Ek Balam self-guided walking audio tour from Cancun
Do this because
- Ek Balam is one of the few Mayan ruins where you can still climb to the top of an ancient pyramid
- Discover the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’, an ancient Mayan king
- Unlock the secrets of the ancient hieroglyphics which are found throughout this unique site
- Learn about the ancient Mayan culture, from their art and architecture to their complex religious convictions
What to expect
Your tour of Ek Balam begins near the visitors center. As you head deeper into the site, you will learn of the fascinating history of Mayan civilization before Europeans arrived. This history dates back thousands of years. You’ll also hear about the arrival of the Spanish, and how their conquest forever changed the continent and its people.
After crossing through the remnants of an ancient defensive wall, you’ll arrive at a ball court and learn about how the ancient Mayans played an intense, sometimes dangerous game that was something like a cross between soccer and basketball. The catch? They used a ball that weighed about 20 pounds!
As you make your way to the Circular Steam Bath, you’ll learn about Mayan architecture, and why they built things in the way that they did. The bath was used for religious ceremonies, but also to heal the sick and wounded. You’ll get more familiar with Mayan religion on your way to your next stop.
Next comes the Acropolis, the largest standing structure on the peninsula. This immense building is King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’s most enduring legacy. What’s more, you can actually climb the stairs to the top!
Along the way, you’ll notice a pair of hieroglyphic serpents, which the tour will help to explain. The Mayans used a great deal of animal imagery in their art, and everything had a specific meaning.
After that comes the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’. It is considered the best-preserved tomb of any Mayan king, and it fittingly impressive for such an effective ruler.
Finally, you will reach the top of the pyramid. From here, you can see for miles in every direction. You’ll even be able to see the outline of Chichen Itza on a clear day! The tour concludes there, after detailing the plaza visible below.
Important to know
Know in advance:
- This is a self-guided tour, no guide will accompany you. The local operator's app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
- This tour provides a live GPS map on your smartphone, audio narration, written text explanations, and suggested stops
- After booking the tour you will receive an email from the local operator with the instruction to download the tour, search in your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. The tour and maps will work off-line, but you will not be able to download it and set-it up without data
- This tour is valid for an entire year - from the moment of booking. You don't need to change the booking if your travel plans change
- The local operator has an all-day support line available via call, chat, or email. Local operator's contacts can be found in the voucher after booking
What’s included
Self-guided tour taken via the app
Static map on your phone
Audio narration
Written text explanations
Unique password (sent by email) for access to app
What’s not included
Entrance fees to paid attractions
Food or drinks
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 days before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Provider
ACTION TOUR GUIDE
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +44 121 468 3145
You might also like
Guided Tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with Cenote and Lunch
Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid. Francesca, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Archaeologists only began uncovering Ek' Balam in 1985, and they're still digging away today. It's a more complete site than many others, and you can still imagine daily life in the Maya town going on around you as you explore. But the main reason I enjoy Ek' Balam is that there are so few visitors.'We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow.Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.
de
Ek' Balam Deluxe Tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid
Dive into an epic adventure at the ancient Maya ruins of Ek' Balam with some adrenaline fun packed in too. You'll get to step back in time at this archaeological site, followed by ziplining and cenote swimming at Hacienda Chukum, a buffet lunch of regional classics, and a visit to Valladolid. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘Known as the ‘Black Jaguar' or ‘Star Jaguar', it's not every day you get to see such massive structures and what makes Ek Balam unique are its unique double walls that encircle the central area'. At Ek' Balam, get ready for a blast into Maya history discovering over 40 structures, with the opportunity to climb several monuments. Prepare to be wowed by pyramids and the towering acropolis, offering epic shots of the site and surrounding lush jungle. Next up, let's kick the adventure up a notch at Hacienda Chukum. This isn't your typical stop – it's a jungle hideout with a cenote where you can swim or zip line across the cavern. Your guide will share snorkelling tips and fun facts about the local flora and fauna around you. After all that action, it's time to refuel with a delicious buffet of regional favourites in an open-air restaurant. Savour dishes like pulled pork, spicy fish, and tortillas, plus some sweet treats to top it off. Our day wraps up in Valladolid, a town oozing with Insta-worthy Spanish vibes, colourful mansions, and quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy some leisure time to explore, take photos at the Municipal Palace and soak up the laid-back atmosphere in the main plaza before heading back.
