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Private Ek Balam Tour
Xaman-Ha Connections® brings you to Ek Balam’s Acropolis, one of the tallest and most breathtaking Mayan ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula. Our private Ek Balam tour is designed for an exclusive guided experience only for you and your family. Climb the mysterious “Acropolis” pyramid, and swim in a beautiful Cenote. Our expert guide will reveal the secrets of the “White House of Reading,” and the incredible stucco artistry hidden high on the pyramid. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Mayan history and culture at this less crowded archeological site. Book your private tour today!
100% Private Tour – All-Included – Cancel Up to 24 Hours Before
Lowest price: $159 USD per person. Price varies by group size. The more people, the less you pay.
An all-included private Ek Balam tour with Xaman-Ha Connections®
What's included?
- Pickup from hotel or condo
- Private round-trip in an air-conditioned transport
- Cooler stocked with bottled water, soda, and snacks.
- Bilingual guide and driver
- Entrance fee to Ek Balam and guided tour
- Free time at the ruins to explore at your own pace.
- Entrance fee and swimming at one cenote
- Safety equipment and life jackets
- Toll highway
- Traditional lunch
- All local fees and taxes
What Will Your Ek Balam Day Trip Look Like?
Real Stories from Travelers Who Chose Us
Tour Information & FAQs
Ek Balam, the “City of the Black Jaguar”, was a powerful Mayan capital from 700–1000 AD. Its Acropolis stands 32 meters tall and is the only site in the Yucatán Peninsula that still allows visitors to climb the pyramid. The stucco frieze near the summit, depicting winged figures and a monster-mouth entrance, is among the finest in all of Mesoamerica.
With a private tour, your group travels alone, no strangers, no fixed pace, no shared bus. Your guide adapts the visit to you: more time at the Acropolis, a longer swim, extra stops. Commercial group tours carry 20–40 people on a fixed schedule. We have over 10 years running private tours in the Riviera Maya.
Your day runs 10–12 hours from pickup to drop-off.
- 7:00 AM — hotel or condo pickup (time varies by location)
- 2.5-hour drive to Ek Balam archaeological site
- 2 hours exploring the Acropolis with your private guide + free time
- Cenote swim in crystal-clear water
- Traditional Yucatécan lunch included
- 2.5-hour return drive
- ~5:00 PM — hotel drop-off
We pick up directly from any hotel, resort, or condo along the Riviera Maya coastline, including:
- Playa del Carmen: Fifth Avenue, the downtown area, and all hotel zones.
- Riviera Maya resorts: all properties between Playa del Carmen and Akumal, including Playacar, Puerto Aventuras, and Puerto Morelos.
For pickups outside these areas, contact us via WhatsApp before booking and we will confirm availability.
This tour involves moderate hiking and short climbs on uneven terrain.
- Not suitable for guests with limited mobility
- Must be comfortable in water (life jackets provided and required)
- Contact us before booking if you have heart, respiratory, or vertigo conditions
- Wear closed grippy shoes, no flip-flops
- Avoid alcohol before the tour
Yes, Ek Balam is the only active archaeological site in the Yucatán Peninsula where visitors can still climb the pyramid. The Acropolis stands 32 meters tall and rewards climbers with panoramic views over the Yucatán jungle.
Yes. Xaman-Ha Connections® is SECTUR certified, and all our guides hold official credentials from Mexico’s tourism authority. Each guide specializes in Mayan history and archaeology. See more about our team and credentials on our About page.
Ek Balam – Practical Travel Guide
Pack light and be ready for sun, hiking, and a cenote swim.
- Comfortable closed shoes with grip (no flip-flops)
- Light clothing + long-sleeve shirt for the cenote (no sunscreen in the water)
- Sunglasses, hat, and reef-safe sunscreen for the ruins
- Towel and swimsuit
- A good breakfast before departure
- Extra cash for personal expenses
The full tour lasts 10–12 hours: 2.5 hours each way in your private vehicle, 2 hours at Ek Balam with your guide, a cenote swim, and a traditional Yucatécan lunch. Exact timing depends on your pickup location.
Basic swimming is helpful but not required. Life jackets are provided and mandatory for all water activities at the cenote. Swimming is optional, you can enjoy the cenote from the platform if you prefer.
Yes, we customize your lunch to your dietary needs. Please let us know your requirements at booking and our team will arrange the appropriate options.
Yes. This tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. All cancellation requests must be submitted by email, requests through other channels are not accepted. See our Cancellation Policy for full details.
Last-minute reservations are possible but availability is not guaranteed. Contact us directly via WhatsApp for a quick response and we will do our best to accommodate your group.
Book With Confidence – Stress-Free & Flexible
- Choose Your Tour Date
- Pay in Full or Just a Deposit
- Enjoy a Hassle-Free Experience
This exclusive tour operates with a minimum of two people. For prompt assistance with any questions, please contact us via WhatsApp, Email, or by filling out the Form.
Explore More Private Tours in the Riviera Maya
Visit our homepage to explore all our services, or browse our Riviera Maya private tour catalog for unforgettable experiences in Yucatán, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and, Cancun.
