Excursions & day trips

Guided tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with cenote and lunch

from

£143.00

Free cancellation

Language: Spanish, English

Printed ticket only

Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

Entrance fees included

Guided tour

Instant confirmation

Meal included

Why you’ll love this…

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

What to expect

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

What to remember

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

Provider

TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Cheryl Pennington
From United States of America - August 2024

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
4/5

Great day , well organised and informative experiences well worth the day out
Elisa
From United Kingdom - June 2024

Travelled as a couple

18 - 24 years old

Great
Overall rated
4/5

Ek Balam is an underrated beautiful gem that is absolutely worth seeing. The guide was kind and knowledgeable, kept us fed and refreshed with drinks a ...
Nick
From United Kingdom - April 2024

Travelled with family

45 - 54 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Fantastic experience. Learnt a lot about the culture and history of the Mayans and Mexicans. The group was a good size, about 10 people plus guide. Go ...
Emma and Matt
From United States of America - March 2024

Travelled as a couple

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

All was good, didn't get to do chocolate making or obsidian workshop as advertised
Mike
From United Kingdom - February 2024

Travelled as a couple

18 - 24 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Ek Balam is a fantastic experience. The early start to the excursion is worth it to be one of the first groups in to the site to climb the pyramid. Be ...
The Jays
From United Kingdom - January 2024

Travelled as a couple

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Am excellent day had by all ! Despite an early start really grateful that we did get there early as we virtually had the place to ourselves! Only when ...

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Guided tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with cenote and lunch

What people say about this experience

Excellent