Ek Balam & Cenote Xcanché
About This Tour
Discover Ek Balam, one of the Yucatán's most authentic Maya cities — one of the very few archaeological sites where you can still climb the Acropolis and admire the towering stucco figures of king Ukit Kan Lek Tok'. No crowds here: explore the ruins at your own pace with the jungle all around you.
Afterwards we visit Cenote Xcanché, a semi-open cenote surrounded by roots and nature — perfect for cooling off after walking the ruins. Private round-trip transfer from your hotel, bilingual driver, life vests, and bottled water included.
Why Choose This Private Tour
Your Day, Hour by Hour
This is a typical 9–11 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 Ek Balam — the only major Maya site where visitors can still climb the pyramid. Arrival and guided exploration.
- Midday — Visit Cenote Xcanché — a community-operated cenote with a zipline and rappel option.
- Lunch — Optional stop at a nearby 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: 9–11 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 — Ek Balam Archaeological Zone · Visit México — Ek Balam
Direct line: +52 (998) 300 0307 · contact@ttandmore.com
Book This Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cenote Xcanché and why visit it with Ek Balam?
Cenote Xcanché is an open-sky cenote 2 km from the Ek Balam ruins, reachable by a short bike ride through the jungle. It’s about 15 meters deep with a zipline and rope swing for adventure seekers. Pairing it with Ek Balam turns a 2-hour archaeological visit into a full jungle-and-swim day.
How long is the Ek Balam and Cenote Xcanché tour?
The tour is 9–11 hours. Pickup is around 7:30 AM, 2 hours driving, ~1.5 hours at Ek Balam (with optional pyramid climb), 1 hour at Cenote Xcanché, lunch at a local restaurant, and return. You’re back at your hotel around 6:00 PM.
Can you climb the pyramid at Ek Balam?
Yes. The Acropolis (also called El Torre) at Ek Balam is 32 meters high and still open to climbing — one of the few Mayan pyramids in Yucatán you can still ascend. The stairs are steep, so bring closed-toe shoes and take it slow on the way down.
What is included in the Ek Balam + Xcanché tour?
Private round-trip transport, certified bilingual guide, entrance fees to Ek Balam and Cenote Xcanché, life vest for the cenote, and bottled water. Bicycle rental from Ek Balam to the cenote (optional, small fee) and lunch are not included.
Is the Ek Balam + Xcanché tour good for adventure travelers?
Yes — this tour is the active option. You can climb a real Mayan pyramid, ride a bicycle through jungle, zipline or rope-swing into a cenote, and finish with local food. It’s a great alternative to the more classic Chichén Itzá day for people who want to move.
Is Cenote Xcanché worth the extra stop?
Yes. It's 2 km from the Ek Balam site (walkable or rentable golf-cart ride) and is operated by the local Maya community, so your entrance fee supports them directly. The cenote is open-air with vine-covered walls, has a zipline over the water (~50 MXN extra), a rappel station, and changing rooms. Biodegradable sunscreen required.