Guided tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with cenote and lunch
Overview
Book here to discover one of one of the best kept secrets of the Mayan world - the ancient city of Ek' Balam. You'll also visit a cenote, and see central Valladolid.
Highlights
- You'll head into the jungle to visit what's left of the ancient Mayan city of Ek' Balam
- This trip includes a swim stop at a cenote, a kind of natural freshwater pool unique to Mexico
- Chocolate-making, obsidian-crafting and mezcal-tasting are all part of the agenda
- The tour wraps up in Valladolid, a small, colourful town that's one of the Yucatan's prettiest parts
- You'll follow an expert local guide around this patch of Mexico, so they'll give you the lowdown
Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid.
We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow.
Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.
What's included
- Transport
- Guide
- Admission fees
- Buffet
- Local delicacy tasting
Meeting & pickup
Hotel / designated pickup available
- • The Fives Oceanfront
- • Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort
- • All Ritmo Cancun Resort & Water Park
- • Allegro Playacar All Inclusive Resort
- • Aloft Cancun
- • ALOFT TULUM
- • Altitude by Krystal Grand Punta
- • Aquamarinabeach
Additional info
- There's a MXN 45.00 fee for using video cameras at the archaeological site
- Order of route subject to change
- Tour is guided in German
- Pickups are available from Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen hotels. If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pickup, please provide the details at the checkout.
- Bring biodegradable insect repellent
- Bring bathing gear and sunblock
- Bring suitable footwear
- Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
- Drinks not included
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 2 days before the experience starts for a full refund.
Questions
Have a question?
Our team is happy to help before you book — reach out any time.
