Ek Balam, the city of the black jaguar
A quieter Mayan city in the Yucatán jungle, with one of the best preserved stucco facades of the Maya world. Combine it with Chichén Itzá and a cenote on a full day from Cancun.
A Mayan city without the crowds
Ek Balam ("black jaguar" in Mayan) lies about 30 km north of Valladolid, two hours from Cancun. You enter the city along a raised causeway through a freestanding stone arch, inside the remains of its defensive walls.
Its main building, the Acropolis, is one of the largest pyramids in the Yucatán Peninsula. Near the top, under thatched roofs, is its famous stucco facade: a huge monster mouth doorway carved from eyebrows to teeth, with winged figures around it, one of the best preserved in the Maya world.
There is also a ball court, the twin temples of Las Gemelas and stelae in the south plaza. Ek Balam is smaller and much quieter than Chichén Itzá, so you can explore it at your own pace.
This full-day tour combines Ek Balam with Chichén Itzá, a swim in a cenote and a buffet lunch, with hotel pickup in Cancun.
Ek Balam tour
| Tour from Cancun with lunch | from $79 USD |
| Archaeological site fees | Paid on the day |
| Duration | About 12 hours |
Included
- Hotel pickup in Cancun (if selected)
- Bilingual guide at Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam
- Cenote entrance, locker and life vest
- Mexican buffet lunch and drinks
Good to know
- Bring cash for the site entrance fees
- Wear comfortable shoes and a hat
- Use biodegradable sunscreen in the cenote
- Climbing the Acropolis may be restricted
Ek Balam
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