Ek Balam Express

PRIVATE TOUR: Experience the wonders of Ek Balam Mayan Ruins on a private tour like no other. Delve into the ancient mysteries of this hidden gem with a certified guide.

  • 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.
  • Climb the pyramids: enjoy breathtaking views and take incredible shots.
  • Set Your Own Pace: Stay longer or move on, the choice is entirely yours.
  • All-Inclusive at the Best Price: Transport, guide, entrance fees, water.

 

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!

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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

Private Ek Balam Tour

Embark on an exclusive private tour to Ek Balam Mayan Ruins and delve into its ancient mysteries. Accompanied by expert guides, you will uncover the rich history and architectural wonders of this hidden gem. Immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of this sacred site as you climb pyramids, admire intricate carvings, and unravel Mayan mysteries.

Your journey will be a personalized adventure away from the crowds, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Feel the awe of the Mayan world as you wander through the well-preserved structures and hieroglyphics. From the panoramic views atop the Acropolis to the intricate details of the Jaguar Altar, each moment will add to the tapestry of your experience.

Book your private Ek Balam tour today, and if you are interested in adding a swim in a cenote, check out the Ek Balam-Cenote private tour!

 

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
  • All entrance fees
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)

Price excludes

  • 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: 7 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • 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.
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.

06:45am: Private transportation from your hotel to Ek Balam
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Ek Balam ruins
10:00am – 01:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Transportation takes around 2 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Ek Balam.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)

 
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting 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!

11 reviews for Ek Balam Express

  1. Jenifer

    Our family loved this tour! Big thanks to Cristina, our guide—she picked us up right from the hotel in Tulum, made the ride fun, and kept the kids interested the whole time. Ek Balam was amazing, not crowded at all, and being able to walk up the pyramid and explore the top was seriously cool. Totally recommend it! Thank you Cristina!

  2. Arthur

    What a find! We didn’t see another tour group the entire time. Our guide Alex made the history come alive. Climbing the pyramid was awesome!

  3. Grace

    We were staying in Playa del Carmen and looking for something more authentic and off-the-beaten-path. This private tour to Ek Balam with Absolute Adventure was exactly what we needed. Our guide, Cristina, was exceptional—friendly, super informed, and perfectly balanced between giving us insight and giving us space to explore on our own.
    Ek Balam itself is just incredible. Being able to climb the pyramid is such a rare opportunity nowadays, and it gives you this massive sense of awe when you look out over the canopy. What really surprised us was how few people were there—we passed maybe three other visitors the whole time. It made it feel like a personal discovery.
    We’re already looking at booking another tour with them on our next trip.

  4. Juliet

    We arrived at Ek Balam early in the morning, and it was literally just us. Climbing the pyramid was both exhilarating and peaceful—hard to explain, but unforgettable. Juan explained the carvings, the tomb, and the significance of the structure in a way that made everything come alive. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a deep and personal experience.

  5. Susan

    Honestly, the whole thing was perfect—from booking to the actual tour. Absolute Adventure made it super easy to set up, and everything ran right on schedule. Ek Balam was amazing—quiet, super well preserved, and climbing the pyramid was the highlight for sure. It didn’t feel rushed at all, and having a private guide made the experience way more personal. Definitely booking with them again next time we’re down here.

  6. Robert

    We got picked up right on time from our hotel in Playa del Carmen and headed straight to Ek Balam. Super smooth ride, AC, comfy, no stress. Our guide Alex knew all the little details about the site and gave us time to really explore. Climbing the pyramid was insane—the view at the top was totally worth it.

  7. Niurka

    This was a fantastic, private tour. Our tour guide “extraordinaire” Alex was amazing & truly knows the Mayan culture. Listening to him was a free education & I can really appreciate the history & the struggle. We also spoke for a long time over lunch because he made it so engaging. I will certainly look this group up when I return to my beloved Mexico. Thank you Alex, for climbing to the top of Ek Balam with my children when my knee gave out at the 52nd step. Niurka 💕

  8. Melanie

    The tour we went on with Juan was absolutely incredible! I would definitely recommend it without hesitation!

  9. Cathy

    Huge shoutout to our guide, Juan, he made the whole visit to Ek Balam way more interesting than we expected. Super friendly, explained the history in a way that was easy to follow, and pointed out cool details we would’ve totally missed on our own. It was just us and him, so we could take our time and ask questions. The pyramid climb was unforgettable. Highly recommend this if you’re into ruins but want to skip the big crowds.

  10. Ashley

    We went to Ek Balam as a family of four and had such a great time! Our guide, Juan, was awesome—super friendly with the kids and really knew his stuff. The site was quiet and peaceful, which made it even better. Climbing the pyramid together was a fun little challenge, and the views from the top were incredible. So glad we booked this—one of the best days of our trip!

  11. Leila

    Went with my best friends. A totally private adventure
    We were a group of six friends and wanted to avoid the super touristy spots. Ek Balam was incredible. Unlike other ruins, you can still climb the pyramid here, which made a huge difference. The views from the top were breathtaking, and there was barely anyone else around. It felt like we had the entire ancient city to ourselves.
    Our guide, Juan, was chill but super professional. He managed the time so well and made sure we had everything we needed.

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

Private Ek Balam Tour

Embark on an exclusive private tour to Ek Balam Mayan Ruins and delve into its ancient mysteries. Accompanied by expert guides, you will uncover the rich history and architectural wonders of this hidden gem. Immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of this sacred site as you climb pyramids, admire intricate carvings, and unravel Mayan mysteries.

