PRIVATE TOUR: Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Ek Balam Mayan ruins, where you can climb the temples for breathtaking views and take a refreshing swim in the X’Canché cenote. This special private trip also features a delicious meal at a local Mexican restaurant.
Scroll down for detailed info, inclusions and itinerary.
Book your tour now and if your plans happen to change, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior to the tour!
Are you ready to discover the ancient city of the Black Jaguar? Our Ek Balam Private Tour offers a unique journey through one of the most impressive and peaceful Mayan sites, followed by a refreshing swim in a jungle cenote and a traditional Yucatecan lunch.
Ek Balam, which means “Black Jaguar” in the Mayan language, is a lesser-visited archaeological site packed with history and architectural beauty. You'll discover its famous Mayan arch, the observatory, a ceremonial ball court, and of course, the highlight—the Acropolis pyramid, which you can still climb.
We highly recommend an early morning departure to enjoy the site in cooler temperatures and make the climb more comfortable. After your private pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, your expert certified guide will take you on a complete guided tour of the ruins, sharing stories about the powerful rulers, sacred structures, and rich culture that once thrived here.
Climbing to the top of the Acropolis is a rewarding experience. You'll not only enjoy panoramic views of the Yucatán jungle but also get a close look at one of the most well-preserved stucco facades in the Mayan world.
After visiting the ruins, we’ll take you to Cenote X’Canché, located just a short distance from Ek Balam. Nestled in the jungle, this open cenote offers clear, cool water and a peaceful natural setting. You can reach the cenote either by biking a short jungle path or riding in our van.
Once there, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel in the deep, turquoise waters. A staircase leads you down into the cenote, where you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the echoes of birds and jungle life. Life jackets are available for your comfort and safety, making it a great spot for swimmers of all experience levels.
To finish the day, we’ll visit the nearby town of Temozón, well-known for its traditional Yucatecan cuisine. You’ll enjoy a hearty local meal in a small restaurant where regional flavors and hospitality take center stage. Think cochinita pibil, handmade tortillas, and refreshing local drinks—the perfect end to a cultural day trip.
Our Ek Balam Private Tour offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and local flavor in one seamless day. With expert guidance, exclusive access, and personalized service, you'll explore and enjoy at your own pace. It's an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and adventure in the Yucatán.
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.
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 – 11:30am: Swim in cenote Xcanche
11:30am – 12:00pm: Transportation
12:00pm – 01:00pm: Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant in Temozon
01:00pm – 04:00pm: 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.
* 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!
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Are you ready to discover the ancient city of the Black Jaguar? Our Ek Balam Private Tour offers a unique journey through one of the most impressive and peaceful Mayan sites, followed by a refreshing swim in a jungle cenote and a traditional Yucatecan lunch.
Ek Balam, which means “Black Jaguar” in the Mayan language, is a lesser-visited archaeological site packed with history and architectural beauty. You'll discover its famous Mayan arch, the observatory, a ceremonial ball court, and of course, the highlight—the Acropolis pyramid, which you can still climb.
We highly recommend an early morning departure to enjoy the site in cooler temperatures and make the climb more comfortable. After your private pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, your expert certified guide will take you on a complete guided tour of the ruins, sharing stories about the powerful rulers, sacred structures, and rich culture that once thrived here.
Climbing to the top of the Acropolis is a rewarding experience. You'll not only enjoy panoramic views of the Yucatán jungle but also get a close look at one of the most well-preserved stucco facades in the Mayan world.
After visiting the ruins, we’ll take you to Cenote X’Canché, located just a short distance from Ek Balam. Nestled in the jungle, this open cenote offers clear, cool water and a peaceful natural setting. You can reach the cenote either by biking a short jungle path or riding in our van.
Once there, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or snorkel in the deep, turquoise waters. A staircase leads you down into the cenote, where you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and the echoes of birds and jungle life. Life jackets are available for your comfort and safety, making it a great spot for swimmers of all experience levels.
To finish the day, we’ll visit the nearby town of Temozón, well-known for its traditional Yucatecan cuisine. You’ll enjoy a hearty local meal in a small restaurant where regional flavors and hospitality take center stage. Think cochinita pibil, handmade tortillas, and refreshing local drinks—the perfect end to a cultural day trip.
Our Ek Balam Private Tour offers the perfect mix of history, nature, and local flavor in one seamless day. With expert guidance, exclusive access, and personalized service, you'll explore and enjoy at your own pace. It's an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and adventure in the Yucatán.
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.
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 – 11:30am: Swim in cenote Xcanche
11:30am – 12:00pm: Transportation
12:00pm – 01:00pm: Lunch at a local Mexican restaurant in Temozon
01:00pm – 04:00pm: 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.
* 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!
