Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

PRIVATE TOUR: Uncover the secrets of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam with your own certified guide. Choose the combo that suits you: ruins only, ruins + Cenote Xcanche, or ruins + a visit to Valladolid.
This tour is available for booking with a minimum of 4 adults.

  • Exclusive Experience: Just you, your personal local guide, and driver!
  • Private Transportation: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or rental.
  • Escape the Crowds & Beat the Heat: Skip the lines & enjoy a relaxed, stress-free guided tour.
  • Custom your tour: Add  Cenote Xcanche or visit Valladolid
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch & more

 

Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions, and itinerary.

Early Bird 60 days 10% Off (*T&C) Coupon EARLY2MONTHS Copied!
Book 2 or more tours 10% Off (*T&C) Coupon MULTITOUR Copied!

Seamless Booking & Free Cancellation

Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!

  • This tour is available for booking with a minimum of 4 adults.

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    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

    Recommended pick up time from your hotel to avoid heat & crowds:

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  • Description
  • Price Includes
  • General Info
  • Itinerary
  • What to Bring
  • Reviews

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour – With Private Guide and Custom Add-Ons

 

Discover two of the most remarkable Mayan archaeological sites in one unforgettable day with our Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour. This private experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore rich history with flexibility, comfort, and personal attention from a certified guide.

Explore the Ancient City of Chichen Itza

Your day begins with a visit to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Wander through the majestic grounds of this ancient capital, where impressive structures like El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Maya.

With your private certified guide, you'll enjoy in-depth explanations of the site's architecture, astronomy, and cultural significance—at your own pace, without the stress of group tours or tight schedules.

Discover Ek Balam, the Hidden Gem

Next, we head to Ek Balam, a lesser-known but truly extraordinary site. Unlike other ruins, Ek Balam still allows you to climb its main pyramid—rewarding you with panoramic views of the Yucatán jungle. The site is renowned for its detailed stucco carvings and sacred acropolis, which contains one of the most impressive tombs ever uncovered in the region.

Thanks to its quiet atmosphere and fewer crowds, Ek Balam offers a peaceful, immersive experience that's ideal for photography and deeper exploration.

Customize Your Tour: Cenote or Valladolid

You can personalize your Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with one of three options, each offering a unique way to wrap up your day:

Option 1: Ruins Only – Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Keep your focus on the archaeology with this option that includes both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam only. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Yucatecan restaurant in the village of Temozón, known for its regional flavors and warm hospitality. A perfect choice if you're looking for a culturally rich, history-filled day.

Option 2: Add a Swim in Cenote Xcanche

Enhance your tour with a refreshing swim in Cenote Xcanche, located right next to Ek Balam. Surrounded by nature and still off the beaten path, it’s an ideal spot to relax and cool off after a morning of exploring ruins. This option also includes lunch in Temozón, giving you the best of nature, culture, and cuisine in one day.

Option 3: Add a Visit to Valladolid

Prefer to explore a colonial town? This option includes one hour of free time in Valladolid, a charming Yucatán city filled with history, color, and local character. Stroll the plaza, grab a local treat, or visit the church and surrounding shops. With this option, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid, adding a cultural twist to your journey.

Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking to explore the Yucatán Peninsula’s top highlights in one day, this tour is the perfect choice.

 

Other Private Tours You May Like

Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.

 

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Chichen Itza and Ek Balam entrance fees
  • Coffee and snacks in the vans
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte
  • If Cenote Option Cenote entrance fee and life vests

Price excludes

  • Drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
  • Tips

General Info

  • Private Tour: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
  • Duration: 11-12 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • Cenote option: Basic swimming skills required. You will visit Cenote Xcanche.
  • What’s on the menu? Selection of best specialities from Yucatan Cuisine… Vegetarian options are available only taking the Valladolid tour option. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!
  • Mobility: We can adapt this tour for people with disability.

Itinerary

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking. Due to the length of the tour, we only offer early morning pick-up to ensure you make the most of your day.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with lunch at Temozon

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:20pm: Transportation
12:20pm - 01:00pm: Lunch in Temozon
01:00pm - 01:15pm: Transportation
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam + Cenote Xcanche with lunch at Temezon

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:20pm: Transportation
12:20pm - 01:00pm: Lunch in Temozon
01:00pm - 01:15pm: Transportation
01:15pm – 04:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam + Cenote Xcancheb
04:30pm – 07:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam + with lunch at Valladolid

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:02pm: Transportationbr/> 12:15pm - 01:45pm: Lunch in Valladolid and free time
01:45pm - 02:15pm: Transportation
02:15pm – 03:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

There is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza/Ek Balam.

