Ek Balam: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

Ek Balam is one of the most underrated ancient Mayan cities in Mexico. There you can see dozens of marvelous ruins, but also indulge in the intricate carvings and sculptures that decorate the area.

On a day trip to Ek Balam from Cancún, you will learn about the advanced Mayan communities that were thriving in the region and how their legacy lives on in today’s culture.

Here's all you need to know about Ek Balam, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancún.

How to get to Ek Balam from Cancún?

Ek Balam makes for an easy day trip from Cancún, located halfway to Mérida.

From Cancún to Ek Balam by car

Drive west out of Cancún on the 180D for 135 kilometers. Turn right onto the 295 towards Tizimin and continue for another 21 km. The road towards Ek Balam will be on your right.

Guided tour to Ek Balam from Cancún

Taking a guided day trip to Ek Balam is the most stress-free and efficient way to travel. You will enjoy comfortable transportation and a pre-planned itinerary that includes more incredible locations along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Ek Balam starts as early as 7 AM from your hotel. It is a 2-hour drive to Ek Balam where you will have a guided tour through the site before the heat of the day sets in. After a thorough exploration of the ruins, the tour heads off to lunch and then a refreshing dip in one of the spectacular cenotes.

Some tours also visit Chichen Itza in the morning followed by lunch and a cenote visit, finishing the day with a 2-hour tour of Ek Balam. Another option is to visit Ek Balam on a day trip and end the tour with a tour through Rio Lagartos to see the iconic pink flamingos and other wildlife in this protected area.

Private tours offer a more flexible itinerary, while group tours stick to pre-planned times and pick-up locations.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ek Balam?

Take a group day tour to Ek Balam to save on travel costs, or book a private excursion for a luxurious experience at your own pace.

Day tour to Ek Balam plus a cenote from Cancún

The cenotes of the Yucatán Peninsula are otherworldly natural formations that form an integral part of Mayan folklore. Visit the magnificent ruins of Ek Balam followed by a swim in one of the stunning cenotes in the area.

As part of a small group, you will have plenty of opportunities to take photos at these awe-inspiring locations and learn about their captivating history.

Day trip to Ek Balam plus Chichen Itza from Cancún

Visit two of the most important Mayan ruins in Mexico on an eventful day trip from Cancún. The tour starts with a 2-hour guided tour of Chichen Itza, followed by lunch and then another 2-hour tour of Ek Balam.

This is a cost-effective and efficient way to make the most of your time on the Yucatán Peninsula. You will travel in a comfortable minibus and a tour guide will keep you and your group informed on all the most interesting aspects of Mayan history.

Private tour to Ek Balam from Cancún

A private day trip to Ek Balam is the most popular way to visit this impressive archeological location. There are several tour itineraries to choose from which include stops at a picturesque cenote, Chichen Itza or Rio Lagartos.

These tours offer some flexibility and you set the pace for the day. You can book this tour as an individual or find an option that caters to a small group, perfect for a family or group of friends.

How much does a day trip to Ek Balam from Cancún cost?

A basic day tour to Ek Balam will include a swim at a cenote and a traditional lunch. These tours start from US$55 per person for larger group tours, while smaller group tours cost around US$150 per person. Group tours that include a visit to Chichen Itza cost US$170 per person.

Private tours are priced according to the size of the group. Visiting Ek Balam, Chichen Itza and a cenote on a private tour costs around US$480 per person. A private tour to Ek Balam and Rio Lagartos costs US$490 for a group of up to six people but it does not include your entry fees and the boat ride at the reserve.

What will you see and do?

One of the unique aspects of Ek Balam is that visitors are allowed to climb onto the Acropolis and explore inside the structures. Many Mayan ruins forbid this for spiritual and preservative reasons.

Scrambling up the 106 steps to the top of the Acropolis is a daunting exercise but it is an experience that will fully immerse you in this historic location. On a clear day, you can even see the Chichen Itza temple from the top of the Acropolis.

Ek Balam’s building facades aren’t mere stone exteriors like many other ruins. You will fall in love with the intricate and expressive stucco and limestone decorative elements. Visitors are allowed to walk freely among the 45 structures, feeling the ancient spirit of the site resonating through the stones and forest.

There are several other fascinating stops on the tours, depending on the itinerary you choose. You can visit the show-stopping Chichen Itza archeological site or opt for a nature escape to Rio Lagartos where you will spot flamingos and take a boat ride in the wetlands. Many tours also stop for a swim in the stunning cenotes of Yucatán. You can even zip line into the crystal-clear water if you are feeling adventurous.

What are the opening times?

Ek Balam is open every day between 8 AM and 5 PM. The last tickets are sold at 4 PM.

When is the best time to visit Ek Balam?

The best time to visit Ek Balam is October and November, as well as February and March, when it is warm and not as crowded. December and January tend to be the busiest months. Most of the year has good weather, but there is more rain from June to September, usually afternoon showers.

Are there any tours to Ek Balam from other cities in Mexico?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Mexico:

• Day trips to Ek Balam from Playa del Carmen
• Day trips to Ek Balam from Merida

Travel tips

• Not all tours include your entry fees. You will want to take cash in local currency to pay upon arrival.
• Let your tour operator know if you have any dietary requests, as most tours include a large lunch.
• Some tours offer a tequila tasting, so bring your ID or passport to confirm your age.
• Bring your swimsuit and a towel to enjoy a dip in the cenotes.
• The tour requires a moderate amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.