Eddy and Enrique were great in facilitating my group’s visit to the Ek Balam ruins and cenote. Eddy was a terrific guide with tons of fun facts about the ruins and Tulum in general and there was never a dull moment with him! Enrique ensured we made it to our destination safely and on time and was even provided us with a few snacks while en route! All in all, I would highly recommended both Eddy and Enrique with Absolute Adventures and will definitely be looking forward to seeing them again on our next trip!
Absolute Adventure was amazing. They were accommodating. The tour we originally booked was canceled due to protesting. The recommended another tour. They stayed in consistent contact with us. Eddy the guide was very knowledgeable and very engaging. The driver Enrique was fabulous . would highly recommend this tour company
I am writing to update my review after we returned for our 4th trip with Absolute Adventure and our 3rd tour specifically with Arturo. This tour we went to Eden, Jaguar, and Dos Ojos Cenotes one day, and the Ek Balam Yucatec-Mayan ruins and the nearby cenote. We cannot recommend this company or Arturo enough. We have 3 kids and Arturo takes the time to speak with and teach each of them, and personally I love chatting with Arturo about the history of the area. And we always have a blast at the cenotes and love the places we go to for lunch.
Great family experience to Ek Balam and cenoteGreat experience with Arturo visiting the ruins at Ek Balam and the nearby cenote. Arturo was knowledgeable, very friendly and attentive to our needs and preferences which was no easy feat with a group of 10.
Lunch was delicious at a local restaurant with great facilities.
Incredible Ek Balam and CenoteI didn’t see it on the list, but we actually went to Ek Balam and the Xcanche Cenote. INCREDIBLE! Loved the whole day. The hours flew by. Our guide, Artuero, was so happy and fun and knowledgeable. We got to climb clear up the main pyramid and look around for miles in every direction. The Cenote was the perfect temperature to explore and swim and jump off the sides for an hour. What an amazing day!
We did two private tours whilst staying in Playacar with Absolute Adventure Mexico.
* Ek Balam ruins and Swim in Cenote full day private tour.
* Akumal Turtles Tour with the Yal-Ku lagoon half day private tour.
We thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, communication from the company was good, we were picked up on time from our hotel & Cristina our guide was very knowledgeable & easy going. An excellent way of learning more about Mexico’s past & present. All equipment for snorkelling was of a great standard & it was wonderful to see the wildlife in their own habitats. There were plenty of drinks onboard to keep you hydrated & snacks! If you were thinking of booking a private tour during your visit to Playacar we would certainly recommend this company.
My family and I absolutely loved every minute of our private tour to Ek Balam, along with the cenote swim and lunch on January 29, 2026! Thank you for making the day easy, fun and memorable! The McLeods and Lamirandes
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You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle all to yourselves—no crowds, no waiting, just a smooth and personalized experience.
It typically lasts between 8 to 9 hours, depending on your hotel location and how much time you’d like to spend at each site.
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.
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!
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.
Yes! You can climb the Acropolis pyramid as well as several other temples at Ek Balam, giving you amazing views of the surrounding jungle.
Yes, we visit Cenote Xcanche, which is close to the ruins.
We can reach the cenote by bike along an easy, flat road or by van if you prefer a more relaxed way to get there.
Yes, in that case, check out and book our Ek Balam private tour.
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.
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.
Irvin –
Eddy and Enrique were great in facilitating my group’s visit to the Ek Balam ruins and cenote. Eddy was a terrific guide with tons of fun facts about the ruins and Tulum in general and there was never a dull moment with him! Enrique ensured we made it to our destination safely and on time and was even provided us with a few snacks while en route! All in all, I would highly recommended both Eddy and Enrique with Absolute Adventures and will definitely be looking forward to seeing them again on our next trip!
Sean –
Absolute Adventure was amazing. They were accommodating. The tour we originally booked was canceled due to protesting. The recommended another tour. They stayed in consistent contact with us. Eddy the guide was very knowledgeable and very engaging. The driver Enrique was fabulous . would highly recommend this tour company
Joe K. –
I am writing to update my review after we returned for our 4th trip with Absolute Adventure and our 3rd tour specifically with Arturo. This tour we went to Eden, Jaguar, and Dos Ojos Cenotes one day, and the Ek Balam Yucatec-Mayan ruins and the nearby cenote. We cannot recommend this company or Arturo enough. We have 3 kids and Arturo takes the time to speak with and teach each of them, and personally I love chatting with Arturo about the history of the area. And we always have a blast at the cenotes and love the places we go to for lunch.
Cory C –
Great family experience to Ek Balam and cenoteGreat experience with Arturo visiting the ruins at Ek Balam and the nearby cenote. Arturo was knowledgeable, very friendly and attentive to our needs and preferences which was no easy feat with a group of 10.
Lunch was delicious at a local restaurant with great facilities.
