Unearth the Secrets of Ek Balam and ascend the Majestic Main Temple at this Extraordinary Archaeological Site.
Tucked away in the lush jungles of the Yucatan peninsula, Ek Balam awaits, boasting its status as one of the most stunning and remarkably preserved Mayan cities. Our expert guide will lead the way, unveiling the mysteries of Mayan culture, showcasing the majestic structures, and deciphering the intricate glyphs adorning the ancient walls of this once thriving metropolis. A highlight of the tour is ascending the Acropolis, the tallest temple of the site. Find refreshment in the crystal-clear waters of a charming open-air cenote before indulging in a delectable regional meal. Finally, explore the colonial city of Valladolid, a captivating place where art and architecture harmoniously blend, showcasing pastel-colored buildings and historic churches.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Thu, Fri, and Sun
Start times
9:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 29
Adult (ages 12–69)
$159
Child (ages 6–11)
$139
In demand: 10 of the next 13 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 23.
Tour Options
Ek Balam Experience
Pickup included
Itinerary
Admission included120 min
Travel with us to one of the best-kept secrets of the Mayan world. Hidden in the jungle of the Yucatan peninsula, Ek Balam is considered one of the most beautiful, discovered Mayan cities and definitely one of the best preserved.
On this adventure, our expert guide will explain all about the Mayan culture, the various majestic structures, and the impressive glyph that decorate the ancient walls of this once-influential metropolis.
A highlight of the visit is climbing the Acropolis from where on a clear day you can see as far as the pyramids of Cobá and Chichén Itzá.
150 min
Welcome Shaman ceremony, obsidian workshop, mezcal and tequila tasting. Find refreshment in the crystal-clear waters of a charming open-air cenote before indulging in a delectable regional meal.
Valladolid
30 min
You will visit the colonial city of Valladolid, a charming place where art and architecture are recognized for its beautiful buildings in pastel colors and old historical churches.
What's included
Included
Professional, bilingual, attentive guide.
Round-trip transportation from most hotels in Riviera Maya (available on Thursday and Sunday).
Delectable lunch featuring iconic delicacies from the region.
Round-trip transportation from most hotels in Cancun (available on Frida yonly).
Bottled water, soft drinks, and beer
Umbrellas.
Not included
Gratuities
Entrance fee to the archaeological site
Pickup Locations & Times
Round-trip transportation is included from most hotels in Cancun (Friday only) and Riviera Maya (Thursday and Sunday only).
IMPORTANT: the Start Time is NOT your Pickup time. It depends on your hotel's location. For your specific pickup details, please feel free to contact us directly.
Please consider additional traveling time from your hotel to this Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid Tour, it may take up to 2 1/2 hours each way.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
103 reviews
5
99
4
4
3
0
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Playa del Carmen
Starting price $159 is close to the typical $150 for tours of similar length in Playa del Carmen
Excurgo comparison of 1,365 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The pickup time depends on your hotel's location.
Guests who wish to participate must be relatively fit and able to swim.
Guests must meet a minimum height requirement of 3.9 feet (1.20 meters).
GoPro devices, tablets, and selfie sticks are subject to fees payable directly at the box office in the Ek Balam Ruins. Professional photography equipment and drones are strictly prohibited.
Please note that a $35 USD fee will be charged directly at the entrance to Ek Balam.
Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Minimum age is 6
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid take?
Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid cost?
Prices start at $159 per person for this Playa del Carmen 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.
What days does Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM.
How much does Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid cost for children?
Children aged 6–11 pay from $139, adults from $159.
Does Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid sell out?
It can: 10 of the next 13 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid 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. Round-trip transportation is included from most hotels in Cancun (Friday only) and Riviera Maya (Thursday and Sunday only).
IMPORTANT: the Start Time is NOT your Pickup time. It depends on your hotel's location. For your specific pickup details, please feel free to contact us directly.
Please consider additional traveling time from your hotel to this Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid Tour, it may take up to 2 1/2 hours each way. Pickup points include Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres, The Royal Haciendas by Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
What languages is Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid 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 20 participants.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Not recommended for guests with limited mobility.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(103)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Y
Y4001EOhenryh
August 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Very worth seeing and interesting
The visit to Valladolid was okay, we had imagined the market differently but okay, Ek Balam is very worth seeing and our guide Marcus was very informative, very interesting, the cenote at the end was really great!
Operator response
Vielen Dank für Ihre ausführliche Bewertung! Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ihnen der Besuch von Ek Balam und die Cenote am Ende der Tour besonders gut gefallen haben. ✨💧
Marcus wird sich sehr darüber freuen zu hören, dass seine informativen und interessanten Erklärungen Ihre Erfahrung bereichert haben. Vielen Dank auch für Ihr ehrliches Feedback zu Valladolid und dem Markt – solche Hinweise sind für uns sehr wertvoll.
Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei Cancun Adventures begrüßen zu dürfen, um gemeinsam ein weiteres unvergessliches Abenteuer in der Riviera Maya zu erleben!