es, en
If you're in the mood for a night out with plenty of fun and dancing, look no further than Coco Bongo in Cancun. With acrobat displays, bar-top conga lines, DJ sets, live bands, and music from every decade you're sure to have a great time – and you'll have express entry and an open bar thrown in for good measure.
en
Thrill-seekers will go wild for this exciting morning out in Cancun. We'll take you to the heart of the Maya jungle where you can try your hand at ziplining, horse riding and cenote swimming. And if you really want to rev things up, jump on an ATV for a thrilling ride through the wilderness. Then, when you've worked up an appetite, you'll head for lunch at a rustic restaurant, serving up local faves.
es, en
Cancun Whale Shark Snorkelling Tour
.
de, en, fr, nl, pl
Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour samples of traditional snacks including Kibi.During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.
es, en
Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ Riviera Maya entrance ticket
A chance to experience the world-famous aerial acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil – but with a Mexican twist. You'll enjoy pre-show canapés treats and champagne before the awe-inspiring acrobatics really kick off at Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ. Without doubt, one of the most exhilarating nights in the Riviera Maya.Stroll along a wooden walkway, which winds its way around a lake, and make sure to look out for the characters spinning fire-lit batons on board canoes. Take your seat right up close to the action before the rest of the audience, so you can enjoy your champagne and appetisers in a leisurely manner.When the show starts, you'll be treated to an out-of-this-world set – acrobats soaring across the ceiling and daredevil motorcyclists on stage. And, of course, it comes with a Mexican twist, from the dinosaur-destroying meteor that landed in the Yucatan peninsula to a homage to the migrating monarch butterflies. Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ – a night of fantasy and pulsating entertainment.
en
Tulum, Cenote Swim, Turtle Snorkelling & Beach Club Combo Tour
Exploring Mexico just got a whole lot easier. On this full day adventure, you'll tick off no less than four different activities. Start with a guided visit of the archaeological site of Tulum, then head to a cenote for a swim. Next, it's off to Akumal for a spot of snorkelling. Round off your day with lunch at a beach club. Carmen, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The most photographed structure in the archaeological site is the Castillo, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Castillo might be the most famous, but there are plenty of other ancient Mayan ruins to explore, such as the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes.'The marvels of the Mayan culture will be revealed on your guided tour around Tulum. You'll learn about it's past as a walled city, and its former role as a trading hub. After the tour you'll have free time to explore at your leisure. Next, prepare to be dazzled by colours at an ancient Mayan cenote, a natural cave with a freshwater pool fed by underground water sources and considered sacred by the Mayans.After a cooling swim, we'll head for the picturesque seaside community of Akumal, known for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundant marine life. With its intriguing underwater world, Akumal offers one of the best snorkelling experiences in the Riviera Maya. Encounter an array of tropical fish, corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. To complete your day, unwind and indulge in a tasty meal at a nearby beach club.
es, en
Guided Tour of Tulum and Visit to a Modern Maya Community
Exploring ancient ruins and swimming in underground caves make this an action-packed morning of adventure. A guided tour of one of Mexico's most important historical sites is followed by a visit to a traditional Mayan community. What's more, you'll get the chance to take a refreshing dip in a cenote too.
de, es, da, en, fi, +5 fr, nl, no, pl, sv
Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour from Chiquila
Holbox Island offers 36km of pristine white beaches washed by emerald green seas. On this exclusive TUI excursion, you'll tour spots like Isla Pasion and Punta Mosquito on a private boat, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and more. And there's also golf buggy tour of the island to look forward to.
de, es, en, fr, nl, +1 pl
