Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

Embark on a journey into Yucatán’s past, uncovering Mayan cities, sacred waters, and rich cultural traditions—all with a delicious meal to complete the day.

Getting started

Begin your adventure with an early pickup from Cancun. Sit back and relax as you travel in air-conditioned comfort toward the first stop—Chichén Itzá.

What to expect

Chichén Itzá: Explore the legendary El Castillo pyramid, the vast Great Ball Court, and the mysterious Temple of the Warriors. Learn about Mayan astronomy, rituals, and architectural brilliance from your expert guide.

Ek Balam: Wander through Ek Balam, a hidden archaeological treasure featuring intricate stone carvings and towering pyramids. Climb the Acropolis, one of the few climbable Mayan structures, for breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.

Sacred Cenote: Cool off in the tranquil waters of a cenote, a natural underground pool with crystal-clear water and lush surroundings.

Buffet Lunch: After a morning of exploration, sit down for a delicious buffet lunch featuring regional specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), panuchos (stuffed tortillas), and fresh handmade tortillas.

Exploring with a Guide

Your bilingual guide will bring history to life, sharing fascinating insights about the Mayan civilization, its architectural wonders, and cultural traditions.

Features

El Castillo Pyramid: The iconic stepped pyramid of Chichén Itzá, aligned with celestial events.

Ek Balam’s Acropolis: A towering temple with well-preserved carvings of ancient rulers.

Sacred Cenote: A sunlit natural pool where you can take a refreshing swim.

Jungle-Set Ruins: Discover archaeological wonders surrounded by lush Yucatán greenery.

Extras

Meals: Buffet lunch with dishes like tamales, fresh fruit, and handmade tortillas.

Transfers: Round-trip transportation is included, with hotel pickup options available.

Wrapping Up

Return to Cancun by evening, reflecting on a day of ancient history, adventure, and natural beauty.

Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

Discover the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, on this half-day sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transportation from Cancun. Explore the vast complex covering 4 square kilometers, home to iconic landmarks like El Castillo pyramid, which stands at 24 meters tall, and the Great Ball Court measuring 168 by 68 meters. Learn about the site's history dating back to AD 500, with its peak period from AD 900 to 1300, when it was a major political and economic center for the Maya civilization. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian. The tour also features Ek Balam, an often-overlooked gem with its Acropolis standing at 42 meters high, featuring well-preserved Mayan carvings and intricate stone facades that date back to AD 650. Additionally, you will visit a sacred cenote, one of thousands dotting the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation. This tour offers an authentic buffet lunch featuring traditional Yucatecan flavors at a local restaurant, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Explore Chichén Itzá

Your tour stops at Chichén Itzá where you can marvel at the grandeur of El Castillo pyramid, built around AD 1000. This iconic structure stands 24 meters high with each side measuring 55 meters and is aligned perfectly with celestial events like the equinoxes. The Great Ball Court, which measures 168 by 68 meters, was not only used for sports but also had significant religious and political importance during its peak period from AD 900 to 1300. Visitors spend approximately two hours exploring this vast site, learning about the complex's significance in Mayan society through guided tours that highlight architectural marvels such as the Temple of the Warriors with over a thousand columns and the Platform of Venus featuring intricate carvings depicting scenes from Mayan mythology. Chichén Itzá is unique due to its blend of both Puuc and Toltec styles, distinguishing it from other Maya sites like Tulum or Palenque.

Discover Ek Balam's Acropolis

Your tour stops at Ek Balam where you can explore the stunning Acropolis, a pyramid standing 42 meters high with intricate stone carvings dating back to AD 650. This site covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometers and is less crowded than Chichén Itzá, offering visitors a more intimate experience. The Acropolis features well-preserved Mayan carvings depicting rulers and deities, providing insights into the religious practices and political structure of the Ek Balam civilization. Visitors spend around one hour at this hidden gem, learning about its history from knowledgeable guides who provide information in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian. Unlike Chichén Itzá, which showcases a mix of architectural styles influenced by the Toltecs, Ek Balam maintains a distinct Puuc style with rounded corners and elaborate decorations, making it unique in its own right.

Swim in Sacred Cenote

Your tour stops at a sacred cenote where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush vegetation. These natural sinkholes are an integral part of the Yucatán Peninsula, with thousands dotting the region and playing significant roles in Mayan culture as sites for rituals and offerings. The cenotes typically have depths ranging from 20 to 100 meters, offering a cool respite from the tropical heat. Visitors spend about half an hour swimming or snorkeling in these serene environments, enjoying the tranquility of nature while learning about their cultural significance through informative guided tours available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian.

Tour Highlights

• Walk through Chichén Itzá's ancient ruins
• Explore Ek Balam’s Acropolis with carvings
• Guided tour in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Russian
• Savor authentic Yucatecan flavors at buffet lunch
• Visit sacred cenote for swimming and snorkeling
• Round-trip transportation from Cancun included
• Comfortable travel with air-conditioned vehicles
• Stress-free experience with all-inclusive tour

Perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families, this half-day tour provides an immersive look into the rich cultural heritage of Mexico through guided visits to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and a sacred cenote. The well-structured itinerary allows you to explore iconic landmarks like El Castillo pyramid at Chichén Itzá, marvel at the intricate carvings at Ek Balam’s Acropolis, and enjoy swimming in a serene cenote. This comprehensive experience gives you an unparalleled understanding of ancient Maya civilization while enjoying the natural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula.