Ek Balam is a walled Maya city in the forest of Yucatán, about two hours and a quarter west of Cancún. It is smaller than Chichén Itzá, usually quieter, and its main pyramid can still be climbed. This guide is for you if you are weighing it up. It covers the climb, the cenote beside it, the hour's difference on the clock, and who should pick a different day.
Why people choose Ek Balam
Three things set it apart: fewer people, a shorter day than Chichén Itzá, and the chance to climb. The day runs about ten hours, door to door, and you are back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
The climb is up the Acropolis, the largest building on the site. INAH gives its size as 160 metres long, 68 metres wide and 32 metres high, in six levels. It was the palace and the tomb of the ruler Ukit Kan Lek Tok'. Near the top, a frieze holds seven figures modelled in stucco, and INAH notes that the stucco on the façade was left unpainted. Those figures are what you climb for.
The city itself is older than it looks. INAH dates its founding to between 300 BC and 300 AD, and its height to the late eighth and ninth centuries, from 770 to 896. It was enclosed by wide stone walls, and five sacbeob, the raised white Maya roads, led out from it.
The climb: is it for you?
The Acropolis is steep. There is a rope to hold. Wear shoes with grip, keep your hands free, and do not try it if you have a fear of heights. Nobody has to climb: the rest of the city, its plazas and its walls, can be seen from the ground.
The rule about what you carry in is simple: no food, no smoking and no pets on the site. Bring water and leave snacks in the car.
The clock, the hours and the best time of day
Cancún keeps the Hora del Sureste, UTC minus five. Yucatán runs an hour behind. Your driver works to Cancún time all day, so the 07:00 pick-up and the 17:00 return are both Cancún time.
Ek Balam opens every day from 08:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00, and entry is paid in cash. You arrive at about 09:15 on our clock, which is early in the site's day. On Sundays, entry is free for Mexican citizens. Hours can change; check the official INAH listing before you go.
Cenote X'Canché
The cenote is a short drive from the ruins. It opens at 08:00, which is why the ruins come first. The state tourism site describes a round pool about 40 metres across, with steps down to the water, a lookout with hammocks under a palapa, and a restaurant.
From the entrance to the lookout over the water is a path of about a kilometre and a half. You can walk it, or hire a bicycle or a two-person tricycle there. There is also a zip line and rappelling if anyone in your group wants more than a swim. All of these are paid there and are not in the tour price.
An afternoon in Valladolid
After lunch you have about an hour and a quarter in Valladolid. The town was founded by Francisco de Montejo in 1543 and is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos. You see the main square with the church of San Servacio, then walk the Calzada de los Frailes, the colonial street that runs out to the old convent of San Bernardino. The convent dates from 1552 and looks, from outside, more like a medieval castle than a church.
If you travel in late January or early February, the town holds the Fiesta de la Candelaria. San Servacio has his own celebration in October, and the Otoño Cultural runs through October and November. Expect fuller streets on those dates.
On your own, or with a driver
You can drive yourself on the toll road, but Ek Balam is off the main tourist routes, the cenote is separate from the ruins, and Valladolid is another stop again. Add the change of time zone and it is a full day of navigating.
A private car lets you climb at your own speed, swim as long as you like, and change the order if you would rather have more time in town. The price depends on the size of your group; see it on the tour page.
What to bring
- Cash for the Ek Balam entrance, and money for the cenote, any bike hire and lunch, none of which are included.
- Shoes with grip for the Acropolis, and sandals for the cenote steps.
- A swimsuit, a towel and a dry shirt.
- A hat, water and sun cream, put on after the swim rather than before.
Who it suits, and who should think twice
It suits you if you want a Maya city with more space around you, a climb, and a swim in the same morning. It suits families with older children who like a challenge.
- Anyone with a fear of heights. You can stay at the foot of the Acropolis, but if the climb is the point for the rest of your group, you will spend time waiting.
- You want the famous one. Our Chichén Itzá, cenote and Valladolid day covers it, with a longer drive.
- You want ruins by the sea. Tulum and Cobá stays in Quintana Roo, with a beach below the ruins.
- More than 16 of you. Two vehicles travel together on one booking. Message us for a price.
Our guide to day trips from Cancún compares all five.
Questions people ask
Is Ek Balam less busy than Chichén Itzá?
Usually, yes. It is smaller and further from the main tour routes.
Do we need to pay in cash?
At the ruins, yes. Bring enough for the cenote and extras too.
Can we cancel?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before pick-up and you are refunded in full. See our cancellation page.
Booking the day
Decide who will climb, carry cash, and pack for a swim. The pick-up, the stops and what is included are on the Ek Balam, Cenote X'Canché and Valladolid day trip page, where you choose the size of your group and book.
