Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Ruins + Cenote With Lunch Tour

Exploring the ancient Mayan civilizations of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is a captivating journey through time. This comprehensive tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to discover the iconic landmarks, enjoy the rich cultural heritage, and indulge in the natural wonders of the region. From the towering Kukulkan Castle to the intricate stone carvings, each site unveils a fascinating chapter of the Mayan past. But the true highlight may just lie beneath the surface, where the refreshing waters of the Hubiku Cenote await those seeking a moment of tranquility and rejuvenation.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Lunch Experiences In Piste Mexico.

Key Points

• This tour offers an opportunity to explore the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, including key highlights like Kukulkan Castle and Jaguar Temple.
• Participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Hubiku Cenote and savor a delectable buffet lunch featuring regional Mexican cuisine.
• The tour is a full-day excursion lasting 10-12 hours, priced from £85.14 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The small group size is limited to 12 participants, providing an intimate experience, and pickup is offered from Playa del Carmen.
• The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, entry fees, and bottled water, with drinks not included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the renowned ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and the lesser-known site of Ek Balam, along with a refreshing swim in a scenic cenote.

The full-day excursion lasts 10-12 hours and is priced from £85.14 per person. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a small group size limited to 12 participants, this tour provides an intimate experience led by English and Spanish-speaking guides.

Pickup is available from Playa del Carmen, ensuring a convenient start to the day’s adventures exploring these iconic Mayan archaeological wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

Embarking on this tour, visitors begin their day with an early arrival at the renowned Chichen Itza archaeological site.

Here, they’ll explore key highlights, including:

1. The iconic Kukulkan Castle, an impressive step-pyramid showcasing the advanced engineering of the Mayan people.
2. The grand 1000 Columnas Temple, a stunning architectural feat with intricate carvings and design.
3. The Jaguar Temple, known for its well-preserved sculptures and insights into Mayan religious practices.

After the Chichen Itza tour, the group will enjoy a refreshing swim in the stunning Hubiku Cenote, known for its impressive stalactites.

Lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring regional cuisine completes the day’s activities.

Chichen Itza Exploration

The Chichen Itza tour begins with an early arrival at this renowned Mayan archaeological site.

Led by an expert guide, visitors embark on a captivating exploration of its key landmarks. They’ll marvel at the iconic Kukulkan Castle, also known as El Castillo, a step-pyramid that was a focal point of the ancient city.

Next, they’ll explore the mysteries of the 1000 Columnas Temple and Jaguar Temple, uncovering the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind these architectural marvels.

The tour culminates at the Largest ball game stadium, where participants can envision the intense competitions that once captivated the Mayan civilization.

This in-depth exploration sets the stage for the next phase of the adventure.

Hubiku Cenote Swim

After exploring the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza, the tour group heads to the refreshing Hubiku Cenote.

Known for its stunning stalactites, the cenote offers a welcoming respite from the heat. Visitors can dive into the cool, crystal-clear waters and swim amongst the natural limestone formations.

The cenote experience is a highlight of the tour, allowing participants to:

1. Admire the beautiful, otherworldly scenery of the cenote.
2. Refresh themselves with a rejuvenating swim.
3. Appreciate the geological wonders of this natural wonder.

The cenote visit provides a serene and enchanting interlude before the group continues on to explore the archaeological site of Ek Balam.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Buffet Lunch

Participants are treated to a delectable buffet lunch featuring regional Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant. The spread includes an array of local dishes, allowing them to savor the flavors of the Yucatan peninsula.

From zesty chicken dishes to freshly prepared vegetables and aromatic rice, the buffet caters to diverse palates. Diners can indulge in traditional favorites like cochinita pibil and sopa de lima, or sample lesser-known specialties.

The lunch provides a satisfying respite and refuels travelers for the remainder of the day’s exploration. Refreshing beverages are also available to complement the meal.

This culinary experience complements the culture of the tour.

Ek Balam Adventure

Nestled in the Yucatan jungle, Ek Balam offers a captivating off-the-beaten-path adventure for intrepid travelers.

This lesser-known archaeological site boasts impressive structures, including the Acropolis Pyramid, which visitors can climb for panoramic views. The intricate carvings adorning the ruins provide a glimpse into the rich Mayan heritage.

The tour’s highlights at Ek Balam include:

1. Scaling the Acropolis Pyramid for breathtaking vistas.
2. Admiring the ornate stone carvings and sculptures.
3. Exploring the site’s well-preserved structures, far from the crowds of Chichen Itza.

Ek Balam’s tranquil atmosphere and interactive experience make it a memorable addition to the Chichen Itza and cenote tour, offering a unique perspective on Mayan culture.

Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide.

Participants will enjoy an early access tour of Chichen Itza, exploring key sites like the Kukulkan Castle, 1000 Columnas Temple, Jaguar Temple, and the largest ball game stadium in Mayan culture.

After the Chichen Itza visit, guests will have a refreshing swim at the Hubiku Cenote, known for its stunning stalactites.

A buffet lunch featuring regional cuisine will be served at a nearby restaurant.

The tour also includes entry fees, bottled water, and state taxes.

Drinks at the restaurant aren’t included.

Booking Information

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour with no upfront payment.

During the booking process, participants can select the desired date, language, and number of people. The meeting point for the tour is at the door of Super Akí Tulum, where staff will be waiting to greet the group.

The booking process includes:

1. Reserve now and pay later.
2. Select participants, date, and language.
3. Meet at the designated meeting point.

This flexible booking option allows travelers to secure their spot on the tour with ease, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour appears suitable for families with young children. The small group size, transportation, guided visits, and included lunch and cenote swim make it an accessible and engaging experience for families.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes a buffet lunch and bottled water, so bringing additional items isn’t necessary. The tour provides all the refreshments and meals that are part of the experience.

Is There an Option to Visit More Cenotes During the Tour?

The tour does not include visits to additional cenotes, as it focuses on touring Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and a single cenote. However, guests could potentially extend their trip to visit other cenotes in the region on their own.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Ruins at Each Site?

The tour allocates approximately 2 hours for exploring the key sites at Chichen Itza and 1 hour for visiting Ek Balam. This allows ample time to see the main attractions and learn about the Mayan history at each archaeological site.

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English or Spanish?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. While the website doesn’t explicitly mention other language options, travelers can check with the tour provider if alternate languages are available upon request, as some flexibility may exist for private or small group bookings.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a chance to explore the captivating Maya civilization. Explore the iconic Chichen Itza, swim in the stunning Hubiku Cenote, and discover the lesser-known Ek Balam, all while enjoying a delicious regional buffet lunch. It’s an opportunity to uncover the rich history and natural wonders of the Yucatan peninsula in a personalized small-group setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: