Ek Balam Mayan Ruins in Mexico: Full Guide to Visiting?
If you’re planning a trip through the Yucatán Peninsula, chances are you’ve heard of Ek Balam ruins in Mexico, a lesser-known but truly fascinating Mayan site. With its towering acropolis, and jungle-surrounded setting, Ek Balam offers an experience that feels far more intimate than the crowds.
One of the biggest questions travellers face is whether it’s worth making the journey to Ek Balam. How do you get there, how much time should you allow, and do you really need a guide to understand the site? And of course, how does it compare to visiting Chichén Itzá, which is often the go-to for first-time visitors to Mexico?
On my visit, I found Ek Balam to be one of the most rewarding ruins I’ve explored, and not just because you can still climb the main pyramid. In this post, I’ll share my complete guide and how it stacks up against the mighty Chichén Itzá.
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Is the Ek Balam Mayan Ruins Worth Visiting?
Yes, I think the Ek Balam Ruins are definitely worth visiting in Mexico. What makes them so special is that you can still climb the main pyramid, which gives you incredible views over the jungle, (though be prepared, it’s steep)!
Visiting on a hot day can be intense under the sun, but pairing the ruins with a refreshing swim at the nearby cenote (and Abseiling into it) made the experience even more rewarding.
➡ Find Ek Balam Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.
✅ Pros
- Less crowded & more peaceful than big sites like Chichén Itzá.
- You can still climb the main pyramid (Acropolis / “El Torre”) and get great panoramic views over jungle and ruins.
- Excellent and well-preserved stucco carvings, especially on the Acropolis.
- Ruins in the jungle, nearby cenotes (swimming options) make for a nice combination of culture and nature.
- Good for shorter visits: the main site isn’t huge, so you can see the highlights in 2 to 3 hours.
- Near Valladolid, which makes it relatively easy to include in itineraries, good road access, options for guided tours or self-drive.
❌ Cons
- Entrance fees can add up, especially with additional state fees, guided tours, or if you include the nearby cenote.
- Limited facilities & services on-site, refreshments, signage, shade are more basic.
- The pyramid is steep, stairs down can be tricky, steps uneven, no or minimal railings in many spots. This might be tough for people with mobility issues or fear of heights.
- Lots of walking, little shade in many sections, so sun, heat, dehydration are real concerns.
- Entrance fees and some services/carts/vendors tend to prefer cash, sometimes cards are not accepted or connection is bad.
- Because it’s less commercialised, some things are still under excavation or restoration.
5 Ways to Get to Ek Balam Ruins?
If you’re planning on visiting the majestic ruins of Ek Balam, there are a few different transportation options to consider. This includes organised tours, Private vehicle transfers, Public Transportation, or renting a car to drive yourself.
The Ek Balam Mayan Ruins are situated in the Yucatan Peninsula (please see location map HERE), centrally located between Merida, Cancun & Playa Del Carman, but closest to Valladolid.
Lucky for you, it’s possible to take a day trip from either one of these cities and still have enough time to explore the ruins. Luckily, we had it added to our Playa Del Carmen Itinerary and was one of our favourite day trips.
➡ Find Mexico accommodation HERE with Booking.com
It’s open from 8 am to 4 pm every day, and once you arrive, there’s a small parking lot on-site for your convenience.
However, If you’re coming from Valladolid, it’s a quick and easy 15-minute drive to the site. Playa Del Carmen is only 2 hours drive away. But even if you’re venturing from further away, like Merida or Cancun, it’s still just a two-and-a-half-hours to Ek Balam.
1. Organised Tours
I think joining an organised tour is the best way to get to Ek Balam for a few reasons:
- The guides are full of knowledge and information about the Mayan Ruins.
- They sometimes take you to places or different areas you might not know about.
- You get to meet like-minded people.
➡ Find Ek Balam Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.
In the end, they offer a stress-free option for those who don’t have their own transportation. We happened to be staying in Play Del Carmen with a free day, and the Mayan Ruins were at the top of our list.
The good news was, in visiting Ek Balam, there was a bonus to the tour and seeing another cenote.
Obviously, your group or situation might require something a little different. Maybe you have less time, or you’ve already visited some must-see cenotes, or just maybe you want to visit other sites. In this case, I’m sure you’ll be able to find a tour that suits your circumstance the best.
2. Renting a car
Renting a car is always an excellent idea if you’re looking to explore on your own terms, plus you’re not intimidated by driving in a foreign country.
➡Find your favourite brand & compare prices for your Rental Car HERE
Mostly, I’ll often drive to locations to miss the crowds or when I don’t know how long I will spend there. In fact, getting there before all the guided tours show up is often the best idea for photos or even solo travellers.
Not only that, but you can schedule your own day and visit other places that might not be on a tour group’s itinerary.
3. Purchase Private Tours
If you’re the type of traveler who wants to personalize every aspect of your trip or have a group, then a private transfer or a private guided tour might be the perfect solution for you.
Say goodbye to the restrictions of a group tour and hello to flexibility. What’s great about these tours is that everything is taken care of for you – entrance fees, meals, and even transportation from your hotel. And if you’re worried about the price tag, keep in mind that most of the fees are all-inclusive.
➡ Check prices for Private tours to Ek Balam HERE with Viator Tours.
4. Public Transportation
If your staying in Valladolid, then the 25-minute journey can be made using the Colectivo public bus transportation. This is a shared van that will collect and drop off passengers along its route.
However, know that the bus doesn’t run on a schedule and might only leave when it’s full. Nevertheless, it’s one of the more cost-effective and eco-friendly ways, costing around 50 to 100 Mexican pesos.
5. Taxi Service from Valladolid
Taxis are available in every city, but it’s only going to be cost-efficient when you’re staying in Valladolid. Even better if you have two or three people and split the charge between you.
Your hotel reception will be able to call a Taxi for you, or you can generally walk close by popular city streets to get in one!
When is the best time to visit?
Try visiting Ek Balam in late October to mid-December, as well as February to March. These are generally the best months to visit to avoid the busiest seasons, and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
My visit was in August and while there wasn’t too many people, it was extremely hot doing it.
As for the best time of day, aim to be there when the site opens early in the morning or a couple of hours before it closes. Not only will you beat the crowds, but you’ll also get to explore at a cooler temperature during the day.
Stop by the Cenote Maya Park?
If you’ve booked an organised tour to Ek Balam, they will often schedule to visit one of the nearby cenotes. While most people will direct you to Cenote X-Canche, let me tell you about a hidden gem I went to – The Cenote Maya Park.
Despite the park being 30 minutes away from Ek Balam, it turned out to be one of my favourite highlights on the tour (apart from Ek Balam). More specifically, what made it stand out was not just the chance to swim in a cenote but the opportunity to abseil into the stunning natural pool.
See for yourself HERE in my YouTube video!
I didn’t see abseiling offered at any other cenote, and it indeed added a unique and exciting element to the day. Like most other cenotes, there was also swimming, a small zip line, and a jumping platform.
So why limit yourself to seeing just one attraction when you can experience two and make memories that will last a lifetime?
FAQ’s – Common Questions?
Can You Climb the Mayan Ruins?
Unlike other popular ruins, such as Chichen-Itza – Yes, you can actually climb the stairs to the top of the ruins at Ek Balam. This was a big draw for me, as I love getting up close and personal with historical structures.
➡ Find Ek Balam Tours HERE with Viator, or HERE with GYG.
Climbing the massive El Torre pyramid was a highlight of my trip, and the views from the top were stunning. You can see most of ruins from this spot, along with the surrounding forests and bushland.
In the same aspect, you can see how steep the stairs actually were and have even more fun walking down them.
How much time do you need there?
With just two to three hours, you’ll have enough time to explore its wonders. Whether you’re a history buff or just someone looking to soak in some culture, you’ll be blown away by the intricate architecture and stunning detail of the structures.
The colorful art and jaw-dropping temples will give you a newfound appreciation for this ancient civilization. However, this does leave the rest of the day to visit cenotes nearby, like Xcanche (7 minutes away), Maya (30 minutes away), or Cenote Zaci (30 minutes away).
If you’re anything like me, you love to make the most of your travel experiences and see as much as possible in one day.
Do you need a guide?
If you’re showing up on your own, then exploring Ek Balam is definitely doable without a guide. Sure, exploring at your own pace might be convenient, but wouldn’t it be a shame to miss out on the whole Ek Balam experience?
A guide can provide context and backstory about the ruins, along with pointing out unique architectural features and providing insight into the culture and beliefs of the ancient Mayans.
So, while technically you can visit without a guide, I highly recommend taking advantage of their knowledge and expertise to appreciate this incredible site.
How many steps will you be climbing?
While it may take some effort, climbing the 106 steps up the pyramid is worth it for the stunning view at the top. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good workout with the best reward?
It only took us about 5 to 10 minutes to get up there, but it wasn’t without stopping a couple of times.
Know that these steps are uneven and easy to trip over. In fact, I would be hesitant to bring small children or those with knee issues. Not surprising that I found it was much harder coming down, and this was done by either walking in a sidewards criss-cross way or by sitting down on the stairs for balance.
About the Mayan Structures?
The Ek Balam Mayan Ruins offer unique insight into an ancient civilization that has long captivated our imagination. And at the centre of this rich cultural heritage lies the impressive El Torre, standing tall over the Central Plaza.
This towering pyramid is a true engineering marvel, measuring an astounding 500 feet long, 200 feet wide, and 100 feet tall. As you approach this grand structure, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the enormity of it all.
It’s surprising to think that way back in 800 AD, this large pyramid was home to the highest leader of this civilization and still remains standing today. What’s more, the pyramid is protected by built-in palapas roofs that have preserved its intricate art detail for centuries, allowing us to marvel at the ingenuity and beauty of this ancient wonder.
My best tips!
One of the most important things to remember when embarking on this adventure is to wear the right shoes. The terrain of the ruins can be challenging, with uneven surfaces and steep stairs, so comfortable and sturdy footwear is a must.
Another essential item is to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated in the hot and humid climate and bring snacks (there isn’t much there). And to protect your skin from the strong sun rays, remember to wear sunscreen and a sun hat.
If you’re not on tour, planning to arrive early in the day is also highly recommended to avoid the crowds and enjoy the calmness of the ruins. Plus, always keep an eye on the weather and pack a raincoat, just in case.
And lastly, remember that the jungle can be full of bugs, so remember to pack some insect repellent to keep you bug-free.
Which is better, Chichén Itzá or Ek Balam?
Chichén Itzá, the UNESCO World Heritage site, is colossal and much more touristy with its “Wonder of the World” Status. However, Ek Balam is less crowded, compact, and perfect for those who like to be more adventurous and climb things.
Both sites offer visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history and culture of the Mayan civilization, but which one you choose to visit ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. But for me, I chose the Ek Balam Tour for the reduced crowds and the opportunity to abseil into the Maya Cenote.
Wrap up!
So far, with the information we have discussed above, it should be clear that getting to Ek Balam is easy to organize with the options I have available in this post. The ruins are a relic of the great Mayan civilizations and an embodiment of the ancient culture’s grandeur. So, make sure to add this to your bucket list!
Thanks for reading this blog post today, and I hope you found the information you were looking for. Remember to stop by and look at my other Mexico Blogs to help with your other plans.
