While Chichen Itza receives thousands of daily visitors, Ek Balam remains a relatively peaceful gem just 30 minutes from Valladolid. And it has something Chichen does not: you can climb to the top of its main pyramid. The view from above, over the endless Yucatecan jungle, is one of the most impressive experiences in all of Yucatan.
What Does "Ek Balam" Mean?
In Maya it means "black jaguar" or "jaguar star." It was an important Maya city that flourished between 600 and 900 AD, and its main pyramid, the Acropolis, reaches 32 meters in height.
How to Get There from Valladolid
Distance: 26 km | Time: 30 minutes by car
- By car: take the road toward Tizimin and follow signs to Ek Balam. Parking available at the site ($50 MXN)
- By colectivo: they depart from Calle 44, near the market. Cost ~$40 MXN, duration ~40 minutes
- By tour: several operators from Valladolid offer packages including Ek Balam + cenote. From $500 MXN
- By private taxi: round trip ~$400-500 MXN per vehicle
Entrance Prices (2026)
- INAH entrance: $381 MXN foreigners / $95 MXN nationals
- State entrance: variable, check at the ticket office
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
What to See at Ek Balam
The Acropolis (Main Pyramid)
The star of the site. 32 meters tall that you can climb step by step. At the top, the 360-degree view over the jungle is spectacular. It also features a stucco facade with winged figures representing angels or Maya warriors, unique in all Maya architecture.
The Entrance Arch
A well-preserved Maya arch that marked the ceremonial entrance to the city. A must-take photo.
Stelae and Minor Structures
Several plazas with smaller temples, a ball court and stelae with hieroglyphic inscriptions telling the history of Ek Balam's rulers.
Cenote Xcanche
Just 1.5 km from the archaeological entrance is Cenote Xcanche. You can walk (20 min) or take a bike-taxi ($30 MXN). It is an open cenote surrounded by jungle offering:
- Swimming: crystal-clear water perfect for cooling off after climbing the pyramid
- Rappelling: descend down the cenote wall
- Zip line: cross above the water
- Entrance: ~$100 MXN, extra activities have additional cost
Tips
- Arrive early (8 AM): fewer people and less heat for climbing the pyramid
- Bring water, hat and sunscreen: there is not much shade
- Shoes with good grip: the pyramid steps are steep
- Combine with the cenote: the perfect plan is Ek Balam in the morning + Cenote Xcanche at midday
- Less crowded than Chichen: the experience is more intimate and personal
Where to Stay?
From Casa Xu'unan it is only 30 minutes to Ek Balam. Have breakfast with us, arrive at the archaeological site fresh and early, climb the pyramid, cool off in the cenote and return to relax in our pool. The perfect day.