— Cancun Adventures
J
Jet61339744411
May 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unexpectedly Awesome
Cancun Adventures did an amazing job of keeping our small group entertained, educated and corralled. Ek-Balum was the compromise sinc Chichen Itza was closed, and it was such a treat. Our guide was knowledgeable, funny and patient taking us to the top of the temple and through so many buildings— keeping us ahead of a rain storm that would have cut our visit short. The cenote at Ki’ichpam Xunaan was pure heaven. We paid our respects to the well stocked gift shop, which thankfully took cards. Our last stop at Villadolid offered more shopping and photo ops. We only saw around the main square but found more souvenirs there, too!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that what started as an unexpected change turned into such an awesome experience for your group.
Ek Balam truly is a hidden gem, and we’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the site, climbing the temple, and discovering its fascinating history alongside our guide. It’s wonderful to hear that their knowledge, humor, and attentiveness helped keep the experience both engaging and seamless — even while staying ahead of the rainstorm!
We’re also delighted that you loved the cenote at Ki’ichpam Xunaan. There’s something incredibly special about those peaceful crystal-clear waters, and we’re happy it became such a highlight of your day. Ending the adventure with time in Valladolid for shopping and photos sounds like the perfect finish.
Thank you again for choosing Cancun Adventures and for sharing such thoughtful feedback. We hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure in the Riviera Maya!
Cancun Adventures
T
taylorg677
May 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great time at Ek Balam
Had a great time, Gato was incredibly knowledgeable!
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring Ek Balam, the cenote, and Valladolid.
Gato will be incredibly happy to know his knowledge and passion helped make your adventure even more memorable. Learning about the rich history and culture of the Mayan world becomes even more special with guides who truly love what they do, and we’re so glad you enjoyed the experience.
Thank you again for choosing Cancun Adventures. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable journey through the Riviera Maya!
Cancun Adventures
M
michaelsO1321XR
May 17, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Unforgetable daytrip worth every dime
Great trip to amazing locations. Be aware of the two-hour travel back and forth, but it is definitely worth it. The Ek Balam ruins are in beautiful condition, nothing is crowded, and it is a totally relaxed tour. There are a lot of shady spots all around, so you don't get burnt by the sun all the time. At the cenote, the mandatory life vest is a little annoying for a passionate diver, but understandable for safety reasons, of course. The guide was really gifted and obviously enjoyed his job. I highly recommend this trip!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an unforgettable day exploring Ek Balam, the cenote, and Valladolid.
It’s great to know you enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, beautiful ruins, and the overall experience. We also appreciate your understanding regarding the safety measures at the cenote.
Our guide will be very happy to hear your kind words—we’ll be sure to share them with the team. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure!
Warm regards,
Cancun Adventures
C
cathleenn492
April 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Awesome tour!
Awesome experience! Gato was our guide and he was fantastic. I highly recommend this tour if you want a little taste of everything: culture, nature, etc.
Operator response
Hi there! 😄🌿
Thank you for your awesome review! We’re so happy to hear you had such a great experience and enjoyed the perfect mix of culture and nature
Gato will be thrilled to know he made the day so special for you
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure!
S
sammdunnett
April 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing Experience
Thank you Gato & Pancheco for the great day!
Operator response
Hi there! 😄
Thank you for your great review! We’re so happy to hear you had an amazing experience
Gato and Pancheco will be thrilled to know they made your day so special
We hope to welcome you back again soon for another adventure!
A
Angela_G
February 14, 2026 · via Viator
A beautiful day, exploring magical places!
My guide, Paula, was knowledgeable about the ruins and a delight to interact with. Our driver was also amazing, drove with care, and helped everyone. Tjis was a top-notch experience. As for the tour itself, the attractions were breathtakingly beautiful and interesting. I would have been happy to spend another half hour or so in Valladolid, but it was still long enough to see the city center and buy a delicious ice cream cone and a latte, so I have no gripes. Thanks for an amazing day! 100% worth it!
P
Puri_M
January 26, 2026 · via Viator
Ek Balam and Cenote great
The experience went well, although I would replace Valladolid with another more interesting activity since there is little to do there
S
Scenic62235353005
January 14, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
5/5 fun
Did the Tulum, archaeological site, cenote, swimming with the turtles and beach club bundle. A full day of unforgettable experiences. Miriam was an excellent tour guide. I would highly recommend this excursion.
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing this! 😄
We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun and unforgettable day and that everything came together so well. It’s great to know Miriam helped make the experience even more enjoyable. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would love to welcome you back for another Caribbean adventure with Cancun Adventures! 🌊✨
P
Paula_L
January 11, 2026 · via Viator
A little long-10 hours...
A little long-10 hours from pickup to drop off-but very enjoyable. Great guide and everyone from Cancun Adventures. Really liked the ruins and cenote and lunch. And ample water and snacks. Could have skipped brief tour of Valladolid, come back after cenote/lunch.
Compare similar tours in Playa del Carmen
Lowest price: Ek Balam Ruins Valladolid and 2 Cenotes Adventure With Lunch — $39
Best rated: Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid — 5.0 (103 reviews)
Shortest: Ek Balam, Mayan Cenote and Valladolid — 6 hours
