! A hidden gem among the many tours offered in the area.
Our guide Alejandro was knowledgeable, nice, attentive and a true gentleman.
Note that you should bring comfortable shoes (not flip flops) a towel, snacks for the long car rides (2/3 hours each way coming from Cancun) and all the sun protection.
Review provided by Viator
Kate_b
Jun 30, 2023
Two incredible adventures - We loved having a small group, and our tour guide Tonantzin was wonderful. Our family had two incredible adventures: climbing to the top of the Acropolis at Ek Balam, and rappelling into a very large partially closed cenote. Lunch was delicious and we appreciated having a vegan option after asking ahead of time. One thing we were not expecting was to pay $125 USD for the pictures in the cenote and of the Mayan ceremony, which they email to you. That was to buy them all, they did offer to buy one picture for $20. The pictures are taken by students, and it helps to support their education. I’m very happy we decided to buy them and to me it was well worth having the family photos.
Review provided by Viator
Puntacanada2009
May 16, 2023
Ek Balam and Cenote Tour! Amazing! - Booked the tour to Ek Balam with Sunwing via Alltournative tours. Long drive but amazing, the rapelling into cenote incredible, the ruins tour was great, very very hot on May 1st. You can still climb the main pyramid. Much less crowded compared to Chichen Itza. Also the mayan blessing at the start was quite nice, almost felt like a religious experience. Thanks!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertdg1250mf
May 28, 2023
Take the time in in Cancun - These ruins are worth a visit especially if you're on your way to Chichen Itza or you're spending some time in cancun. The price was a little bit high for admission and the main Temple was about 80% unaccessible at the writing of this review. The entrance Gateway is impressive so definitely take the time to see this one. Bathroom and water is available on site
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yvonneundmatthias
Mar 7, 2024
Cancun via Playa del Carmen to Ek Balam - With the detour via Playa del Carmen, where other tourists got on, the journey from Cancun to Ek Balam is simply too long.
This meant that the day trip took almost three hours longer than planned.
The archaeological site is definitely worth it. We also found the Mayan cenote very beautiful and had fun. It was positive that our group (10 people) was alone in the pool. It was annoying that we weren't allowed to take photos in the cenote. At the end you could buy pictures, $20 per picture.
Despite a very good driver and interesting insights into Mayan culture, we wouldn't book the trip again.
Even if you go directly from Cancún to Ek Balam, it's already a full day trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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