Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun
Description
Tick off more Mexico attractions, including one of the New7Wonders of the World, in less time on an activity-packed day trip from Playa del Carmen—the ideal choice for first-time visitors and history buffs. Visit the world-famous Chichen Itza, explore the lesser-known Ek Balam. Plus, all entrance fees and two meals are included for a seamless experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The second stop of the day will be in Cenote Saamal, after getting to know the history of Chichén Itzá. Here, you will be able to cool off in its water and have a relaxing time that you will surely remember forever. The cenote is subterranean, and we will enter it through its stone stairway. Thanks to its opening at the top, with the entrance of the sunlight, the water achieves a beautiful blue color.
Step into Naayil Kú Maya Village for an immersive cultural encounter guided by the Maya themselves. You’ll be welcomed by a Maya warrior and a shaman before walking a sacred jungle path filled with stories and symbolism. Receive a traditional blessing and cleansing, then browse a small handicrafts shop showcasing locally made pieces. The highlight is a live Mayan Ball Game demonstration performed by authentic warriors, followed by a tequila tasting.
Ek Balam, a lesser-known collection of Maya ruins. Climb to the top of ancient temples and admire frescoes that depict the Maya underworld as your guide tells you about the history of the area. Your tour concludes with drop-off back in Playa del Carmen.
Your expert guide will lead you throughout the day, sharing fascinating facts and folklore of the Mayan civilization. Get ready to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We offer pick up service in most hotels. In the event that your hotel does not have a pick-up service, we will let you know the closest meeting point the afternoon before the tour by sending a message to your telephone or a notification to the email address indicated in your reservation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(5)
I confirmed three seperate times this week that this tour would be going ahead on 12 October, and the meeting place and meeting time. On the evening of 11 October, at 9pm (meeting next morning at 7.20am was planned) the company contacted me saying someone had cancelled and therefore they had to cancel the tour. I asked why if one person cancelled the tour was being cancelled, since they would keep the money according to their cancellation policy. The contact then stated I was actually the only person on the tour. I asked whether the company had been lying all week to me when I was confirming the details, or whether they were lying now and he refused to answer – only offering me a refund or an alternative and completely unsuitable tour. Cancun Tours has absolutely ruined my vacation, I recommend to avoid this company at all costs. Since it is now 9pm and I only have tomorrow in Cancun, I have no way of booking another tour tomorrow to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Terrible, shady, and dishonest company.
This tour is really an incredible experience. Things to know that may be helpful…. 1. It’s a very long day but it’s definitely worth it! 2. We went at the beginning of June and it was very hot (100° F) so be prepared to protect your skin and head… hats, sunglasses and umbrellas will serve you well. 3. Our guides (Blalio and Marco our driver) were phenomenal. So genuine and informative and just so lovely! 4. Ek Balám is smaller and just as amazing… climbing the acropolis takes good physical abilities especially in the heat. So just be prepared. Getting to the top provided incredible views. Highly recommend. 5. The cenote was an out of this world experience. We were AMAZED! Just the most beautiful natural creation we’ve ever seen. LOVED IT. 6. Mayan culture is fascinating. Thanks to our guide he educated us and we came out better people for becoming familiar with this culture. Take the time to learn. 7. Chichen Itza is properly named a “wonder of the world”. The temples architecture and engineering are mind blowing. Also don’t overlook the football field! We wish we had more time to wonder around a little bit more. But with the heat we don’t know how much more time we could’ve actually used. All this to say you can’t go wrong with this tour. We are so grateful to have been able to experience this! Be prepared for a long day… take a siesta on the ride… relax and enjoy!
Hi Pam_C! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment, we’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour, our service and our team. Hope to see you again soon!
Patricio was super Knowledgeable, made sure we had enough time doing everything and that all our needs were taken care of. It’s a long day and a lot of driving but extremely memorable!
Hi Katherine_B! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment, we’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour, our service and our team. Hope to see you again soon!
Handfrafts shop visiting was not needed. The time should be spent at Chichen Itza. Tour delayed so return to Hotel became late.
Hi Road30709314565! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment. We have made note of your comments to make improvements in our service. Hope to see you again soon!
My guide was with Aldo. I went with my family and I can’t believe how amazing the tour was. Also was very informative on the entire tour. He helped us learn not only about the culture, but made the experience feel very authentic and personal. I had a great time, and it’s an experience I don’t think we’ll ever forget. I don’t think the experience would have been this beautiful if Aldo was not our guide. He’s amazing. He needs recognition because he really was amazing! Definitely bring a change of clothes and hat! There’s a lot of sun exposure. Bringing water would also be helpful.
