Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Tour — Two Mayan Ruins in One Day
The ultimate Mayan archaeology day trip. Explore Chichen Itza's iconic monuments, then travel to Ek Balam where you can actually climb the Acropolis pyramid — one of the ONLY Mayan sites where climbing is still permitted. Ascend 100 feet for panoramic jungle views. Combined with a cenote swim and lunch, this is the most adventurous tour we offer.
What Makes This Tour Special:
⚡ Lowest price guaranteed • Reserve now, pay later
💳 Reserve now & pay later • Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Why Book With Us?
What's Included in Your Ek Balam Combo Tour
✓ Transportation
- •Round-trip hotel pickup & drop-off
- •Modern, air-conditioned coach
- •Professional, licensed driver
- •Complimentary bottled water
✓ Expert Guide for Both Sites
- •Certified bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- •2.5-hour guided tour of Chichen Itza
- •1.5-hour guided tour of Ek Balam
- •In-depth knowledge of both sites
✓ Both Entrances Included
- •Chichen Itza entrance & taxes
- •Ek Balam entrance & taxes
- •Access to all structures at both sites
- •Free time for independent exploration
✓ Buffet Lunch
- •Traditional Yucatecan buffet
- •Vegetarian & dietary options available
- •Soft drinks and water included
- •Air-conditioned restaurant
✓ Cenote Swim
- •Visit to Cenote Ik Kil or Hubiku
- •45 minutes swimming time
- •Life jacket provided free
- •Changing rooms & showers available
✓ Ek Balam Pyramid Climb
- •Climb the 100-foot Acropolis pyramid
- •Rope-assisted steps for safety
- •Panoramic jungle views from summit
- •See the preserved stucco frieze
Not Included (Optional Extras):
Your Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Tour Itinerary
Two iconic Mayan sites, one epic day of discovery and adventure
Early Hotel Pickup
Earlier start needed for two archaeological sites. Your driver greets you at your hotel lobby for the comfortable journey ahead.
Pro Tip: Have breakfast before pickup or grab something quick — it's an early start for an epic day!
Chichen Itza Guided Tour
Explore one of the New Seven Wonders with your certified archaeologist guide. Visit El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, Sacred Cenote, and the Observatory.
El Castillo Pyramid
The iconic 79-foot pyramid with 365 steps
Great Ball Court
Largest ancient ball court in Mesoamerica
Temple of Warriors
Hundreds of carved warrior columns
El Caracol Observatory
Mayan astronomical knowledge center
Pro Tip: Arriving early means fewer crowds — take advantage of the quiet morning light for photos.
Buffet Lunch
Refuel with a traditional Yucatecan buffet featuring regional specialties. Vegetarian options available. Soft drinks and water included.
Pro Tip: You'll need the energy — the Ek Balam pyramid climb awaits!
Cenote Swim
Cool off in the crystal-clear waters of a sacred cenote. Life jackets provided free, changing rooms and showers available. The perfect refresher between sites.
Pro Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for a quick change.
Ek Balam Archaeological Site
The adventure highlight! Climb the 100-foot Acropolis pyramid using rope-assisted steps for panoramic jungle views stretching to the horizon. View the remarkably preserved stucco frieze showing Mayan deities. Explore the Twin Towers and Oval Palace.
Acropolis Pyramid Climb
100-foot climb with rope-assisted steps — breathtaking views!
Stucco Frieze
Extraordinarily preserved Mayan deity carvings
Twin Towers & Oval Palace
Unique architectural features not found at Chichen Itza
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the climb. Take your time — the views from the top are worth savoring.
Return Journey
Relax on the comfortable return journey. Hotel drop-off by 7:00 PM. Most travelers rest or share photos from an incredible day.
Pro Tip: Have dinner reservations? Book for 8:00 PM or later to allow buffer time.
Important Notes
What Travelers Say About the Ek Balam Combo
Jake T.
Denver, USA • Friends • January 28, 2025
✓ Verified Purchase"Climbing the Pyramid Was Epic!"
The highlight was definitely climbing Ek Balam. The views from the top were breathtaking — endless jungle canopy stretching to the horizon. Combined with Chichen Itza, this was the ultimate Mayan experience. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about both sites.
Sophie L.
Paris, France • Couple • February 10, 2025
✓ Verified Purchase"Two Sites Are Better Than One!"
We almost just did the standard Chichen Itza tour but SO glad we chose this combo. Ek Balam was less crowded and climbing the pyramid was an incredible rush. The stucco frieze at the top is remarkably well preserved — our guide explained every detail. Worth every penny of the extra cost!
Marcus W.
Melbourne, Australia • Solo • December 5, 2024
✓ Verified Purchase"Best Day Trip in Mexico — Period"
13 hours sounds long but it flew by. Every stop was incredible — the scale of Chichen Itza, the adventure of climbing Ek Balam, the refreshing cenote swim, and the delicious lunch. Our guide Roberto was passionate and engaging. If you love archaeology and adventure, this is THE tour to book.
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Ready for the Ultimate Mayan Adventure?
Two world-class ruins, a cenote swim, and memories that last a lifetime
Pickups available from Cancún · Playa del Carmen · Tulum · Riviera Maya · Mérida
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