From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour With Lunch

Exploring the ancient Mayan civilizations of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is a captivating experience for many travelers visiting Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This guided tour offers an enriching full-day adventure, allowing visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of these iconic archaeological sites. From the iconic Chichen Itza to the lesser-known Ek Balam, the tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s remarkable history, complemented by a refreshing swim in a cenote and a delicious local lunch. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural encounter, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, including a guided tour, swim in Cenote Hubiku, and a buffet lunch.
• The tour includes transportation, early access to the sites, an English-speaking guide, and all admission fees, providing a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.
• Highlights of the tour include climbing the Acropolis Pyramid in Ek Balam for panoramic views, and visiting iconic landmarks like the Temple of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court in Chichen Itza.
• The tour is suitable for a wide range of ages, with comfortable transportation, recommended packing items, and a focus on enhancing the overall experience.
• With a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.8/5 based on 59 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides, early access to Chichen Itza, and the serene beauty of Cenote Hubiku.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an exciting exploration of two renowned Mayan archaeological sites – Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Priced at $112.52 per person, the tour lasts a full day and allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup is optional from hotel lobbies or designated meeting points, with the timing communicated the day before. The itinerary includes guided tours of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, as well as a swim in the Cenote Hubiku and a buffet lunch.

Services like transportation, an English-speaking guide, entry fees, and bottled water are included. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothes and bring necessary items like sunscreen and swimwear.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring Chichen Itza, the tour’s first stop, takes visitors on a guided 2.5-hour journey through this iconic Mayan city.

After the in-depth tour, guests enjoy free time for further exploration on their own.

Next, the tour heads to Cenote Hubiku, where participants can swim in the serene waters for 45 minutes before indulging in a 45-minute buffet lunch.

The final stop is Ek Balam, another Mayan archaeological site.

Here, a 1.5-hour guided tour allows opportunities to climb the impressive Acropolis Pyramid.

With three diverse sites visited, this tour provides a comprehensive look into the region’s rich Mayan heritage.

Included Services

With the itinerary highlights covered, let’s take a look at the services included in this Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour.

Travelers will enjoy transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking guide. Admission to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is included, as well as early access to Chichen Itza to beat the crowds.

A refreshing swim in Cenote Hubiku and a buffet lunch are also part of the package. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and all applicable state taxes are covered.

This comprehensive tour ensures visitors make the most of their time while exploring these remarkable Mayan sites.

Participant Recommendations

Participants’ packing list for the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour includes comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a camera.

The tour is suitable for adults aged 12-99, children aged 4-11, and infants 3 and under.

Recommended items to bring include:

• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• Water shoes for exploring the cenote
• Cash for the state tax payment
• Flip-flops for comfort during the tour

With these essentials, participants can fully experience the highlights of this excursion, including the impressive Chichen Itza ruins, the refreshing Cenote Hubiku, and the less crowded yet stunning Ek Balam site.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Chichen Itza Guided Tour

The guided tour of Chichen Itza is a highlight of this excursion. For 2.5 hours, the expert guide leads visitors through this iconic Mayan site, sharing captivating insights and historical anecdotes. Visitors are granted early access, enabling them to explore the grounds before the crowds arrive. The guide’s deep knowledge brings the ruins to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the site’s significance. To further enhance the experience, the tour includes:

Key Features
Duration	2.5 hours
Access	Early entry
Guide	Knowledgeable and engaging
Highlights	Temple of Kukulkan, El Castillo, Great Ball Court
Exploration	Ample free time for personal discovery

Cenote Hubiku Experience

After exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza, the tour takes visitors to the stunning Cenote Hubiku. This natural wonder offers a refreshing swim and a delicious buffet lunch:

• The crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the cenote provide a perfect setting for a relaxing dip, with opportunities to dive or jump from the surrounding platforms.

• The buffet lunch features a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.

• Guests can enjoy the serene ambiance of the cenote while savoring the flavorful local cuisine.

• The 45-minute stop at Cenote Hubiku offers a rejuvenating break before continuing the journey to the ancient city of Ek Balam.

Ek Balam Guided Tour

Following the exploratory visit to Chichen Itza and the refreshing dip in Cenote Hubiku, the tour proceeds to the ancient site of Ek Balam.

Here, the guide leads the group on a 1.5-hour guided tour, providing insights into the rich history and architecture of this lesser-known yet striking Mayan ruin.

Participants have the opportunity to climb the impressive Acropolis Pyramid, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle landscape.

The tour allows visitors to experience the tranquility and mystery of Ek Balam, a welcomed contrast to the bustling crowds at Chichen Itza.

This stop on the itinerary offers a unique glimpse into the Mayan past and a chance to explore a captivating archaeological site.

Customer Feedback

Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 59 reviews.

Travelers consistently highlight the tour’s strengths:

• Knowledgeable guides who share their expertise and friendliness
• The benefit of early arrival at Chichen Itza to avoid crowds
• The beauty of Cenote Hubiku, despite its slightly touristy nature
• The less crowded atmosphere and stunning views from the Ek Balam pyramid

This comprehensive tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of the Yucatan’s most captivating archaeological sites, complemented by a refreshing swim and delectable lunch, making it a must-do experience for visitors to the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, you can upgrade to a private tour. This will provide a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and the flexibility to adjust the itinerary to your preferences.

Will There Be Restrooms Available at Each Stop?

Restrooms are available at each major stop on the tour, including Chichen Itza, Cenote Hubiku, and Ek Balam. Participants can expect well-maintained facilities to accommodate their needs throughout the day’s activities.

Is There an Option to Just Visit Chichen Itza?

Yes, there is an option to visit just Chichen Itza. Visitors can book a standalone Chichen Itza tour without the additional stops at Cenote Hubiku and Ek Balam. This allows them to focus solely on exploring the iconic Mayan ruins.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on this tour. The package includes a buffet lunch at the Cenote Hubiku, as well as bottled water throughout the trip. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t appear to offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, children aged 4-11 are eligible for reduced pricing. Participants should check with the tour provider for the most up-to-date pricing and any applicable discounts.

Recap

The "From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour With Lunch" offers an enriching full-day adventure, providing participants with the opportunity to explore the iconic Chichen Itza, swim in the crystal-clear Cenote Hubiku, and discover the historical Ek Balam site, all accompanied by a delicious buffet lunch. This cultural experience is a must-try for those seeking to enjoy the rich heritage of the Yucatan Peninsula.

You can check if your dates are available here: