Chichén Itzá & Ek Balam
About This Tour
Two very different Maya cities in a single day: Chichén Itzá, the great Postclassic capital — UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World — and Ek Balam, the small site where you can still climb the Acropolis and stand face-to-face with the stucco figures of king Ukit Kan Lek Tok'.
A tour for travelers who want to see both the architectural scale of El Castillo and the crowd-free authenticity of Ek Balam. Includes private round-trip transfer from your hotel, a professional bilingual driver, entrances to both sites, and bottled water.
Why Choose This Private Tour
Your Day, Hour by Hour
This is a typical 12–14 hours experience. Exact times confirmed the day before based on your hotel location.
- 7:00 – 8:00 AM — Private hotel pickup in Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, or Tulum.
- Morning — Drive to Chichén Itzá (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the lesser-visited Ek Balam. Arrival and guided exploration.
- Midday — Visit Ek Balam — the only Maya site where you can still climb the main pyramid.
- Lunch — Optional stop at a Yucatecan restaurant (cochinita pibil, poc chuc, sopa de lima, regional desserts). Not included — paid separately.
- Afternoon — Return drive toward the coast. Relax, nap, or enjoy the landscape.
- Evening — Hotel drop-off at your door. Total: 12–14 hours.
What's Included
About Your Tour Operator
TT & More has been operating private transfers and tours out of Cancún since 1993 — more than 33 years of direct operational experience in the Riviera Maya. We are the operator, not a reseller: every driver, every vehicle, every booking is handled in-house.
- 🚐 Fleet: Toyota Hiace, Nissan Urvan, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Highlander — all fully insured and GPS-tracked
- 🗣️ Drivers: professional bilingual (English & Spanish), trained in safe Yucatán highway driving
- 📍 Based in: Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- 💳 Payment: credit/debit card, PayPal, bank transfer, or cash on arrival
- ✅ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour — no questions, no fees
Authoritative references: INAH — Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone · INAH — Ek Balam Archaeological Zone
Direct line: +52 (998) 300 0307 · contact@ttandmore.com
Book This Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ek Balam and why visit it with Chichén Itzá?
Ek Balam is a Mayan archaeological site 2 hours east of Chichén Itzá, smaller and far less crowded — you can still climb the main pyramid (the Acropolis) and get 360° views. Combining the two gives you both the iconic Wonder of the World and an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Mayan experience in one day.
How long is the Chichén Itzá + Ek Balam tour?
This is a longer tour, typically 12–14 hours, because the two sites are 2 hours apart. Early pickup (around 6:30 AM), ~1.5 hours at Chichén Itzá, drive to Ek Balam, ~1.5 hours exploring and climbing, optional lunch stop on request, and return. Plan for a late evening arrival at your hotel.
Can I still climb a pyramid in Yucatán?
Yes — the main pyramid at Ek Balam (El Torre/Acropolis, 32 meters high) is still open for climbing. Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo has been closed to climbing since 2006, so Ek Balam is the closest way to experience a true climbable Mayan pyramid on a combined tour.
Is the Chichén Itzá + Ek Balam tour suitable for seniors?
Chichén Itzá is fully accessible on flat ground with minimal walking. Ek Balam requires a moderate climb of about 105 steep steps if you want to reach the top — that part is optional. Seniors who prefer to skip the climb can still enjoy the base of the pyramid and the surrounding structures.
What should I bring for this long tour?
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes (especially for the Ek Balam climb), sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen, refillable water bottle, light jacket for the early morning, and cash for tips/souvenirs. Breakfast is not included — consider a light breakfast at your hotel before pickup.
Can you really climb the Ek Balam pyramid?
Yes — Ek Balam's Acropolis (also called El Torre) is one of the few major Maya structures where climbing is still permitted. The pyramid is 30 meters tall and at the top you see carved stucco masks of Mayan kings and a panoramic view of the jungle canopy. The steps are steep and uneven; grip the rope. Closed shoes recommended.