Ek Balam and Cenote Maya Experience

16 Reviews 4.94 out of 5 stars Based on 16 reviews collected by Cool Cancun and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Cancun, Mexico

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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

12 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish

Overview

Discover the Magic of the Ancient Maya World

Step back in time and experience one of the most fascinating archaeological treasures of the Yucatán Peninsula — Ek’ Balam, an ancient Maya city that dates back over a thousand years. Founded around 300 B.C. by a ruler named Ek’ Balam, this once-powerful capital reached its golden age under Ukit Kan Lek Tok’, who adorned the city with stunning murals, intricate carvings, and majestic temples that still stand today.
Climb to the top of the main pyramid and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle — a sight that truly connects you with the spirit of the ancient Maya.

What's Included

  • Lunch Regional buffet-style meal (drinks not included)
  • Bottled water bottle of water included in the transportation
  • Life jacket and lockers
  • Carbonated beverages Drinks during the buffet meal
  • Photos from the cenote activities
  • Federal and State Fees for Ek Balam Archaeological Admission
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Meeting and Pickup

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Pickup details

Transfer from/to your hotel. Selected hotels Once your reservation is made, send us the name of the hotel to coordinate the transfer time. If you are outside the Zone, you will be assigned a meeting point.Be ready 10 min before pick up at the meeting point. Look for an orange or white T-Shirt with the logo coba sunset name.

OR
Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Ek Balam

The ancient city of Ek Balam dates back more than a thousand years and was once one of the major capitals of the Maya world. Founded by a leader named Ek Balam—after whom the city was named—around 300 B.C., it reached its peak under the rule of Ukit Kan Lek Tok’. He brought splendor to the city by commissioning magnificent buildings decorated with murals and intricate stucco carvings, many of which remain visible today, including those found in his tomb inside the main temple. Enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the main pyramid and immerse yourself in a truly unique experience.
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2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Kaua

After exploring the archaeological site, we make a cultural stop where you will experience authentic Mayan traditions. Visit a stone workshop and watch local artisans create their handicrafts, taste freshly handmade corn tortillas prepared by Mayan women, sample Xtabentún, a traditional regional liqueur, and receive a traditional blessing from a Mayan shaman.To complete the experience, you will enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch featuring a variety of regional Mexican dishes prepared in the traditional Yucatán style.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Hacienda Oxman Cenote

To end this incredible adventure, refresh yourself with a swim in an ancient cenote—natural sinkholes that were sacred sources of water for the Maya people. Reconnect with nature and feel the energy of this mystical place. For the more adventurous, experience an exciting rappel descent into the cenote, glide across its waters on a zipline, or swing from jungle vines. If you prefer, simply relax and float in its cool, crystal-clear waters.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Valladolid

Experiencing the city of Valladolid is the perfect ending to this day adventure. Our guides are extremely knowledgeable and will share the impressive history of Valladolid with you. Here you will also visit the Saint Servatius cathedral from the XVI century and the main park, where you’ll be able to rest and enjoy typical candies, gelato, and many more attractions from this wonderful city.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Ek Balam and Cenote Maya Experience?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5632112P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.94
16 reviews

Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 16 traveler reviews collected by Cool Cancun and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
15
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 29 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchRegional buffet-style meal (drinks not included)
  • Bottled waterbottle of water included in the transportation
  • Life jacket and lockers
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Swimming in the cenote
  • Bilingual guide certified by the INAH
  • Carbonated beveragesDrinks during the buffet meal
  • Photos from the cenote activities
  • Federal and State Fees for Ek Balam Archaeological Admission

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).

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Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.