Tulum: Ek Balam Ruins, Tequila Tasting & Lunch Private Tour

This private tour offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. From the awe-inspiring Ek Balam Ruins to the refreshing dip in a sacred cenote, the day is filled with historical discovery and natural wonders. Yet, the highlight may be the exclusive tequila tasting, where participants can explore the craftsmanship behind this beloved spirit. Pair this with a traditional Yucatecan lunch, and the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure. Whether seeking to uncover the region’s past or simply indulge in its culinary delights, this tour promises an experience that will leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Tulum.

Key Points

• This 10-hour private group tour explores the well-preserved Ek Balam Ruins, offers a cenote swim, tequila tasting, and a traditional local lunch.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, tips, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but is not suitable for those with mobility issues or heart problems.
• Visitors can climb the nearly 100 ft. tall Acropolis temple at Ek Balam for outstanding views and witness the intricately carved stone facades with human and animal figures.
• The tour includes a visit to Destilería Artesanal de Agave Mayapán for a tasting of local agave-based liquors and an opportunity to learn about traditional tequila production methods.
• The tour concludes with a traditional Yucatecan lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid, allowing participants to explore the local culinary traditions and architecture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour is titled ‘Tulum: Ek Balam Ruins, Tequila Tasting & Lunch Private Tour‘ and is priced from K₲8,105 per person for a 10-hour private group experience with a live tour guide in Spanish and English.

Guests can explore the well-preserved Ek Balam Ruins, including the nearly 100 ft. tall Acropolis temple, and swim in a cenote.

They’ll also visit a local agave distillery for a tasting and enjoy a traditional lunch in Valladolid.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a cenote swim, and tips.

It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or heart problems.

Participants can choose their desired date and group size, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests will explore the well-preserved Ek Balam Ruins, featuring over 1200-year-old stucco sculptures, and climb the nearly 100 ft. tall Acropolis temple for outstanding views.

They’ll then have the chance to swim in a cenote, considered an entrance to the Mayan underworld.

The tour also includes a visit to Destilería Artesanal de Agave Mayapán for a tasting of local Agave, known as tequila in other regions.

Afterward, guests will enjoy a traditional local lunch in the colonial city of Valladolid.

The tour wraps up with a shopping opportunity for products like the honey liqueur Xtabentun, allowing guests to bring home a taste of the local culture.

Explore Ek Balam Ruins

Visitors can explore the well-preserved Ek Balam Ruins, which boast over 1,200-year-old stucco sculptures. The site features a nearly 100-ft tall Acropolis temple that offers outstanding views for those who climb to the top.

Guided by a local expert, travelers can discover the highlights of this ancient Maya city:

• Intricately carved stone facades adorned with human and animal figures

• A royal palace complex with residential structures and administrative buildings

• An astronomical observatory that provides insights into the Mayan’s advanced understanding of the cosmos

Wandering through the atmospheric ruins, visitors are transported back in time, immersed in the captivating history and architectural wonders of Ek Balam.

Swim in a Cenote

After exploring the Ek Balam Ruins, participants can cool off with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote.

These natural sinkholes, considered sacred entrances to the underworld by the ancient Mayans, offer a unique opportunity to witness the region’s unique geological formations and connect with the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The cool, crystal-clear waters of the cenote provide a serene and rejuvenating experience, allowing visitors to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty of the Yucatan landscape.

Whether floating peacefully or diving beneath the surface, the cenote swim is a highlight of the tour, providing a perfect complement to the discoveries made at the ancient Ek Balam site.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Tequila Tasting Experience

Following the tour of the Ek Balam Ruins, participants venture to Destilería Artesanal de Agave Mayapán for a tasting of local agave, known as tequila in other regions.

During this immersive experience, they learn about the traditional methods used to produce this distinctive spirit, which has deep roots in Mayan culture. Participants have the opportunity to sample various types of agave-based liquors, each with its own unique flavor profile, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and heritage behind this regional specialty.

The tasting experience includes:

• Sampling blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas

• Learning about the distillation process and aging techniques

• Discovering the subtle differences in aroma, body, and finish between each expression

Enjoy a Traditional Lunch

Next, the tour takes participants to Valladolid, a charming colonial city renowned for its culinary traditions, where they savor a delectable traditional local lunch.

The meal features authentic Yucatecan dishes, showcasing the rich flavors and vibrant colors of the region’s cuisine. Guests may indulge in dishes like cochinita pibil, a succulent slow-roasted pork, or sopa de lima, a tangy lime soup. The lunch also includes refreshing regional beverages, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the local gastronomic experience.

After the satisfying meal, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture, giving participants a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage.

Shopping Opportunities

The tour also includes opportunities for participants to explore local shops and purchase unique products. Visitors can peruse a variety of stores offering traditional crafts, artisanal goods, and specialty foods, allowing them to bring a piece of the Yucatecan culture back home. One particularly popular item is the honey liqueur known as Xtabentun, which showcases the region’s rich culinary heritage.

The shopping experience features:

• Handwoven textiles and pottery reflecting Mayan artistic traditions

• Organic honey and artisanal chocolate made by local producers

• Fragrant spices and seasonings used in authentic Yucatecan cuisine

These shopping stops provide an immersive cultural experience and the chance to support the local economy.

Participant Information and Restrictions

According to the information provided, the Tulum Private Tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems.

Participants can select the date and number of attendees for the tour.

Appropriate attire for the tour includes biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and a towel. Participants should also bring cash for any purchases.

The tour has some restrictions, as alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

With these considerations in mind, travelers can fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the Ek Balam Ruins, cenote, and tequila tasting without any concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, participants generally cannot bring their own food and drinks on tours. Tour operators typically provide all necessary meals and beverages as part of the tour package. Bringing outside items may not be permitted.

Is Photography Allowed at the Ek Balam Ruins Site?

Photography is generally allowed at the Ek Balam ruins site. Visitors can take pictures throughout the archaeological area, including the well-preserved stucco sculptures and Acropolis, though some restrictions may apply in certain parts of the site.

How Physically Demanding Is the Climb up the Acropolis?

The climb up the Acropolis at Ek Balam Ruins can be physically demanding. It’s a nearly 100-foot tall temple with steep, narrow stairs. Those with mobility issues or concerns may find the ascent challenging. Proper footwear and caution are advised.

Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Cenote Swim?

There are no age or height restrictions for the cenote swim. However, participants should be comfortable swimming in natural bodies of water. The tour operator recommends checking with them about any health or mobility concerns prior to booking.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tequila Tasting Experience?

The tour does not specify a dress code for the tequila tasting experience. Participants can wear casual, comfortable clothing. It’s recommended to avoid overly fancy or restrictive attire that could interfere with fully enjoying the tasting.

Recap

This private tour offers an immersive experience exploring the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive Ek Balam Ruins, swim in a sacred cenote, and savor a traditional Yucatecan lunch.

The highlight is the unique tequila tasting, where participants can learn about the craftsmanship behind this beloved spirit.

Ideal for those seeking an adventure that combines history, nature, and culinary delights.

You can check if your dates are available here: