Discover Ek Balam, a more recently excavated and restored Maya archaeological site, on this full-day guided tour. Stroll among the ancient city’s vegetation-covered temples, well-preserved sculptures, and make your way up the Acropolis pyramid for wonderful views at the top. After sightseeing, swim in the natural pools of Cenote Maya Park and then rappel and zipline in the Yucatán jungle. Enjoy a blessing ceremony led by a Maya shaman and a traditional buffet lunch.
Currently, our archaeological sites remain temporarily closed for an unspecified time, meanwhile adaptations are taking place for the new health and safety measures procured by our authorities. We all are looking forward to this reopening. In the event of acquiring the activity in conjunction with an archaeological site and this should continue to be closed by the time of your visit. We will be able to carry out the rest of the activity and the cost of the visit to the archaeological zone will be reimbursed.
Tour Options
Ek Balam English & Spanish
French Speaking Guide
Pickup included
Itinerary
60 min
Pick-up at hotels in the Riviera Maya, providing transportation in small groups and without commercial stops.
105 min
Between 10:00 to 10:30 am is our arrival at Ek'Balam or Cenote Maya Park -according to logistics-.
Ek'Balam means "black jaguar", is one of the most impressive ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture in the Yucatan Peninsula, you will be witness off the incredible infrastructure of temples and plazas. You will walk through remarkable buildings and get detailed explanations provided by your expert guide during the tour.
Admission included180 min
Arrival at Cenote Maya Native Park at 12:20 pm approximately.
Refresh yourself in the most impressive cenote of 196 feet (60 m) diameter an almost perfect circular shape. You also can do optional adventure activities: swimming, diving and rappel down 85 feet (26 m). 120 kg or 264 lbs is the maximum weight for the rappel activity.
Participate in an authentic mayan ritual, ceremony of blessings carried out by a maya shaman of the community.
Finally you will enjoy a traditional menu made with organic orchard supplies and handmade tortillas.
60 min
Drop-off at hotels in Riviera Maya between 5:30 to 6:30 pm approximately.
Highlights
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Buffet lunch
Bottled water
Professional guide
Visit to Valladolid
Cenote Entrance & Life Jacket
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Buffet lunch
Bottled water
Professional guide
Visit to Valladolid
Cenote Entrance & Life Jacket
Not included
Gratuities
Drinks during the lunch
Locker Rental
Pickup Locations & Times
If you cannot find your hotel on the list you will receive your pick-up from the nearest meeting point.
Please contact us in order to confirm it.
Traveller Ratings
4.8
26 reviews
5
21
4
4
3
1
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 6 years
It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a swimsuit and sunscreen
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Ek Balam, Cenote & Valladolid Experience from Playa del Carmen lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $159 per person for this Cancun experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. If you cannot find your hotel on the list you will receive your pick-up from the nearest meeting point.
Please contact us in order to confirm it. Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyIwy844n6++gxpfwgiv9Qmc=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyPhoZ0uuTym2Hx33quDEtNg=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(26)
T
Tasha_B
October 30, 2025
Worth the travel!
Great unique experiences! While there was a lot of driving it was well worth it! Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely bring a card or more cash for cenote photos!
Operator response
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We are glad to see you enjoyed the trip. As you mentioned, it is a long drive however, you will enjoy it since our comfortable transportation will make this easier
L
Lisa_J
May 12, 2024
Wonderful cultural experience
Overall it was great! We would have preferred to go to the cenote last instead of first. The AC in the van was only hot air. Our tour guide, Ernesto was fantastic! We learned a lot and we are grateful! We loved meeting the Mayan shaman and learning more about the Mayan culture.
Operator response
Thank you for the time to write this review. We are happy to see you learn and enjoy the mystic of Ekbalam, on the most important sites in the Mayan World, regarding the air conditioning we will verify the conditions on the vehicle to guarantee the best experience for our future travelers.
G
Glenn_Z
January 20, 2023
Awesome Day!
This was a fun trip! our guide, Mark, was knowledgeable and wonderful. The whole day went smoothly. We didn’t expect there to be fun activities in the cenote such as a zip line and platform for jumping. The doo was delicious. We had s great experience!
Operator response
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful experience on this incredible tour with us.
We hope that you have been able to take with you an incomparable experience on your vacation.
we will make sure to share your comments with Mark
We hope to have you back with us very soon.
S
SavvyTraveler1511
May 16, 2022
History and adventure in one day
My wife and I went to the ruïnes and the cenote and the Mayan blessings. One word. Awesome. The cenote is so beautiful. You can climb down or take a zipraft. You also have stairs but they were not possible that day. The lunch after the cenote is real mayan food. Yummy 😋
The blessings is a experience you have to have when being in Mexico. The ruins are breathtaking. Throws you back in history. They were and are great people and builders. Take my word for it. If you are in Mexico in Quintana Roo, take the tour. You won’t regret it👍👍
J
Jack P
January 4, 2022
Enjoyable trip
Trip was very enjoyable and I’d definitely recommend it.
Only 4/5 because the description says towels are included, so I didn’t bring one. Use of towels is NOT included and I had to put clothes back on while still wet from the cenote.
F
frederiqueb944
February 23, 2020
Great excursion to ek balam
Great day our guide was extra passionate about the history maya cenote beautiful and friendly group Mood
Bravo Nicolas
Good continuation
CORREIA family
1 people found this helpful
C
crowdedfalafel
December 22, 2019
A remarkable place
First Cenote I have ever been to - tall cavernous rocks with deep mildly cool water - refreshing in the heat of Mexican summer. The cavern has ledges from which one can jump or dive. Families with kids of all ages enjoyed it. A nice restaurant/bar adjacent.
1 people found this helpful
M
Man_0490
July 22, 2019
Great day trip
This was a really successful day trip characterized by culture, action, a great group and our very competent and warm tour guide Tamara.
It was a lot of fun and you got to know some of the history and the country.
We would always prefer Ek Balam, because it is probably much more relaxed there than on Chitzen Itza, besides, you can climb on the pyramid.
1 people found this helpful
M
marinarQ5192UJ
May 7, 2019
Recommended
This is a smaller complex than Chichen Itza, but it is definitely worth seeing, particularly because there are not that many tourists, so the atmosphere is better. It is a relatively short, but a pleasant visit.
1 people found this helpful
S
salutcestclo
April 26, 2019
Superb excursion
Very nice day and beautiful visit, accompanied by clear and interesting explanations. The swimming in the cenote was exceptional. Very professional team.
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Ek Balam, Cenote & Valladolid Experience from Playa del Carmen