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.
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.
Main features
Additional features
Why you’ll love this…
- You'll head into the jungle to visit what's left of the ancient Mayan city of Ek' Balam
- This trip includes a swim stop at a cenote, a kind of natural freshwater pool unique to Mexico
- Chocolate-making, obsidian-crafting and mezcal-tasting are all part of the agenda
- The tour wraps up in Valladolid, a small, colourful town that's one of the Yucatan's prettiest parts
- You'll follow an expert local guide around this patch of Mexico, so they'll give you the lowdown
Important to know
- There's a MXN 45.00 fee for using video cameras at the archaeological site
- Order of route subject to change
- Tour is guided in German
- Pickups are available from Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen hotels. If you don't see the option to add a hotel for pickup, please provide the details at the checkout.
- Bring biodegradable insect repellent
- Bring bathing gear and sunblock
- Bring suitable footwear
- Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
- Drinks not included
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.
What’s included
- Transport
- Guide
- Admission fees
- Buffet
- Local delicacy tasting
This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Pickup points
To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
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