Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Mexico’s Ek Balam

Riviera Maya & the Yucatan , Mexico

Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Mexico’s Ek Balam

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(3 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ek Balam is the incredible site where ancient Mayans kept the tombs of their kings. Far less crowded than Chichen Itza but no less exciting, these ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the distant past. Visit the awe-inspiring Ek Balam pyramid, learn about the Mayan civilization’s rise and fall, and uncover the significance behind the site’s ancient artwork. Even better, you’ll do all this completely on your own schedule, without the hassle of a tour group!

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Mexico’s Ek Balam

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

Your tour of Ek' Balam begins directly adjacent to the parking area for the ruin. Best known for the well-preserved tomb of king Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’, this archaeological site is packed with history and mystery. It's also one of the few places where you can still climb to the top of a pyramid!

NOTE: The tour is over 1 mile long, with more than 21 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Several more attractions to see...

- Welcome
- Civilization
- Visitors Centre
- History
- Spanish Conquest
- Sacbe
- Defensive Wall
- Entrance Arch
- Mayan Ballgame
- Ballcourt
- Architecture
- Ceremonial Circular Steam Bath
- Religion
- The Acropolis
- Hieroglyphic Serpents
- The Tomb
- Top of the Pyramid
- South Plaza
- Today
- Farewell

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Begin from Museo arte local maya, Ekbalam aparcamiento Ekbalam, 97743. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-315-291-0634
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Riviera Maya & the Yucatan

The Riviera Maya and the Yucatan offer a captivating blend of pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant cultural experiences. This region is known for its turquoise waters, lush jungles, and rich history, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a stunning ancient Mayan city featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (~$25-30 USD including entry and guide)

Tulum Ruins

A breathtaking archaeological site perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (~$10-15 USD for entry)

Cenotes

Natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water, cenotes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and offer swimming, snorkeling, and diving opportunities.

Nature Half day to full day Budget to Moderate (~$5-20 USD for entry)

Xcaret Park

An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of cultural performances, wildlife exhibits, and adventure activities like snorkeling, river floating, and underground river exploration.

Entertainment Full day Expensive (~$150-200 USD for entry and activities)

Isla Mujeres

A beautiful island known for its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. It's a perfect day trip from Cancún.

Beach Full day Moderate (~$20-50 USD for ferry and activities)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

Slow-roasted pork marinated in achiote and sour orange, cooked underground in a pit.

Main Dish Contains pork

Poc Chuc

Grilled pork marinated in sour orange juice and spices, served with pickled onions.

Main Dish Contains pork

Sopa de Lima

A tangy and refreshing soup made with lime, turkey or chicken, and tortilla strips.

Soup Contains poultry

Panuchos

Fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and avocado.

Appetizer Contains poultry and gluten

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba Diving Zip-lining Cenote exploration ATV tours Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with warm, sunny weather and minimal rainfall. It's the most popular time to visit, with ideal conditions for beach activities and exploring ancient ruins.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, Limited elsewhere

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time)

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution

The Riviera Maya and the Yucatan are generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas

Getting there

By air

Cancún International Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from downtown Cancún
Cozumel International Airport • 10 km (6.2 miles) from downtown Cozumel

By bus

Cancún Bus Station, Playa del Carmen Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and frequent, but can be crowded during peak season. They are a good option for budget travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber (in select areas), Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cancún Hotel Zone Playa del Carmen Tulum Mérida

Day trips

Isla Holbox

150 km (93 miles) from Cancún • Full day

A beautiful, car-free island known for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent waters, and whale shark encounters (June-September).

Valladolid

130 km (81 miles) from Cancún • Full day

A charming colonial town with a rich history, known for its cenotes, historic sites, and traditional markets.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

120 km (75 miles) from Cancún • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangroves, wetlands, and coral reefs.

Festivals

Carnaval de Cancún • February/March (dates vary) Festival de la Candelaria • February 2nd Vive Latino Festival • March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit cenotes early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the hottest part of the day
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment
Rent a car for flexibility and to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture