Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Ekbalam Ruins with Cenote Cave

Playa del Carmen , Mexico

Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Ekbalam Ruins with Cenote Cave

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11h - 12h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

With this shared tour to Chichen Itza and EkBalam, you will arrive in the early morning to enjoy a full visit to the site before arriving at the big crowd.

We don't stop at places to shop. We provide a cultural and historical tour with our professional guides, who explain to you all the details about the Mayan culture and Mexico's history.

A buffet lunch is included! Bottled water on board is included.

Also enjoy the Mayan culture by visiting a second site, EkBalam.

Note:
The total time, including the land transportation to the places to visit and come back to your hotel or meeting point, is between 11 and 12 hours, depending on the location of your accommodation.

Available options

Playa del Carmen Departure

Hotel pick up included<br/>Duration: 12 hours<br/>Pickup included

Tulum Departure

Hotel Pick up not included

Playa del Carmen Departure

Hotel pick up included<br/>Pickup included

Tulum Departure

Hotel pick up not included

What's included

Buffet lunch

Cenote entry

Early access to Chichen Itza

Air-conditioned vehicle

On the transportation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Arrive in Chichen Itza with the ruins just open to enjoy a full-visit guide of 2 hours around. Know the old Chichen Itza, where the buildings are La Iglesia, Las Monjas, and the Observatory, and see one of the two cenotes inside the ruins.

Take amazing pictures in Kukukkan Castle without crowding around and enjoy a fantastic walk around to learn about the history of Kukulkan Castle, 1000 Columnas Temple, Jaguar Temple, and the biggest ball game stadium in Mayan culture.

The total time in Chichen Itza is 2 hours and a half. 1 hour, 45 minutes of guided tour and 45 minutes of free time to take pictures, explore the site, or shop for souvenirs where you choose inside the ruins.

Stop 2

You can take a refreshing swim under hundreds of stalactites after visiting Chichen Itza ruins. After the swimming, you enjoy a regular buffet lunch at the Cenote restaurant.

Next, visit Ek Balam, an off-the-beaten-track Yucatec-Maya archaeological site with incredible carvings hidden in a jungle landscape. Climb the soaring Acropolis pyramid, the highest point of the ruins.

Note:
The total time, including the land transportation to the places to visit and come back to your hotel or meeting point, is between 11 and 12 hours, depending on the location of your accommodation.

What's not included

Chiche Itza State taxes.

Ek Balam State taxes.

Drinks at the restaurant

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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1 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not included: Chichen and Ekbalam Taxes. 1250 MXN per person, must be paid at the travel date

Meeting point

Aproximate meeting time 06:30 am . We provide the definitive meeting time the afternoon before to the tour by email or text to your cel. You must wait at Coco Bongo doors for our guide, he will call your name arriving.

About Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and rich Mayan heritage. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering everything from world-class resorts to ancient ruins and vibrant nightlife.

Top Attractions

Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)

A vibrant pedestrian street stretching over 20 blocks, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and street performers. It's the heart of Playa del Carmen's nightlife and shopping scene.

Cultural/Shopping/Entertainment Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Xcaret Park

An eco-archaeological park offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural performances, and adventure activities. It's one of the most famous attractions in the Riviera Maya.

Nature/Adventure/Cultural Full day Moderate to Expensive (around $100-$150 USD)

Cenote Azul

A stunning natural sinkhole with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It's a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the jungle.

Nature/Adventure Half day Budget (around $5-$10 USD for entrance and gear rental)

Tulum Ruins

Ancient Mayan ruins perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a breathtaking blend of history and natural beauty.

Historical/Archaeological Half day to full day Budget (around $10-$15 USD for entrance)

Musa (Museo Subacuático de Arte)

An underwater museum featuring over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in the waters off Playa del Carmen. It's a unique snorkeling and diving experience.

Art/Nature/Adventure Half day Moderate (around $50-$80 USD for snorkeling tours)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cochinita Pibil

A traditional Yucatecan dish made with marinated pork, slow-cooked in banana leaves. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with pickled onions and habanero salsa.

Main Course Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Ceviche

A fresh seafood dish made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice, mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. It's a refreshing and light dish perfect for the tropical climate.

Appetizer Gluten-free, dairy-free, can be made vegetarian with vegetables

Tacos al Pastor

Marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served on corn tortillas with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. It's a popular street food dish with a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Street Food Contains pork, gluten-free if no marinade contamination

Panuchos

A Yucatecan specialty made with fried tortillas stuffed with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken, pickled onions, and habanero salsa. It's a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Appetizer Contains chicken, gluten-free if no cross-contamination

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Scuba diving Cenote exploration Zip-lining ATV tours Beach relaxation Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the most popular time to visit with perfect weather, low humidity, and minimal rain. It's ideal for beach activities, exploring ruins, and enjoying outdoor adventures.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other parts

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

127VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

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

Playa del Carmen is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Cancun International Airport • 70 km (43 miles)

By bus

ADO Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around. They are frequent and cover most areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown (Centro) Playacar Zona Hotelera Colosio

Day trips

Cozumel

80 km (50 miles) off the coast • Full day

A beautiful island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. It's a popular day trip from Playa del Carmen.

Tulum

60 km (37 miles) south • Half day to full day

A charming town with ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and a bohemian vibe. It's a popular destination for history lovers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts.

Akumal

30 km (19 miles) south • Half day

A small coastal village known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, as well as its population of wild sea turtles. It's a great spot for snorkeling and relaxation.

Festivals

Festival of the Mayan Culture • November Playa del Carmen International Film Festival • November Carnaval de Playa del Carmen • February or March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat at popular attractions
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
Use official taxis or pre-arranged transportation to avoid scams and ensure safety
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover the authentic culture and beauty of Playa del Carmen