Tours/Cancun/Small Group tour to Chichen Itza early arrival Ekbalam and Cenote
Viator · group up to 14 pax

Small Group tour to Chichen Itza early arrival Ekbalam and Cenote

5.0(79)Cancun1 hour
VIATOR5.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(77)

Description

As if getting early access to Chichen Itza—one of the New 7 Wonders of the World—wasn’t enough, this small-group tour from Playa del Carmen also includes Ek Balam, another major Mayan archeological site, and a cooling dip in a cenote. Add to that a freshly prepared regional lunch and you’ve got the ultimate cultural day out in Mexico

Tour Options

Departure from Puerto Morelos
  • Pickup included
Departure from Cancun
  • Hotel Pickup service: Add this option if your hotel is in Cancun Area Duration: 4 days 17 hours Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission not included180 min

Discover the Mayan site of Chichen Itza on this tour from Riviera Maya. Beat the crowds and explore this impressive location. Set off early and arrive at the ruin of Chichen Itza just as it opens and take a guided tour for 3 hours inside the Chichen Itza. Learn about the old Chichen Itza and the different buildings there and see 1 of the cenotes inside the ruins. Take some amazing pictures of the Kukukkan Castle as you explore and see the 1000 Columnas Temple, Jaguar Temple, and the biggest ball game stadium in the Mayan culture. Following the guided tour you will have some free time to take some pictures or buy any souvenir.

Admission included90 min

Discover one of the most impressive cenotes underground in Yucatan the Cenote Hubiku where you can take a refreshing swim under hundreds of stalactites after visiting Chichen Itza ruins. After the swimming, you enjoy a reginal buffet lunch at the Cenote restaurant.

Admission not included90 min

Next, visit Ek Balam, an off-the-beaten-track Yucatec-Maya archaeological site with incredible carvings hidden in a jungle landscape. Climb the soaring Acropolis pyramid, the highest point of the ruins.

Highlights

Bottled water
Lunch
Small gropup Maximum 14 people
Air-conditioned vehicle
All visit guided

What's included

Included
Bottled water
Lunch
Small gropup Maximum 14 people
Air-conditioned vehicle
All visit guided
Not included
Chichen Itza and Ekbalam State taxes, must be paid at the travel date in Mexican Pesos Cash

Pickup Locations & Times

Pick up place is at your hotel lobby or a meeting point if you are in another qccommodation. Pick up time will provide the afternoon before to the tour by email or text to your cell number.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
79 reviews
5
78
4
1
3
0
2
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1
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Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Total time including the land transportation to the places to visit and come back to your hotel or meeting point is between 11 and 12 hours, depending on the location of your accomodation.
  • Chichen Itza and Ekbalam Yucatan State Taxes not included. 1250 MXN per person, must be paid at the travel date, mandatory payment in cash, not USD not Card
  • From 1st January 2026 Chichen Itza and Ekbalam taxes are 1450 MXN per person

Reviews(79)

Q
Quest277624
June 8, 2026
Active and educational tour

My husband and I had a great day with Alex and Rodrigo and the other 8 in our group! Everything went smoothly, we learned a bunch about the Mayan culture and history. Alex has a great demeanor and a lot of knowledge. It’s definitely a long day but a great way to add on a couple more experiences along with Chichen Itza after investing the time to drive out that far. The lunch buffet at Ek Balam was actually quite good! We were comfortable traveling in the van and Rodrigo was a great driver. Thank you!

Operator response

Hi We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Alex and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

A
Amy_M
June 8, 2026
Excellent! Highly recommended!

We had the best day!!! Miguel, the Mayan guide, is a brilliant and kind guide. Rodrigo was a great driver and host. This was an amazing way to experience the ruins and cenote. The cute little town was great to experience too. We always felt safe, had tons of fun, and learned a lot. The day was well organized. They kept the AC and cold water flowing. My 18 year old loved it all too! I’d give more stars if I could!

Operator response

Hi Amy We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

_
_P6739DE
June 8, 2026
Day in Mexico

From a pick up to the evening drop off everything was great. Miguel is a highly professional guide ready to answer all peculiar question.

Operator response

Hi We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

9
933israelg
June 7, 2026
Unforgettable Experience! Can't wait to come back!

This experience was unforgettable. We were provided with clear instructions on purchasing tickets ahead of time and everything we needed for the trip(s). We were given enough time and information to enjoy each spot on the trip. We are definitely wanting to come back to each spot after visiting and getting to know the area more. Of course we wanted to do more and more at each spot and there seemed to be "not enough" time in a good way where we just wanted to spend more time exploring at each spot. It was an excellent introduction and education on Mayan history, culture, and personal experiences from the tour guide. I went with my husband, and two adult sisters. On our group was 6 other people which made the experience richer. Plenty of water was provided. The food was amazing!!! I can't wait to continue to explore what Mexico has to offer. Much appreciation to our tour guide names Miguel. It was a very engaging and thorough guided tour!!!

Operator response

Hi Israel We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

D
Dream15747807412
June 7, 2026
Perfect Mayan Day!

We had a wonderful time. From the start, they had great communication with exactly what to expect, what to bring. Our guide miguel was very knowledgeable and personable. Lunch was great with something for everyone. The unique itinerary with both chichen itza and ekbalam was a plus. The whole day was planned and executed perfectly by the team. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Hi We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

9
985danv
June 4, 2026
Highlight of our trip

Miguel was an amazing guide! He mad the whole day go smooth and had interesting insights! Rodrigo drove us fast and efficiently. The trip was well worth the cost. Highly recommend!

Operator response

Hi Dan We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

G
G9944GZmattm
June 3, 2026
Great time.

Had a great trip with wonderful tour guides.

Operator response

Hi Matt We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Eder and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

M
manziv2026
May 28, 2026
Great tour!

This tour was amazing! It was slightly modified to be at Cobá since Chichen Itza was closed that day. The cenote was beautiful and Miguel was an extremely knowledgeable guide. I loved the history and how friendly it all was.

Operator response

Hi Manziv We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

A
amandamL8731SP
May 26, 2026
Great Maya Temple and Cenote Tour

Miguel and Rodrigo were an excellent guide and driver (respectively). Miguel has been guiding for 20 years and it shows. He is a wealth of knowledge and you can tell he is passionate about Maya history and culture. He was also very personable. We had a great time and I would 10/10 recommend this tour!

Operator response

Hi Amanda We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Miguel and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

J
johannv58
May 25, 2026
Well curated to keep interest at a good pace.

This was an excellent tour. Although due to disputes at Chichen Itza we were not able to go to the site, the alternate tour was excellent. Miguel was an excellent guide. He was always happy to answer any questions. I never felt as though I did not get enough information and did not feel rushed. Miguel is full of local knowledge which he applied during the tour. Everything was just right. Rodrigo was an excellent driver. I had no whiplash from stopping or going to quickly and turns were taken without being thrown around. Bumps and holes were handled with care. I felt safe in the minibus at all times. Thank you for an enjoyable well paced day.

Operator response

Hi Jonathan We're absolutely thrilled to hear you loved this trip! We're so glad everything happened on schedule and that you all had an amazing day, creating memorable experiences thanks to Carmen and Rodrigo Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

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