What to Bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

 
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
 
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always be in the van, so keeping your things safe!

10 reviews for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

  1. Kevin

    Our private guide was outstanding—so friendly and passionate about the history. I’m really glad we started early in the morning—it gave us time to enjoy everything without rushing.

  2. Jessica

    We did the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour with the cenote add-on, and it was a perfect day! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the swim at Cenote after climbing ruins was the perfect way to cool off. Highly recommend this private tour!

  3. Nicole

    Highly recommend this tour! Both ruins were amazing, and our guide let us go at our own pace. The lunch in Valladolid was one of the best meals of our trip.

  4. Brian

    An incredible tour! We were traveling as a group of friends and booked the ruins + cenote version. Swimming in Xcanche after Ek Balam was a highlight. The private transportation was clean and comfortable, and our guide knew so much about Mayan history—it made the sites come alive.

  5. Will

    Top-notch service from start to finish. Our group of five chose the ruins + cenote version and we were blown away by the level of attention and care. It’s a full day with a lot of walking and climbing—especially at Ek Balam where you can actually climb the pyramid—so definitely bring your tennis shoes! The early pick-up was perfect; we got to Chichen Itza before the crowds and had the site almost to ourselves. The van was super comfortable, with plenty of cold water and drinks available the whole time. Our guide Juan was so patient, friendly, and full of knowledge. We didn’t have to worry about a thing—just enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend.

  6. David

    This was by far the best day of our vacation! The private tour gave us time to enjoy both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam without feeling rushed. We chose the option with Valladolid and loved having an hour to walk around and grab a fresh juice in the plaza. Lunch in Valladolid was delicious!

  7. Susan

    I can’t believe how much we got to see in one day! The ruins were incredible, and the fact that we had our own guide made all the difference. Climbing the pyramid at Ek Balam was unforgettable—the view over the jungle was breathtaking. Thank you for an amazing experience!

  8. Melissa

    We’re a family of four and booked this private tour after reading great reviews. The van was super comfortable, the itinerary was smooth, and both ruins were spectacular. Restaurant was a great local touch and very tasty.

  9. Jason

    Such a memorable day! We did the full tour with Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and a swim in the cenote. It was a long day, but totally worth it. Our guide Arturo was super nice, knowledgeable, and made everything fun and interesting. Thank you Arturo!

  10. Amanda

    Everything was seamless from hotel pick-up to the end of the day. We did the ruins-only version and had lunch in Temozón—authentic, tasty, and not touristy at all. Having a guide just for our family made it all the more personal.

Add a review
  • Description
  • Price Includes
  • General Info
  • Itinerary
  • What to Bring
  • Reviews

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour – With Private Guide and Custom Add-Ons

 

Discover two of the most remarkable Mayan archaeological sites in one unforgettable day with our Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour. This private experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore rich history with flexibility, comfort, and personal attention from a certified guide.

Explore the Ancient City of Chichen Itza

Your day begins with a visit to Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Wander through the majestic grounds of this ancient capital, where impressive structures like El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Maya.

With your private certified guide, you'll enjoy in-depth explanations of the site's architecture, astronomy, and cultural significance—at your own pace, without the stress of group tours or tight schedules.

Discover Ek Balam, the Hidden Gem

Next, we head to Ek Balam, a lesser-known but truly extraordinary site. Unlike other ruins, Ek Balam still allows you to climb its main pyramid—rewarding you with panoramic views of the Yucatán jungle. The site is renowned for its detailed stucco carvings and sacred acropolis, which contains one of the most impressive tombs ever uncovered in the region.

Thanks to its quiet atmosphere and fewer crowds, Ek Balam offers a peaceful, immersive experience that's ideal for photography and deeper exploration.

Customize Your Tour: Cenote or Valladolid

You can personalize your Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with one of three options, each offering a unique way to wrap up your day:

Option 1: Ruins Only – Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Keep your focus on the archaeology with this option that includes both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam only. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Yucatecan restaurant in the village of Temozón, known for its regional flavors and warm hospitality. A perfect choice if you're looking for a culturally rich, history-filled day.

