Ek Balam ruins with stone structures and tourists, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Visitor at Ek Balam pyramid with thatched structures and jungle backdrop in Yucatan, Mexico.
Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the site in Mexico.
Cenote with swimmers and hanging roots in Yucatan Peninsula, near Chichen Itza, Central America.
Buffet trays with assorted dishes for tour lunch.
Ancient Mayan pyramid with thatched roofs at Ek Balam, Mexico.
View from La Torre at Ek Balam Archaeological Site, overlooking Yucatan jungle and ruins.

From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch, Cancun

Cancun
Guided Tours
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Duration: Flexible (up to 12 hours)

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Start an enlightening full-day guided tour departing Playa del Carmen and explore Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and a cenote near Cancun, Mexico, complete with lunch included in the itinerary. This experience offers you a chance to explore two of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most significant Mayan sites: Chichén Itzá, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and Ek Balam, each providing unique insights into ancient civilization and architectural prowess. Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from Playa del Carmen, setting the stage for an informative journey through history.

From Playa del Carmen: Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch offers you a chance to explore one of the New Seven Wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Chichén Itzá.

At Ek Balam’s Acropolis, climb the pyramid that stands as an iconic testament to Mayan civilization's long history, culture, and architectural brilliance.

Explore Yucatán’s tropical scenery by swimming in Cenote Chichi Kan, a natural sinkhole offering refreshing relief after your adventures.

After exploring archaeological sites, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring authentic Mexican flavors that highlight the region’s culinary heritage.

Experience convenient round-trip air-conditioned transfers from Playa del Carmen or Cancún hotels, eliminating any wait for buses and making travel to these iconic sites effortless.

Access to Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote

Tour guide fluent in both English and Spanish

Free time at Ek Balam for exploration

Round-trip transfers by air-conditioned coach

Transfers from a common meeting point in Playa del Carmen (as per option selected)

Hotel pickup and drop-off service in Cancún (as per option selected)

Lunch served buffet-style

Local duty charges at US$66 for each adult and kid

Compulsory personal flotation device hire fee of US$9

Ek Balam ruins with stone structures and tourists, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Ek Balam ruins with stone structures and tourists, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Your guided full-day excursion will take you through the wonders of Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and Cenote Chichi Kan. Departing Playa del Carmen, this tour includes a delightful buffet lunch as part of its itinerary.

Starting Your Adventure

The day begins with your pick-up from a central meeting point in Playa del Carmen. An expert guide will outline the schedule and activities before you set off to Chichén Itzá.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Chichén Itzá & Ek Balam: Discover two monumental Mayan sites in Yucatán, each offering a glimpse into ancient history and architectural wonders.

Features to Explore

  • At Chichén Itzá, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and listed by UNESCO, you'll see well-preserved ruins. Highlights include El Castillo's iconic pyramid structure and detailed stone sculptures that illustrate Mayan mythology and astronomy.
  • Ek Balam is celebrated for its climbable pyramids which provide stunning views of the jungle below. Here, visitors can explore intricate stucco friezes and ceremonial platforms rich in history.
  • Cenote Chichi Kan offers a refreshing swim within this natural limestone sinkhole set against verdant landscapes—a quintessential Yucatán experience.
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local Mexican cuisine, allowing you to taste the flavors of the region.

Tour Upgrades Available

  • Hospitality Pick-Up: If traveling from Cancún is more convenient for you, opt for an upgrade that includes round-trip transfers directly to and from your hotel in Cancún.
Visitor at Ek Balam pyramid with thatched structures and jungle backdrop in Yucatan, Mexico.

Visitor at Ek Balam pyramid with thatched structures and jungle backdrop in Yucatan, Mexico.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the site in Mexico.

Chichen Itza pyramid with tourists exploring the site in Mexico.

Cenote with swimmers and hanging roots in Yucatan Peninsula, near Chichen Itza, Central America.

Cenote with swimmers and hanging roots in Yucatan Peninsula, near Chichen Itza, Central America.

What to bring

  • Ensure your ID is at hand for a smooth experience.
  • Your swimsuit will be necessary for the cenote adventure.

Carry sufficient cash, including small Mexican Peso denominations, to cover meals, souvenirs, and additional treats not included in your ticket price.

What's not allowed

  • Drones are prohibited during this experience. Pack accordingly!
  • Pets cannot accompany you on this tour.
  • No food or drinks are permitted into Chichén Itzá.

Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Accessibility

    This experience is unsuitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or those with limited mobility.

    Additional information

    • A tax of US$66 in total applies to the archeological sites (Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam) and must be paid on-site using a credit card only.
    • Mexican citizens and residents are eligible for discounts, provided they present their official ID.
    • Swimming in the cenote requires renting a life vest at US$9 per person, payable on site.

    Your ticket price includes travel insurance coverage.

    Buffet trays with assorted dishes for tour lunch.

    Buffet trays with assorted dishes for tour lunch.

    Ancient Mayan pyramid with thatched roofs at Ek Balam, Mexico.

    Ancient Mayan pyramid with thatched roofs at Ek Balam, Mexico.

    Plan ahead and ensure your ID is ready for a smooth experience when you start your tour from Playa del Carmen.

    Carry some cash in smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso to cover meals or souvenirs that aren't included with your ticket.

    If interested, bring along your swimsuit as part of enjoying the cenote experience during your visit.

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    FAQs

    The tax for the archeological sites (Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam) is US$66 in total and must be paid on-site (only via credit card). Mexican citizens and residents can get a discount, subject to presenting their official ID. Renting a life vest is mandatory to swim in the cenote. You’ll need to pay US$9 on site for this. The ticket price includes travel insurance.
    This experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.
    Have your ID ready for a seamless experience. Bring along your swimsuit for the cenote experience. Make sure to carry enough cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
    Keep in mind that drones are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely! Unfortunately, your pets cannot join you on this experience. You cannot carry food & drinks into Chichén Itzá. Carrying large bags or luggage isn’t allowed.

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