11 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
English
Included
Explore the less-visited but impressive ruins of Ek Balam
Ideal for history enthusiasts and culture seekers
Enjoy a peaceful visit before the main crowds arrive
Discover Chichen Itza, a New World Wonder
€ 127.78
€ 117.56
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
This small group shared tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is designed for travelers seeking a meaningful and authentic cultural experience. Starting early in the morning, you’ll arrive at Chichen Itza before the large crowds, giving you the chance to fully explore this iconic archaeological site in a more peaceful and intimate setting. Led by professional guides, the tour offers detailed insights into the rich history of the Mayan civilization and Mexico’s cultural heritage. This is not a tourist trap and does not include shopping stops or unnecessary detours, unlike many cheaper alternatives that waste your time and money. Instead, the focus is entirely on history, culture, and the incredible beauty of these ancient sites. After your guided visit to Chichen Itza, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and stay hydrated with bottled water provided on board. The journey continues to Ek Balam, a fascinating and less-crowded Mayan site where you can explore and even climb the ancient structures for panoramic views of the jungle. With transportation included to and from your hotel or meeting point, the total duration of the tour is between 10 and 11 hours, depending on your location. This tour offers exceptional value and a genuine connection to the wonders of the Mayan world.
All visits guided
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Early access to Chichen Itza
Profesional guide speaking English
Drinks at the restaurant
Chichen Itza and Ekbalam State taxes
Gratuities
Cash
Water bottle
Towel & swimsuite
Flip flops & change clothes
No public transportation nearby
Not wheelchair accessible
Tour time varies by location
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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This place is amazing. You can feel the energy from the temple…. Indescribably….
This was the highlight of our stop at the Cozumel port while on a week-long Caribbean cruise. This shore excursion r included boat and car transportation, and entry into the area. We originally wanted to see it by air but the activity got canceled due to low participation; a good thing because you need to see this from the ground. GETTING THERE: Because we were at the Cozumel port, we had to endure an almost hour long boat ride from Cozumel island to the Playa Del Carmen port on the mainland. From there, it was a 2-hour drive to the site. THE SITE: We had just under 2 hours at the site which wasn't nearly enough to see it all as I noticed we missed quite a few things on the southern end after looking at a map, such as the Sacred Cenote and many other structures. The site is infested with street peddlers selling the same things. The only interesting retail item was volcanic glass that was shaped into a smooth disc. Other than being able to look through it at the sun like they're safe solar glasses, it would be just a hockey puck collecting dust in your showcase. El Castillo is the centerpiece of the site and is the first to greet you. At nearly 100' high, the 4-sided pyramid temple looked to be in great condition for being constructed in the 12th century. While it would've been cool to walk to the top on one of the four stairways, I totally agree with the hands-off approach as these treasures need to be preserved. There is, however, something interactive you can do with El Castillo. Stand close to the perimeter ropes at the center of the staircases. By doing a loud clap, the sound travels up to the pyramid's temple and reverberates back to you in the form of a bird's chirp. Also, be sure to check out the excavation site next to El Castillo that reveals some of its impressive foundation. The Temple of Warriors was very impressive as well. While not as tall as El Castillo, the numerous columns that front the pyramid which represent warriors, featured intricate carvings like a deeper petroglyph. The Skull Platform is a low wall filled with carvings of skulls. The mix of deep carvings, light colored stone and black mold from the elements makes for awesome contrasted photos in color or black & white. The Great Ball Court is a long field flanked by two structures full of etchings/carvings that also acted as a scoreboard. The main sport was the Mesoamerican ballgame, similar to raqcuetball. TIPS: Allow yourself the entire day if you want to see everything. Food isn't allowed inside but drinks were okay. OVERALL: When is a UNESCO World Heritage site not worth experiencing?
⚠️ Tourist Trap – Be Cautious! ⚠️ This place is misleadingly marked on Google Maps as an entrance to Chichén Itzá, but it is NOT the official entrance. They charge 1,041 MXN (~$52 USD) for a package that includes a “shuttle” and lunch – but if you’re arriving by car, you can drive directly to the official parking lot at Chichén Itzá and skip all of this. The shuttle is unnecessary, and the food they offer is mediocre and overpriced. We were charged around 450 MXN for a very limited menu, with dishes that did not match what was listed, and drinks were not included. Overall, it felt like a scam targeting unsuspecting tourists. 🎯 Pro tip: Drive directly to the official entrance, pay the actual ticket price (~600 MXN), and eat wherever you want – there are better and cheaper options nearby. Don’t fall for this trick – you can visit Chichén Itzá easily and more affordably without this detour.
Our tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless and enriching. The tour guides Christian and Ivan were both very friendly and made the experience very enjoyable and educational. Ivan was knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about the history of the Mayan civilization, bringing each moment to life with fascinating stories and insights. Chichen Itza itself is awe-inspiring – seeing the towering pyramid of El Castillo up close left me speechless. The site is well-preserved, and every corner seemed to reveal something new and exciting. Walking through the ancient ball courts, temples, and the sacred cenote felt like stepping back in time. The transportation was comfortable, and we were given plenty of time to explore and take photos. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cancun – it's an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty! A must-see and a 5-star experience!
Loved to be there on the solar eclipse this October! Wonderful experience. The ruins are magical and have a lot to tell . On the other hand it seemed like just a tourist attraction to sell people stuff around the pyramid. Vendors are a bit pushy but apart of that is amazing spot.