Option 2: Add a Swim in Cenote Xcanche

Enhance your tour with a refreshing swim in Cenote Xcanche, located right next to Ek Balam. Surrounded by nature and still off the beaten path, it’s an ideal spot to relax and cool off after a morning of exploring ruins. This option also includes lunch in Temozón, giving you the best of nature, culture, and cuisine in one day.

Option 3: Add a Visit to Valladolid

Prefer to explore a colonial town? This option includes one hour of free time in Valladolid, a charming Yucatán city filled with history, color, and local character. Stroll the plaza, grab a local treat, or visit the church and surrounding shops. With this option, you'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid, adding a cultural twist to your journey.

Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure-seeker, or simply looking to explore the Yucatán Peninsula’s top highlights in one day, this tour is the perfect choice.

 

Other Private Tours You May Like

Book 2 or more tours and enjoy a 10% discount! Perfect for travelers looking to make the most of their stay in the Riviera Maya.

 

Price includes

  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel with private air-conditioned transportation (Booster car seat and baby car seat available on request)
  • Experienced certified private guide
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Chichen Itza and Ek Balam entrance fees
  • Coffee and snacks in the vans
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
  • Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte
  • If Cenote Option Cenote entrance fee and life vests

Price excludes

  • Drinks at the restaurant
  • Ruins: In case you bring a go pro camera, a video camera or a phone with a selfie stick, there is a 60 pesos (around 3USD) per device charged at the entrance of each archeological site, to be paid in pesos (INAH tax) – Drones and Tripods for video/cameras are forbidden.
  • Tips

General info

  • Private Tour: Only you, the guide and the driver, nobody else!
  • Duration: 11-12 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • Cenote option: Basic swimming skills required. You will visit Cenote Xcanche.
  • What’s on the menu? Selection of best specialities from Yucatan Cuisine… Vegetarian options are available only taking the Valladolid tour option
  • Mobility: We can adapt this tour for people with disability.

Itinerary

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at the sites, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking. Due to the length of the tour, we only offer early morning pick-up to ensure you make the most of your day.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at each location, moving at your own pace.

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour with lunch at Temozon

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:20pm: Transportation
12:20pm - 01:00pm: Lunch in Temozon
01:00pm - 01:15pm: Transportation
01:15pm – 03:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam + Cenote Xcanche with lunch at Temezon

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:20pm: Transportation
12:20pm - 01:00pm: Lunch in Temozon
01:00pm - 01:15pm: Transportation
01:15pm – 04:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam + Cenote Xcancheb
04:30pm – 07:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam + with lunch at Valladolid

06:15am: Private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza
08:00am – 11:30am: Visit of Chichen Itza + free time
11:30am – 12:02pm: Transportationbr/> 12:15pm - 01:45pm: Lunch in Valladolid and free time
01:45pm - 02:15pm: Transportation
02:15pm – 03:30pm: Visit of Ek Balam
03:30pm – 06:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

There is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza/Ek Balam.

What to Bring

  • Beach Towels
  • Swimsuit (We recommend wearing it in the morning and feel free to change after snorkeling activities)
  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Flip flops or sandals for water activities (Water shoes are optional but can be worn for added comfort)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and we recommend wearing a rash-guard/UV-Shirt for water activities*
  • Mosquito repellent*
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)
  • Camera/Underwater camera/Waterproof case for your phone

 
* It is forbidden to apply sunblock and repellent before swimming or snorkeling activities to prevent water pollution in the cenotes, even if they are biodegradable products. Compliance with this rule is essential for the protection of the environment.
 
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting or snorkeling you can leave the things you don’t need in the van. Our driver will always be in the van, so keeping your things safe!

10 reviews for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

  1. Kevin

    Our private guide was outstanding—so friendly and passionate about the history. I’m really glad we started early in the morning—it gave us time to enjoy everything without rushing.

  2. Jessica

    We did the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour with the cenote add-on, and it was a perfect day! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the swim at Cenote after climbing ruins was the perfect way to cool off. Highly recommend this private tour!

  3. Nicole

    Highly recommend this tour! Both ruins were amazing, and our guide let us go at our own pace. The lunch in Valladolid was one of the best meals of our trip.

