Ek Balam
Ek Balam
Ek Balam

Ek Balam Tours and Tickets

491 reviews

Once an ancient Maya town, Ek Balam (meaning “black jaguar” in the Mayan language) is now one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico, famous for its 96-foot-tall (29-meter-tall) Acropolis, a stone temple that offers picturesque jungle views from its peak. Don’t miss the jaguar motifs peppered around the site’s numerous structures.

  • Ekbalam, Yucatan

Tours and Tickets to Experience Ek Balam

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Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Categories
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$500+
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40 results

What are people saying about Ek Balam

Anonymous, Aug 2023
Amazing!
We had an amazing experience with Carlos. Enjoyed every moment of it. Ek Balam is beautiful and my daughter loved the cenote!
colinharwood60, Nov 2023
A great tour with a variety of activities
A varied tour with an excellent guide. Boat excursion was fantastic - managed to see crocodiles and flamingos
Donna_S, Sep 2023
History, Mystory and Wonder
This was an amazing trip, our tour guide LOLA, very knowledgeable and explained the two different temple complexes relative to the Mayian’s religious, cultural and political history. The cold dip in a cenote was a highly get, beautiful and refreshing after the heat and humidity of Chitzen Itza! Our driver German was a great conversationalist and had a great sense of humor! I highly recommend this tour!
Edward_G, Sep 2023
Great. Needs a few tweaks.
Our tour guide Jesus, driver Juilan and Edar made our excursion extremely memorable. This was a Bucketlist destination for my husband and our tour guide Jesus made both of us feel welcomed and encouraged engagement. Skip the cenote at Chichén Itza over the other structures on the site. We didn't see parts of the historic park with our tour guide but were encouraged to go to the cenote so that we would have to walk through the vendors selling mostly made in china items. It was horrible. I didn't see parts of the historical structures on the tour of Chichén Itza and I think it was deliberate on the part of the tour company. I would love to do this tour with Jesus again and would ask him to move past/away from the vendors so I could learn more about the structures. Ek' Balam is an unique gem in the tours of the mayan historical sites. It was amazing. I highly recommend.
People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions within the Ek Balam archaeological site?
A:If possible, try to visit as much of the Ek Balam archaeological site, and don't just try to hit up a few must-sees. However, if you're short on time, make sure to still visit the Acropolis, and climb to the top for fantastic views over the site and beyond.
Q:Are guided tours available for exploring Ek Balam?
A:Yes, guided tours of Ek Balam are available, and they’re highly recommended. Many tours also visit nearby Chichen Itza and include transfers from the Riviera Maya. Going with a guide is a great way to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ruins and the people who once inhabited them.
Q:What is the best time to visit Ek Balam to avoid crowds?
A:While you'll be able to experience Ek Balam's beauty no matter when you go, the best time to visit the site to avoid crowds is during the May through October low season. Just be aware that there are sometimes downpours and hurricanes during this time that could make exploring difficult.
Q:Can I combine a visit to Ek Balam with other nearby attractions in Mexico?
A:Yes, you can combine a visit to Ek Balam with other nearby attractions in Mexico. Many tours visit both Ek Balam and the better-known Chichen Itza on the same day, and quite a few of these include a stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim. Lunch is often included, too.
Q:Is there an entrance fee for Ek Balam, and how can I purchase tickets in advance?
A:Yes, there’s an entrance fee for Ek Balam, and most people pay for their admission tickets at the attraction’s gate. If you prefer to sort out everything in advance, the best thing to do is to prebook a guided tour that will include admission tickets, guide fees, and transportation.
Q:How long do you need in Ek Balam?
A:How long you need at Ek Balam depends on you. In theory, you could get a quick taste of what the archaeological site has to offer in just an hour, but it’s better to give yourself around 90 minutes to two hours to really experience the site in its entirety.