Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Day Trip with

Discovering the Yucatán: A Comprehensive Review of the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Day Trip

Planning a day trip from Playa del Carmen to explore the ancient wonders of the Yucatán can feel overwhelming with so many options. This tour, rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 29 reviews, offers a well-balanced mix of history, adventure, and local flavor. It’s a solid pick for those eager to see iconic Mayan ruins, enjoy a refreshing cenote swim, and savor authentic Mexican food without breaking the bank.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the early access to Chichen Itza ensures you beat the crowds and have more time to marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Second, the inclusion of Ek Balam—less touristy but equally fascinating—adds a special touch, especially since you can actually climb its pyramids, something not always permitted at popular sites. Third, the visit to Cenote Hubiku offers a cooling dip in crystal-clear waters, perfect after a morning of walking. A potential drawback? The tour is quite long, clocking in at around 12 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with full days on the move. If you love history, culture, and a bit of adventure, this trip caters perfectly to your curiosity and appetite for authentic experiences.

Key Points

• Early Access: Beat the crowds at Chichen Itza for a more intimate exploration.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides deepen your understanding of Mayan culture.
• Balancing Activity & Relaxation: Mix of ruins, swimming, and delicious food.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 14 participants for a more personal touch.
• Value for Money: Cost includes transportation, guided tours, cenote entry, and buffet lunch.
• Convenient & Flexible: Pickup from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal with clear timing info.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This carefully curated full-day experience starts early in the morning, with pick-up from your Playa del Carmen hotel or designated meeting points. Expect to leave around 6:00-7:30 am, depending on your location, with comfortable, air-conditioned transportation ensuring a smooth ride through scenic Yucatán landscapes. This early start is crucial—it allows you to arrive at Chichen Itza ahead of the majority of travelers, giving you more space and a better shot at capturing those iconic photos.

The Chichen Itza Experience

Arriving early means you get priority access to this world-famous archaeological site. Your guide, who speaks fluent English, will take you on a comprehensive tour, sharing stories and insights about the Mayan civilization that built this marvel. Kristian, one of the reviewers, praised the early entry, noting that it made a huge difference in avoiding crowds and enjoying a more relaxed visit.

While at Chichen Itza, you’ll have ample time to explore major landmarks like the Pyramid of Kukulkán, the Ball Court, and the Observatory, all while hearing fascinating facts from your guide. The site’s impressive scale and intricate carvings truly come alive when you’re not elbow-to-elbow with other visitors.

Ek Balam: The Hidden Gem

After leaving Chichen Itza, the journey continues to Ek Balam, a lesser-known but equally captivating site. Unlike Chichen Itza, Ek Balam allows visitors to climb its pyramids, which is a highlight for many. Josephine, another reviewer, appreciated this opportunity, raving about the chance to ascend and get panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

The ruins here are smaller but packed with detailed sculptures and a sense of being a bit more authentic and less commercialized. Your guide will help you understand the significance of the structures and the Mayan stories they tell, enriching your appreciation for this archaeological treasure.

Cenote Hubiku: Refresh and Recharge

Post-ruins, it’s time for a well-deserved break at Cenote Hubiku. This stunning sinkhole offers crystal-clear waters, perfect for a cooling swim after the morning’s walking. Reviewers like Cynthia appreciated the opportunity to swim in a cenote and described the water as refreshingly clean, making it a highlight of the trip.

Entry to the cenote, included in the tour, means you can relax and take your time. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen to make the most of this natural swimming pool.

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Authentic Mexican Lunch

After the cenote, the tour provides a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. While reviewers note the food is delicious, some mention that the variety could be broader. Still, it’s a tasty, filling meal that offers a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine—think fresh salsas, grilled meats, and local staples—that fuels you for the rest of the day.

The Final Stop: More Ruins

The last leg involves exploring the ruins of Ek Balam further with your guide, learning about Mayan culture and architecture. This part of the tour adds depth and context to the sites you’ve visited, and your guide will share stories that bring the stones and carvings to life.

Transportation & Logistics

Transportation is included, with air-conditioned vehicles ensuring comfort during the long day. Pickup points are clearly communicated the day before via email or text, typically between 6:00 and 7:30 am depending on your location. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

The small group setting—limited to 14 participants—means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience, with ample opportunity to ask questions and connect with fellow travelers. While the tour doesn’t include hotel pick-up in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum are well-served, and the meeting points are easy to find.

The Real Value of This Tour

At $121 per person, this tour offers a package that combines transportation, expert guides, early site entry, cenote access, and a hearty lunch. When you compare this to the cost of visiting these sites independently, with transportation, entry fees, and guided tours, it’s quite a good deal. The early access alone is worth it for many, as it allows for more relaxed photos and fewer crowds—something Kristian and Josephine both highlighted as major perks.

The guides, like Carmen and Luis, are praised for their professionalism and passion. Cynthia even mentioned that their dedication truly enhanced the overall experience. Their knowledge helps unravel the stories behind the ruins, making the visit more meaningful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip appeals to history buffs eager to see the iconic Chichen Itza and less crowded Ek Balam. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that balances sightseeing and leisure. If you enjoy swimming in natural cenotes and trying authentic Mexican cuisine, you’ll find this tour well worth the price.

Because of the full-day length, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule and long periods of walking and exploration. It’s also ideal for small groups, offering a more intimate and flexible atmosphere compared to larger tours.

The Sum Up

This Chichen Itza and Ek Balam day trip from Playa del Carmen offers a thoughtfully crafted way to experience some of the Yucatán’s most treasured sites. The combination of early access, knowledgeable guides, and authentic local experiences make it a worthwhile choice for those interested in Mayan culture and natural beauty.

The inclusion of a cenote swim and a traditional buffet lunch adds leisure to the adventure, ensuring you leave feeling fulfilled and enriched. It’s a tour suited for curious travelers who prefer a small-group setting, value guided insights, and want to avoid the crowds.

While the day is long, the variety of stops and experiences makes it a comprehensive introduction to the region’s history and natural wonders. For anyone seeking an authentic, well-organized, and engaging day out in the Yucatán, this tour ticks all the right boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is offered from Playa del Carmen and other locations like Tulum and Akumal; the tour provides specific meeting points and times, but hotel pickup isn’t included in Tulum.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen are recommended to enjoy all aspects of the trip comfortably.

How long is the tour?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

Can I climb the ruins at Ek Balam?
Yes, at Ek Balam, visitors are permitted to ascend the pyramids, which is a highlight for many travelers.

Is it suitable for kids or pregnant women?
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, likely due to the physical activity involved.

Are drinks at the restaurant included?
No, drinks are not included with the buffet lunch.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak 100% English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations and cultural insights.

How much does the entry to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam cost?
State taxes of 1250 MXN per person are payable in cash on the day of the tour, not included in the tour price.

This tour offers a fantastic blend of history, adventure, and local culture, making it an excellent choice for those looking to deepen their understanding of the Mayan world while enjoying beautiful natural scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here: