Tour Details
About the Tour
- Category
- Excursions and Day Trips
- Duration
- Full-Day
- Location
- Riviera Maya
Photos & Highlights
- Hidden in the jungle, Ek-Balam is the one surviving Yucatan pyramid travelers are allowed to climb and touch
- We'll explore the magical city of Valladolid and swim in clear-blue cenotes
- Swimming in a Cenote, Ek Balam Archaeological Site, and Valladolid
Tour Description
Our journey will explore the remarkable archaeological ruins of Ek-Balam (Black Jaguar), which are hidden off-the-beaten-path for most Riviera Maya travelers. Led by a Context guide with local certifications, we enjoy an up-close exploration of this landmark's stunning historical narrative. Our perfect day continues with a mid-day swim at a secluded cenote. We conclude our excursion with a private tour of the charming nearby city, Valladolid.
NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation. Please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.
NOTE: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation. Please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box while adding the tour to your shopping cart.
At A Glance
- Convenient pickup from your hotel in either Cancun or Playa del Carmen – please indicate your preference at time of booking
- Guided tour of treasured Ek-Balam Archaeological Ruins
- Mid-day cool off in the waters of a local cenote (pool)
- Lunch in the historic city center of Valladolid
- Tour of the city's cathedral (exterior) and the Convento de San Bernardino
- Full-day driver and Context guide included
Itinerary Details
Archeological Site Ek-Balam
We will begin our journey by exploring one of the most unique treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula. Ek-Balam is a less-crowded archeological site, our Context guide will lead us through its Acropolis and to the top of the pyramid, which provides an outstanding panoramic view. We will learn about the site’s ongoing restoration, as well as its Maya origin story.
Relaxing Cenote Swim
Our guide leads us to a beautiful semi-open cenote (pool). Perfect to enjoy the light effects that the sun creates and admire the flora that surrounds it. Here we will also be able to try the extra activities and services available such as rappelling, zip-lining, and biking in the jungle (if time allows). Please indicate your interests at the time of booking.
Valladolid
Located only 30min away from Ek-Balam, Valladolid is a historical Maya city with a special charisma and architecture draped in stunning pastel colors. Founded in 1543, it is the second-largest city in the Yucatan. As we enjoy our private walking tour, we will see the majority of the townspeople still using the typical dress, chefs cooking dishes the original way, and the original Spanish architectural facades around the Main Plaza. You will surely get a sense of the laid-back pace of life and how the locals enjoy the richness their ancestors left them.
Before driving back to our hotel, we might also enjoy an ice cream cone while sitting in one of the traditional white Sillas Confidentes – perfect for sharing.
For other family-friendly explorations of the Yucatan Peninsula, have a look at our Tulum Excursion, and if you would like to continue more in-depth learning about the Maya Civilization we recommend our Chichén Itzá Excursion.
Disclaimer: Due to our limited guide supply in the Riviera Maya region, you may see limited availability for 2023 tour dates. We appreciate your understanding and can assure you we're working to rectify this issue.
We will begin our journey by exploring one of the most unique treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula. Ek-Balam is a less-crowded archeological site, our Context guide will lead us through its Acropolis and to the top of the pyramid, which provides an outstanding panoramic view. We will learn about the site’s ongoing restoration, as well as its Maya origin story.
Relaxing Cenote Swim
Our guide leads us to a beautiful semi-open cenote (pool). Perfect to enjoy the light effects that the sun creates and admire the flora that surrounds it. Here we will also be able to try the extra activities and services available such as rappelling, zip-lining, and biking in the jungle (if time allows). Please indicate your interests at the time of booking.
Valladolid
Located only 30min away from Ek-Balam, Valladolid is a historical Maya city with a special charisma and architecture draped in stunning pastel colors. Founded in 1543, it is the second-largest city in the Yucatan. As we enjoy our private walking tour, we will see the majority of the townspeople still using the typical dress, chefs cooking dishes the original way, and the original Spanish architectural facades around the Main Plaza. You will surely get a sense of the laid-back pace of life and how the locals enjoy the richness their ancestors left them.
Before driving back to our hotel, we might also enjoy an ice cream cone while sitting in one of the traditional white Sillas Confidentes – perfect for sharing.
For other family-friendly explorations of the Yucatan Peninsula, have a look at our Tulum Excursion, and if you would like to continue more in-depth learning about the Maya Civilization we recommend our Chichén Itzá Excursion.
Disclaimer: Due to our limited guide supply in the Riviera Maya region, you may see limited availability for 2023 tour dates. We appreciate your understanding and can assure you we're working to rectify this issue.
FAQ
For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQ page.
Book with confidence — See Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Does this excursion include transportation to and from our hotel?
Book with confidence — See Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Does this excursion include transportation to and from our hotel?
Yes! Full-day private car service and admission to all sites are included in the tour cost.
Does this tour include lunch?
Does this tour include lunch?
Lunch isn’t included but we will make a reservation at a Mexican restaurant in Valladolid, where you will find a variety of local dishes to choose from.
What time will we need to depart from Playa del Carmen or Cancun?
In order to make the most of our day together, we will need to depart together promptly at 7:00 AM. This will allow us to arrive on-site by approximately 9:30 AM.
How many participants does this excursion accommodate?
Standard pricing will accommodate 6 guests in the vehicle. If there are additional travelers in need of transportation, please send us an email so that we can discuss pricing and availability
Can we climb and touch the pyramids in Ek-Balam? Yes! You will be able to climb one of the main pyramids and enjoy a panoramic view of the rest of the archeological site.
What kind of clothes should I wear and bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat and sunglasses, and layers. You will be warm while on your ruins tour and it gets cooler in the evening. Bring a swimming suit, a towel, and water shoes if desired.
Would I be able to leave my things somewhere while swimming?
Yes, there will be facilities with lockers to be able to leave your things while at the cenote.
Would I be able to join if I can’t swim?
Yes, there will be a safety vest for swimming available at no extra cost.
Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We usually meet near your hotel, though your route may differ slightly according to traffic. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes! It will be a great experience for people of all ages. However, we do recommend that children be able to swim independently.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the site has wheelchair access but all the pathways are gravel roads so it could be very difficult to visit the site.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
Born in Mexico city, JazmÃn is interested in the investigation of pre-Colonial art and worldview through an interdisciplinary approach. Her passion for the ancient Mexican cultures led her to pursue a degree in archeology at the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH). After conducting research on the Huasteca cosmovision and participating in different symposia, in 2018 she obtained a Master's Degree in Mesoamerican Studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Her fascination with the Mayan culture and her love for Mexico led her to pursue leading archaeological and adventure tours in the Riviera Maya. Her main objective is to promote interest and raise awareness about the importance of the historic, cultural and natural heritage of Mexico through the dissemination of the latest anthropological research and the practice of a sustainable tourism.