YOUR OWN PRIVATE ADVENTURE

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

14 tour reviews
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 6 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

Early bird discountBook 60+ days ahead and save 10%.

Multi-tour discountBook 2+ tours and save 10%.

Offers cannot be combined. Holiday exclusions apply. See terms and conditions.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The details of your private day.

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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

     

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, and state taxes
  • 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: If you bring a GoPro, video camera, or phone with a selfie stick, a fee of 60 pesos (about USD 3) per device is charged at the entrance to each archaeological site and must be paid in pesos (INAH fee). Drones and camera/video tripods are prohibited.
  • 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!

Itinerary options

Times at each stop are estimates. Driving and your exact pickup location affect the schedule.

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam (lunch at Temozon)

  1. Chichen Itza — 210 min
  2. Lunch in Temozon — 40 min
  3. Ek Balam ruins — 135 min

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam (lunch at Valladolid)

  1. Chichen Itza — 210 min
  2. Lunch in Valladolid — 45 min
  3. Free time in Valladolid — 45 min
  4. Ek Balam ruins — 75 min

Chichen Itza + Ek Balam + Cenote (lunch at Temozon)

  1. Chichen Itza — 210 min
  2. Lunch in Temozon — 40 min
  3. Ek Balam ruins — 120 min
  4. Xcanche cenote — 75 min

The recommended early pick-up time helps you avoid traffic, crowds, and heat at Chichen Itza, but you can opt for a later pick-up when booking.
Timing may vary based on traffic and your exact location.
We can spend more or less time at Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, moving at your own pace.

Discover the 3 benefits of early departure to visit Chichen Itza.

Transportation takes less than 3 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Chichen Itza/Valladolid.

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

FROM OUR GUESTS

A day worth remembering.

5.00/5 · 14 tour reviews

Showing reviews 1–9 of 14

A day to rememberWe took a full day private tour including Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, a cenote swim and a delicious lunch! Our tour guide was Arturo and he couldn’t have been more informative or accommodating! Our sons love history and enjoyed not only seeing the Mayan archaeological sites but also engaging in discussions with Arturo. While we enjoyed the entire day, getting to climb…

Read full reviewShow less

A day to rememberWe took a full day private tour including Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, a cenote swim and a delicious lunch! Our tour guide was Arturo and he couldn’t have been more informative or accommodating! Our sons love history and enjoyed not only seeing the Mayan archaeological sites but also engaging in discussions with Arturo. While we enjoyed the entire day, getting to climb the steps at Ek Balam and getting inside the structures was a highlight. It was a long day but well worth it and a memory we will have forever. And I must not forget to mention our wonderful and careful driver, Yosmar!

Natasha C · May 2026

Feb 2026- We had ha full day visiting Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Arturo was absolutely amazing! He was knowledgeable and passionate about everything he shared. He made our trip memorable. I will definitely be booking again in the future.

Melissa · Feb 2026

Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Tour We did a private tour of both sites. Cristina was an amazing tour guide, and Enrique was the best driver. Christina was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions and adjusting the tour to a pace that suited our family. We've done group excursions before and this private tour beat them all. An amazing experience and we…

Read full reviewShow less

Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Tour
We did a private tour of both sites. Cristina was an amazing tour guide, and Enrique was the best driver. Christina was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions and adjusting the tour to a pace that suited our family. We've done group excursions before and this private tour beat them all. An amazing experience and we hope to see Christina again the next time we come out.

Stacey · Dec 2025

This trip is for Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and cenote! We had the pleasure of having Christina (our tour guide) and Omar (our driver) two days in a row! Yesterday we went to Tulum, Taak bi Ha (cenote), and swimming with Sea turtles. Everything went very smoothly and we definitely got a lot more of the history with our tour guide! When we went snorkeling…

Read full reviewShow less

This trip is for Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and cenote! We had the pleasure of having Christina (our tour guide) and Omar (our driver) two days in a row!
Yesterday we went to Tulum, Taak bi Ha (cenote), and swimming with Sea turtles.
Everything went very smoothly and we definitely got a lot more of the history with our tour guide!
When we went snorkeling in the cenote the first day we were not allowed to bring our personal belongings and quite frankly I was really worried at first (but the only cash I brought with me that day was their tips, so if it went missing then that meant no tip for them)... I'm happy to report that when I got back to the van, not only was all my money still there, but there was absolutely no evidence whatsoever that anybody even touched my stuff!
Got to say they far exceeded my expectations and my only regret is that I did not use these people for my third and final excursion here in Mexico!
Wife and I are already talking about booking another trip here in the next 5 to 10 years and plan on booking with this same company again. (Hopefully Christina and Omar are still working here then)!
If you are considering booking an excursion here I would highly recommend Absolute Adventures Mexico and especially recommend Christina and Omar! Never felt safer! Thanks again for the amazing family vacation that my family and I will never forget!

Derek · Oct 2025

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.

Kevin · Jul 2025

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!

Jessica · Jul 2025

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.

Nicole · Jun 2025

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.

Brian · Jun 2025

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…

Read full reviewShow less

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.

Will · May 2025

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Your tour questions, answered.

Tour basics

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.

Is the driver also the guide?

No. The driver and guide are two different professionals.

All our tours include a dedicated driver and a separate certified guide. 

While some companies offer a guide-driver, we believe this is not safe. Having a driver focused solely on the road and a guide fully dedicated to our guests ensures a safer and higher-quality 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. 

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.

Pickup & transport

Is transportation included from my hotel or Airbnb?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum. 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.

What vehicles do you use for your tours?

We offer a range of modern, air-conditioned vans to suit the size of your group and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Visit our fleet page for more details.

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.

Activities & facilities

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.

Planning & booking

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!

Come explore the Riviera Maya with us.

Private adventures, thoughtfully planned by our local team.

Discover more tours

Coupon terms & conditions

EARLY2MONTHS — 10% off
Book at least 60 days before your tour date.

MULTITOUR — 10% off
Book at least 2 tours in one transaction.

If part of a multi-tour booking is canceled and only one tour remains, the discount becomes void and the remaining balance will be adjusted.

Enter your coupon code at checkout.

Tour photos

MAKE IT YOUR DAY

Book with Confidence

Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Choose your date, number of guests and pickup location to see your exact price.

Enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.