Ek Balam and Cenote Maya Adventure

FromMX$159
7 hours
Cancun, Mexico, Mexico

About this activity

Discover the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam and enjoy a refreshing swim in Cenote Maya on this exciting day trip from Cancun.

Highlights

  • Explore Ek Balam's ancient Mayan ruins
  • Climb the Acropolis pyramid for panoramic views
  • Swim in the refreshing waters of Cenote Maya
  • Experience traditional Mayan rituals
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine

Full description

Uncover the mysteries of Ek Balam, an ancient Mayan city renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history. Ascend the Acropolis pyramid to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. After exploring the ruins, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cenote Maya, a sacred sinkhole offering crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. Engage in traditional Mayan rituals and savor a delicious buffet lunch featuring authentic local flavors. This adventure provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all travelers.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Cancun
  • Guided tour of Ek Balam archaeological site
  • Access to Cenote Maya Park with activities
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Arrival at Ek’Balam or Cenote Maya Park -according to logistics

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

1:45 hours guided tour at the archaeological site This archaeological site which in maya language means black jaguar is one of the most impressive ceremonial centers of the Yucatan Peninsula, you will be witness off the incredible decoration of temples and plazas. Admire the unique sculptures in high relief that have surprised archaeologists and visitors. Walk through remarkable buildings and get detailed explanations provided by your expert guide during the tour.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Once we arrived at Cenote Maya, will be a shaman waiting for us to experience a Mayan ritual to ask for permission to enter into this calm and clear sacred waters.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
4

Dropoff at hotels in Riviera Maya or Cancún approximately time

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates in English; Spanish-speaking guides may be available upon request.
  • Children under 5 years old can join for free; discounted rates apply for children aged 6-12.
  • Not recommended for individuals with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and climbing.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and climbing.
  • Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen for the cenote swim.
  • Carry cash for souvenirs and optional gratuities.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Good to know

  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a swimsuit and sunscreen

Traveler reviews

4.6
17 reviews
5
14
4
1
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1

Amazing tour and experience

The guide and driver were wonderful. Very knowledgable and friendly. Marcos was the best! Had a great time.

Erin_IApr 27, 2026VIATOR

A terrible disappointment all around!

Horrible experience! Pickup supposed to be 7:00 a.m. At 8;00 someone showed up to say two other groups had to be picked up first and we would be at 8:15 (no notice earlier). Then he said our tour does not go to Cenote Maya at all (the reason we were willing to pay for this tour instead of taking the free one offered by the resort). So we canceled and were promised a full refund, which we had better receive in short order or we will pursue all alternatives. One star only because that field is required--should be ZERO1

marysY4592HOMar 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Unique, less crowded and adventurous trip for the whole family!

Amazing tour! The Cenote was our all-time favorite. It was quiet, peaceful, and adventurous for the kids. The whole family was able to repel down into the cenote, zip line, jump from various platforms, relax in tubes and kayak around the cenote. Our family was the only one down in the cenote and it was so great having it to ourselves. The tour guide was informative and friendly. Ek Balam wasn’t crowded at all, and it was fun to be able to climb to the top of the ruins. It was a little off the beaten path with the 2 Hour Dr. each way and a little more driving in between, but I would absolutely recommend it to get away from the crowds and enjoy a unique experience! The whole family gives this five stars!

melissanT994KAAug 2, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Would do this your hands down!

The cenote was amazing! Zip lining down into it was breathtaking and the Zipline and jumps made it a blast to stay and take in the beautiful rock formations and crystal clear water. The guide Luis was amazing and we learned so much from him about the Mayan culture. The ruins were just as amazing. The ability to climb on them still and see them up close and personal is why we chose them over the more popular ones. The lunch was decent and the shaman purification was a neat experience. We took our 18 year old daughter and she loved it. She said it was her favorite part of the trip.

Brandon_LMar 23, 2024VIATOR

Great combination of Mayan Ruins & Cenote experience.

We went with the main objective of seeing Ek Balam, which was a great experience to climb to the top. It is interesting because it's an active archeological site, with new aspects being uncovered & restored daily. Our guide was Pepe. He is a wealth of knowledge. He is so passionate about the area & passes that enthusiasm on. Marco was our driver, he was on time & safely got us to our destinations & even got cold drinks which we were grateful for. The highlight of the trip was visiting the cenote. It is an impressive 60 ft rappel into the water. Pepe & the other guides were very diligent about helping everyone. There is a photographer, they charged $45 per couple or $90 per family which I felt was reasonable. The lunch was very nice.

Donna MFeb 16, 2023TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Minimum age is 6 years It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring a swimsuit and sunscreen