Chichen Itza & Ekbalam With Cenote Swim From Playa Del Carmen

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam is a captivating experience. This full-day tour from Playa Del Carmen promises an immersive journey through Mexico’s rich history. Visitors will marvel at the iconic landmarks, cool off with a refreshing swim in a cenote, and savor a delicious buffet lunch. With an expert guide and a small group size, this tour offers an intimate and enriching adventure. But what makes this experience truly remarkable is the opportunity to uncover the lesser-known Ek Balam site – a chance to delve deeper into the Mayan legacy.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Playa del Carmen or Tulum visits the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza and the lesser-known Ek Balam ruins.
• The tour includes a swim in a nearby cenote and a buffet lunch, with a maximum group size of 18 for an intimate experience.
• Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, and all admission fees are included in the tour cost.
• The tour is suitable for travelers with a moderate fitness level and lasts approximately 14 hours, with limited free time at Chichen Itza.
• The tour is highly recommended, with a 4.6-star rating based on over 100 reviews, but some travelers have complained about the high costs and lack of communication.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This full-day tour from Playa del Carmen or Tulum takes visitors to the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza and the lesser-known Ek Balam archaeological site.

Along the way, travelers can enjoy a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote and indulge in a delicious buffet lunch.

Recommended by 91% of previous participants, this tour offers a maximum group size of 18 for a more intimate experience.

Highlights include exploring the iconic Chichen Itza pyramids and climbing the ruins at Ek Balam, offering a well-rounded look at Mayan culture and history.

Inclusions and Costs

The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide to accompany visitors throughout the day.

A buffet lunch and snacks are provided, along with admission to the cenote for a refreshing swim.

Guests will need to pay the CULTUR fee for Chichen Itza ($33 USD) and Ek Balam ($26 USD), as well as the $3 USD fee for the mandatory life jacket rental at the cenote.

The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, giving travelers flexibility in their plans.

Pickup and Meeting Points

The tour offers pickup service at most hotels in the area, providing convenience for travelers.

If your hotel doesn’t offer pickup, alternative meeting points are provided. As soon as you book the tour, you’ll receive confirmation with all the details you need, including your pickup time and location.

No need to worry about transportation – the tour takes care of it with an air-conditioned vehicle. Just be ready at your pickup spot, and the tour will handle the rest.

It’s a hassle-free way to visit these incredible Mayan sites.

Traveler Recommendations

While a moderate physical fitness level is required for this tour, travelers should bring snacks and an umbrella to make the most of the experience.

The tour is approximately 14 hours long, so packing extra sustenance is recommended. An umbrella can provide relief from the summer heat.

Travelers should also be aware that there’s limited free time at Chichen Itza, though they’ll have more exploration time at Ek Balam.

Reviews and Experiences

How do travelers rate this tour? Based on over 100 reviews, the tour receives a strong 4.6-star rating, with 91% of travelers recommending it.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides, like Gus and Mario, who provide excellent commentary on Mayan history and culture. The highlights include the beautiful cenote swim and the opportunity to climb the ruins at Ek Balam.

However, some travelers express complaints about the high costs and lack of communication from the tour operator.

Exploring Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is the highlight of this tour. Visitors are awestruck by the impressive 79-foot-tall El Castillo pyramid, the iconic centerpiece of this ancient Mayan city.

The guided tour provides insights into the site’s rich history and architectural marvels, including the intricate carvings and astronomical alignments.

Travelers have limited free time to explore the ruins independently, so it’s crucial to maximize the experience.

With its well-preserved structures and cultural significance, Chichen Itza offers a glimpse into the sophisticated Mayan civilization that once thrived in this region.

Discovering Ek Balam

Why is Ek Balam, the lesser-known Mayan ruin site, an equally captivating destination on this tour?

Beyond the iconic Chichen Itza, Ek Balam offers a unique glimpse into Mayan history and architecture.

Three highlights include:

1. Climbing the imposing Acropolis, one of the largest Mayan pyramids, for panoramic views.

2. Admiring the remarkably well-preserved stucco carvings, depicting Mayan rulers and deities.

3. Experiencing the site’s tranquility and fewer crowds compared to the bustling Chichen Itza.

Ek Balam’s off-the-beaten-path charm, combined with the opportunity to swim in a refreshing cenote, make it a must-visit on this comprehensive Mayan cultural tour.

Refreshing Cenote Swim

Beyond exploring the impressive ruins, the tour offers a refreshing break with a cenote swim. A cenote is a natural sinkhole filled with crystal clear water, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock.

Upon arrival, guests can cool off and take a dip in the refreshing waters. Floating and swimming in the serene cenote is a highlight for many.

After the swim, towels are provided to dry off before continuing the journey. The cenote experience is included in the tour, along with the mandatory life jacket rental at an additional $3 USD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Only Available on Certain Days?

The tour appears to be available daily, as the overview states it’s a "full-day tour" and there’s no mention of specific departure days. Travelers can book the tour for their preferred day, subject to availability.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for the tour. However, a buffet lunch is provided as part of the inclusions. Bringing additional food or beverages is optional.

Is the Transportation From Playa Del Carmen or Tulum Shared?

The transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum is shared. The tour operator provides round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 18 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience during the full-day excursion.

Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?

Yes, the tour is available in multiple languages. Travelers can book the tour in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian, depending on their preference. The multilingual offerings allow for a more inclusive and accessible experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour operator offers an optional upgrade to extend the tour and add additional activities, such as visiting a local Mayan village or a stop at a handicraft market. However, these extras come at an additional cost.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic Chichen Itza and the lesser-known Ek Balam ruins. The opportunity to swim in a refreshing cenote and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch completes the adventure. With a small group size, travelers can expect an intimate and enriching journey through Mexico’s remarkable Mayan heritage.