Rio Lagartos guided boat tour- Ek Balam from Valladolid
Active
10h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This English/Spanish spoken guided daytour to the nature reserve of Ria Lagartos and the amazing Maya site of Ek Balam make this combination of nature and archaeology a must do during your visit in Valladolid. You won´t regret it!
Available options
Rio Lagartos guided boat tour- Ek Balam from Valladolid
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance Ria Lagartos national park, guided boattour and boatrental
Tourleader and Certified Guide for Ek Balam
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Guided boattour for about 2 hours in this Unesco natural park. Boatrental, entrance to the park and English/Spanish speaking guide are included.
You´ll see birds, different types of mangroves, most probably crocodiles. As for the Flamingos: this park is where their nesting aerea is (we´re not allowed to go to the nests), so you´ll definitely see them the whole year round. How many? There are days we see only ten or a hundred, but you´ll never see a thousand ;-).
2
Stop 2
English/Spanish guided tour in this must see site. Only about 20 years ago archaeologists discovered here the facade of a Maya mausoleum that is 85% intact like it was in the year 800 AD.
If you´re not interested in Ek Balam you can visit the local cenote Xcanche (entrances not included: Ek Balam 494 mxn pp foreigners, Xcanché cenote 170 mxn pp).
What's not included
drinks with lunch - tips
Entrance Ek Balam for foreigners
Entrance Ek Balam for Mexicans
Entrance Ek Balam for children from 3 till 12 years old
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
23 reviews
5★
22
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
126 reviews
5★
122
4★
1
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Valladolid, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
Valladolid, Riviera Maya & the Yucatan offer a unique blend of rich Mayan history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From the colonial charm of Valladolid to the turquoise waters of the Riviera Maya and the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, this region is a treasure trove of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a stunning Mayan archaeological site featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate ($25-$30 USD for foreigners, including guide fees)
Cenote Ik Kil
A beautiful open cenote with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a refreshing break from the heat.
Nature
1-2 hours
Moderate ($5-$10 USD)
Valladolid Historic Center
The historic center of Valladolid features colonial architecture, charming streets, and important landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Gervasio and the Casa de los Venados.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to explore, some museums may have entry fees
Riviera Maya
The Riviera Maya is a stretch of Caribbean coastline known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. Popular destinations include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.
Beach
Full day or overnight
Varies widely, from budget-friendly to luxury
Ek Balam
A lesser-known Mayan archaeological site near Valladolid, Ek Balam offers a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to Chichen Itza. The site features the impressive Acropolis and the Oval Palace.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate ($7-$10 USD for foreigners, including guide fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cochinita Pibil
Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and citrus, wrapped in banana leaves. It's tender, flavorful, and a must-try dish in the Yucatan.
Main Course
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Panuchos
Fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and habanero sauce. A popular street food in the Yucatan.
Snack
Contains chicken, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Salbutes
Similar to panuchos, but the tortilla is not stuffed. Topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, avocado, and habanero sauce.
Snack
Contains chicken, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Marquesitas
A crispy, rolled crepe filled with sweetened condensed milk and often topped with Nutella or other sweet toppings. A popular street snack in the Yucatan.
Dessert
Vegetarian-friendly, but may contain dairy.
Popular Activities
Cenote diving
Jungle trekking
Whale shark snorkeling
Beach relaxation
Spa treatments
Yoga retreats
Visiting Mayan ruins
Attending local festivals
Best Time to Visit
November to April
This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The crowds are higher during this period, especially around holidays.
22-30°C
72-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (especially in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Mexican Peso (MXN)
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) or GMT-5
Electricity
127VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
The Yucatan is generally a safe destination for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Exercise common sense and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Getting there
By air
- Cancun International Airport • 160 km from Valladolid
- Mérida International Airport • 100 km from Valladolid
By bus
Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mérida
Getting around
Public transport
ADO buses are comfortable and reliable, connecting Valladolid with other destinations in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Valladolid Historic Center
Cenote Zone
Riviera Maya Coastline
Day trips
Río Lagartos
100 km from Valladolid • Full day
A picturesque fishing village known for its flamingo-filled lagoons, pink waters, and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, birdwatching, and mud baths.
Isla Holbox
180 km from Valladolid • Overnight
A car-free island known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and wildlife, including whale sharks and sea turtles. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Tulum
150 km from Valladolid • Full day or overnight
A coastal town known for its stunning Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, relax on the beach, and enjoy the town's bohemian atmosphere.
Festivals
Festival de Valladolid • May
Hanal Pixan • November 1st and 2nd
Pro tips
- Visit Chichen Itza early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.
- Explore the cenotes, as they offer a unique and refreshing experience.
- Try local street food, such as panuchos, salbutes, and marquesitas.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
