Tour of Ek Balam

Ek Balam Rio Lagartos and Xcan Che Adventure

Embark on an eight hour journey through the Mayan culture and natural landscapes of the Yucatan, combining the archaeological wonders of Ek Balam with the wildlife rich surroundings of Rio Lagartos and the refreshing waters of Xcan Che cenote. The experience begins with transportation from your hotel in Holbox and takes you beyond the island to discover ancient ruins, mangroves, wildlife, and natural swimming areas. This combination offers an opportunity to experience both the cultural heritage and outdoor beauty of the region in one memorable day.

The journey includes a visit to Rio Lagartos, a protected bird sanctuary known for its pink flamingos and diverse wildlife. Take a boat through the mangroves while looking for flamingos, crocodiles, and various bird species in their natural surroundings. The experience also includes a Maya bath using mineral rich mud from the area, offering a distinctive part of the visit before continuing to the archaeological and natural attractions.

After lunch, continue to Ek Balam, an ancient Mayan city whose name means black jaguar. The site reached its importance during the Late Classic Period and was later concealed by the dense Yucatan jungle. Permanent restoration has been taking place since 1997, with the Acropolis standing as the largest structure at the site. The impressive building features six levels and contains sculptures, statues, and detailed stucco decoration, including a striking figure at the entrance believed to represent a guardian of the underworld.

The adventure concludes at Xcan Che cenote, located approximately 1.5 kilometers from Ek Balam. Reach this beautiful natural setting by bicycle and enjoy a refreshing swim in its clear waters after exploring the archaeological site. Optional activities such as zip lining, rappelling, and kayaking are available separately and are not part of the tour. Private round trip transportation from your Holbox hotel includes the taxi to the pier, ferry tickets, and vehicle transportation with a driver to the site and back. Entrance tickets to the ruins and food are not included.