  4. Brian

    An incredible tour! We were traveling as a group of friends and booked the ruins + cenote version. Swimming in Xcanche after Ek Balam was a highlight. The private transportation was clean and comfortable, and our guide knew so much about Mayan history—it made the sites come alive.

  5. Will

    Top-notch service from start to finish. Our group of five chose the ruins + cenote version and we were blown away by the level of attention and care. It’s a full day with a lot of walking and climbing—especially at Ek Balam where you can actually climb the pyramid—so definitely bring your tennis shoes! The early pick-up was perfect; we got to Chichen Itza before the crowds and had the site almost to ourselves. The van was super comfortable, with plenty of cold water and drinks available the whole time. Our guide Juan was so patient, friendly, and full of knowledge. We didn’t have to worry about a thing—just enjoyed every moment. Highly recommend.

  6. David

    This was by far the best day of our vacation! The private tour gave us time to enjoy both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam without feeling rushed. We chose the option with Valladolid and loved having an hour to walk around and grab a fresh juice in the plaza. Lunch in Valladolid was delicious!

  7. Susan

    I can’t believe how much we got to see in one day! The ruins were incredible, and the fact that we had our own guide made all the difference. Climbing the pyramid at Ek Balam was unforgettable—the view over the jungle was breathtaking. Thank you for an amazing experience!

  8. Melissa

    We’re a family of four and booked this private tour after reading great reviews. The van was super comfortable, the itinerary was smooth, and both ruins were spectacular. Restaurant was a great local touch and very tasty.

  9. Jason

    Such a memorable day! We did the full tour with Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and a swim in the cenote. It was a long day, but totally worth it. Our guide Arturo was super nice, knowledgeable, and made everything fun and interesting. Thank you Arturo!

  10. Amanda

    Everything was seamless from hotel pick-up to the end of the day. We did the ruins-only version and had lunch in Temozón—authentic, tasty, and not touristy at all. Having a guide just for our family made it all the more personal.

Add a review

FAQ Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Private Tour

Is the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour private or shared?
This is a private tour, just for you and your group.

You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.

How long does a private Chichen Itza and Ek Balam tour take?
Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 11 to 12 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site. 

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal. We’ll pick you up right from your hotel, resort, or Airbnb for a stress-free start to your day.

Please note: we don’t offer pick up from Cancun Playa Mujeres hotels unless your group has 6 or more adults.

Can I change the pick up time?

Due to the length of the tour, we only offer early morning pick-up to ensure you make the most of your day.

How long is the drive to Chichen Itza?

The drive to Chichen Itza from the coast takes approximately 2 hours and 30 to 40 minutes.

Our professional drivers always respect speed limits to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for everyone.

Can we make bathroom stops on the way?

Yes, absolutely! There are 1 or 2 bathroom stops available along the way at gas stations and convenience stores, where you can take a break whenever needed.

How much walking is there at the Chichen Itza ruins?

During the guided visit at Chichen Itza, we typically spend about 2 to 2 hours and 15 minutes exploring the site.

We go at your own pace, taking breaks whenever needed to ensure your comfort.

If you wish, we can also adjust the visit to be shorter or longer depending on your preferences.

Our goal is to make the experience as enjoyable and flexible as possible for you.

How much walking is involved at Ek Balam?

The site is relatively small, so the visit typically lasts between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, and you can explore at your own pace.

Can we climb the pyramid in Ek Balam?

Yes! You can climb the Acropolis pyramid as well as several other temples at Ek Balam, giving you amazing views of the surrounding jungle.

What should I bring for the tour? Where can I leave my belongings?
Check the "What to bring" tab on the tour page for the full packing list.

Essentials include swimwear, a towel and comfortable shoes.

You can safely leave your belongings in the van—our driver stays with it the entire time while you're out enjoying the activities.

Are vegetarian or special dietary meals available?

Yes, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian*, vegan*, gluten-free, and other dietary needs or allergies.

*only with the Valladolid tour option.

What is the cancellation policy?
Go ahead and plan with confidence—your booking is fully flexible!

You can cancel free of charge or reschedule (subject to availability) up to 24 hours before your tour.

We’re a small team and often fully booked 1–2 weeks in advance, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot.

Bonus: if you book at least 2 months in advance (60 days), you’ll qualify for our early bird discount*!

For full details, check out our booking policy page.

More questions?

Visit our main FAQ page or contact us by email, WhatsApp or via chat, we're happy to help!

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