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 10–14 of 14

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!

David · May 2025

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!

Susan · May 2025

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.

Melissa · Apr 2025

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!

Jason · Apr 2025

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.

Amanda · Apr 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!

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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.