Your journey will be a personalized adventure away from the crowds, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Feel the awe of the Mayan world as you wander through the well-preserved structures and hieroglyphics. From the panoramic views atop the Acropolis to the intricate details of the Jaguar Altar, each moment will add to the tapestry of your experience.

Book your private Ek Balam tour today, and if you are interested in adding a swim in a cenote, check out the Ek Balam-Cenote private tour!

 

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
  • All entrance fees
  • Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
  • Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)

Price excludes

  • 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: 7 hours
  • Physicality: Easy
  • Age: All ages
  • 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.
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.

06:45am: Private transportation from your hotel to Ek Balam
08:00am – 10:00am: Visit of Ek Balam ruins
10:00am – 01:30pm: Transportation to your hotel

Transportation takes around 2 hours, and there is a one-hour time difference between Cancun/Playa del Carmen/Tulum and Ek Balam.

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes for the ruins (We recommend tennis shoes)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Cash (for tour payment, tips, souvenirs…)

 
You can bring personal belongings you require during the tour (phone, camera, extra set of clothes…). While you are visiting 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!

11 reviews for Ek Balam Express

  1. Jenifer

    Our family loved this tour! Big thanks to Cristina, our guide—she picked us up right from the hotel in Tulum, made the ride fun, and kept the kids interested the whole time. Ek Balam was amazing, not crowded at all, and being able to walk up the pyramid and explore the top was seriously cool. Totally recommend it! Thank you Cristina!

  2. Arthur

    What a find! We didn’t see another tour group the entire time. Our guide Alex made the history come alive. Climbing the pyramid was awesome!

  3. Grace

    We were staying in Playa del Carmen and looking for something more authentic and off-the-beaten-path. This private tour to Ek Balam with Absolute Adventure was exactly what we needed. Our guide, Cristina, was exceptional—friendly, super informed, and perfectly balanced between giving us insight and giving us space to explore on our own.
    Ek Balam itself is just incredible. Being able to climb the pyramid is such a rare opportunity nowadays, and it gives you this massive sense of awe when you look out over the canopy. What really surprised us was how few people were there—we passed maybe three other visitors the whole time. It made it feel like a personal discovery.
    We’re already looking at booking another tour with them on our next trip.

  4. Juliet

    We arrived at Ek Balam early in the morning, and it was literally just us. Climbing the pyramid was both exhilarating and peaceful—hard to explain, but unforgettable. Juan explained the carvings, the tomb, and the significance of the structure in a way that made everything come alive. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a deep and personal experience.

  5. Susan

    Honestly, the whole thing was perfect—from booking to the actual tour. Absolute Adventure made it super easy to set up, and everything ran right on schedule. Ek Balam was amazing—quiet, super well preserved, and climbing the pyramid was the highlight for sure. It didn’t feel rushed at all, and having a private guide made the experience way more personal. Definitely booking with them again next time we’re down here.

  6. Robert

    We got picked up right on time from our hotel in Playa del Carmen and headed straight to Ek Balam. Super smooth ride, AC, comfy, no stress. Our guide Alex knew all the little details about the site and gave us time to really explore. Climbing the pyramid was insane—the view at the top was totally worth it.

  7. Niurka

    This was a fantastic, private tour. Our tour guide “extraordinaire” Alex was amazing & truly knows the Mayan culture. Listening to him was a free education & I can really appreciate the history & the struggle. We also spoke for a long time over lunch because he made it so engaging. I will certainly look this group up when I return to my beloved Mexico. Thank you Alex, for climbing to the top of Ek Balam with my children when my knee gave out at the 52nd step. Niurka 💕

  8. Melanie

    The tour we went on with Juan was absolutely incredible! I would definitely recommend it without hesitation!

  9. Cathy

    Huge shoutout to our guide, Juan, he made the whole visit to Ek Balam way more interesting than we expected. Super friendly, explained the history in a way that was easy to follow, and pointed out cool details we would’ve totally missed on our own. It was just us and him, so we could take our time and ask questions. The pyramid climb was unforgettable. Highly recommend this if you’re into ruins but want to skip the big crowds.

  10. Ashley

    We went to Ek Balam as a family of four and had such a great time! Our guide, Juan, was awesome—super friendly with the kids and really knew his stuff. The site was quiet and peaceful, which made it even better. Climbing the pyramid together was a fun little challenge, and the views from the top were incredible. So glad we booked this—one of the best days of our trip!

  11. Leila

    Went with my best friends. A totally private adventure
    We were a group of six friends and wanted to avoid the super touristy spots. Ek Balam was incredible. Unlike other ruins, you can still climb the pyramid here, which made a huge difference. The views from the top were breathtaking, and there was barely anyone else around. It felt like we had the entire ancient city to ourselves.
    Our guide, Juan, was chill but super professional. He managed the time so well and made sure we had everything we needed.

Add a review

FAQ Ek Balam Private Tour

Is the 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 Ek Balam tour take?
Please check the full itinerary in the “Itinerary” tab for more details.

It typically lasts between 6 to 7 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 currently don’t offer service to Playa Mujeres unless your group has 6 or more adults.

Can I change the pick up time?

Yes, you’re welcome to choose your preferred pick-up time when booking.

That said, we recommend an early morning start to help you beat the crowds, skip the traffic, and enjoy cooler temperatures—it really makes a difference!

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.

Can we add a cenote to this tour?

Yes! If you'd like to include a refreshing swim in a cenote, check out our Ek Balam Cenote tour.

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.

You should comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking and climbing.

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

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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