Ek Balam Ruins & Cenote Adventure
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Ek Balam's ancient Mayan ruins
- Swim in the refreshing Cenote Maya
- Learn about Mayan history and culture
- Enjoy a guided tour with expert insights
- Experience a full-day adventure from Playa del Carmen
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen
- Guided tour of Ek Balam archaeological site
- Access to Cenote Maya Park facilities
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Pick-up at hotels in the Riviera Maya, providing transportation in small groups and without commercial stops.
Between 10:00 to 10:30 am is our arrival at Ek'Balam or Cenote Maya Park -according to logistics-. Ek'Balam means "black jaguar", is one of the most impressive ceremonial centers of the Mayan culture in the Yucatan Peninsula, you will be witness off the incredible infrastructure of temples and plazas. You will walk through remarkable buildings and get detailed explanations provided by your expert guide during the tour.
Arrival at Cenote Maya Native Park at 12:20 pm approximately. Refresh yourself in the most impressive cenote of 196 feet (60 m) diameter an almost perfect circular shape. You also can do optional adventure activities: swimming, diving and rappel down 85 feet (26 m). 120 kg or 264 lbs is the maximum weight for the rappel activity. Participate in an authentic mayan ritual, ceremony of blessings carried out by a maya shaman of the community. Finally you will enjoy a traditional menu made with organic orchard supplies and handmade tortillas.
Drop-off at hotels in Riviera Maya between 5:30 to 6:30 pm approximately.
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour operates in English; Spanish-speaking guides may be available upon request.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the operator in advance if traveling with children.
- The tour may involve moderate physical activity; ensure you are comfortable with walking and swimming.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and swimming.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen for the cenote visit.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
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
Worth the travel!
Great unique experiences! While there was a lot of driving it was well worth it! Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely bring a card or more cash for cenote photos!
Wonderful cultural experience
Overall it was great! We would have preferred to go to the cenote last instead of first. The AC in the van was only hot air. Our tour guide, Ernesto was fantastic! We learned a lot and we are grateful! We loved meeting the Mayan shaman and learning more about the Mayan culture.
Awesome Day!
This was a fun trip! our guide, Mark, was knowledgeable and wonderful. The whole day went smoothly. We didn’t expect there to be fun activities in the cenote such as a zip line and platform for jumping. The doo was delicious. We had s great experience!
History and adventure in one day
My wife and I went to the ruïnes and the cenote and the Mayan blessings. One word. Awesome. The cenote is so beautiful. You can climb down or take a zipraft. You also have stairs but they were not possible that day. The lunch after the cenote is real mayan food. Yummy 😋 The blessings is a experience you have to have when being in Mexico. The ruins are breathtaking. Throws you back in history. They were and are great people and builders. Take my word for it. If you are in Mexico in Quintana Roo, take the tour. You won’t regret it👍👍
Enjoyable trip
Trip was very enjoyable and I’d definitely recommend it. Only 4/5 because the description says towels are included, so I didn’t bring one. Use of towels is NOT included and I had to put clothes back on while still wet from the cenote.