Kerri C –
Incredible Ek Balam and CenoteI didn’t see it on the list, but we actually went to Ek Balam and the Xcanche Cenote. INCREDIBLE! Loved the whole day. The hours flew by. Our guide, Artuero, was so happy and fun and knowledgeable. We got to climb clear up the main pyramid and look around for miles in every direction. The Cenote was the perfect temperature to explore and swim and jump off the sides for an hour. What an amazing day!
Susie –
We did two private tours whilst staying in Playacar with Absolute Adventure Mexico.
* Ek Balam ruins and Swim in Cenote full day private tour.
* Akumal Turtles Tour with the Yal-Ku lagoon half day private tour.
We thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, communication from the company was good, we were picked up on time from our hotel & Cristina our guide was very knowledgeable & easy going. An excellent way of learning more about Mexico’s past & present. All equipment for snorkelling was of a great standard & it was wonderful to see the wildlife in their own habitats. There were plenty of drinks onboard to keep you hydrated & snacks! If you were thinking of booking a private tour during your visit to Playacar we would certainly recommend this company.
Nadine –
My family and I absolutely loved every minute of our private tour to Ek Balam, along with the cenote swim and lunch on January 29, 2026! Thank you for making the day easy, fun and memorable! The McLeods and Lamirandes
Kelly –
Arturo is top tour guide
Arturo was top notch. He was knowledgeable, fun, professional and the ultimate host. We
had an unbelievable experience and I’d recommend Arturo to anyone.
syncsh1ps –
Amazing day at Ek Balam, Cenote and Valladolid with Arturo
My family had an amazing day with Arturo as our guide and Enrique as our driver visiting Ek Balam, a cenote nearby and then Valladolid from near Playa del Carmen. Arturo had excellent knowledge of Ek Balam and mayan history and culture. We so enjoyed his excellent touring, completely fluent English from many years in the U.S., and friendly, easygoing attitude. We had some dietary restrictions in our group, including vegetarians and pescatarian, and had lunch in Valladolid at Yerba Buena which was so delicious and had such a friendly ownership. The private tour was great and we felt Arturo gave us great attention and understanding of our needs. We would highly recommend Absolute Adventuree and would love to do another tour whenever we’re next in the area! Muchas gracias!
Jane –
Fantastic tour!
We had Arturo as our guide, and he was fantastic! Incredibly affable, knowledgeable,
perfect English, flexible, and delightful. We learned so much and had the most delightful day
from start to finish. I couldn’t recommend this company and this Guide more highly!
Jane –
my family and I had the most amazing day with Arturo. He was so knowledgeable, friendly, engaging and delightful. We visited Ek Balam and learned so much, swam in a beautiful cenote, and then had American a delicious vegetarian lunch to wander around Valladolid. It was a perfect day from start to finish!
Heather –
Would recommend.
Took a trip to Ek Balam and cenote with Otoro. He was knowledgeable, accommodating, and personable. One of our group members were diabetic – he noticed and offered to take snacks/ juice with us on our walk. Also provided snacks and cold drinks while in the van. Offered to hold bags and belongings during the cenote swim. Could also leave belongings in the van with the driver. Took group photos for us throughout the tour. Driver was cautious and ride was smooth. Offered to stop multiple times for bathroom breaks.
Cenote had a changing area with showers to rinse off bug spray and sunscreen before swimming. Life jackets were mandatory.
Stopped at an authentic Mexican restaurant on the way back. Shared a family style platter (with a plethora of foods) with the guide and driver. Was delicious and was nice to try a variety of foods. Food was included but paid for drinks.
Gio –
Juan was the best tour guide we could have possibly asked for! He was knowledgeable and kind and went to every effort to make sure our trip to Ek Balam was perfect. Truly exceeded our expectations, I would leave more than 5 stars if I could.
Monica –
We booked a tour to Ek Balam with a Cenote swim. It was the best money we spent this vacation! Anturo was an incredible guide. Knowledgeable, funny, and kind. At Ek Balam, he gave us exactly the right amount of information, answered all of our questions and their were EIGHT of us, from 10 to 74-years old. He was so patient with different abilities and interest and when my 10-year-old son was scared coming down the Ek Balam Temple steps, he stayed right with him and encouraged him down all 76 steps. Everything was seamless and the restaurant we ate at was so good, I’d book the tour again to have the food. It was well worth the money for the private tour and I saw lots of people listening to our tour as we walked around. It was so nice to go at our own pace and be able to accommodate our whole group. 110% recommend Absolute Adventure and will book with them next time we’re here!
elC3604CS –
Exceptional tours and fantastic experiences in Mexico
We did 3 full day tours with Absolute Adventure (Tulum, Chechen Itza, Ek Balam).
Our guides Christina and Arthuro were fantastic. They explained us lot of historical events, answered to so many questions we had on Mexico. They took care of us when swimming in the denotes and when we climbed the Ek Balam temple. The restaurants for lunch were also well chosen : good Mexican foods, pleasant places.
Our driver (Marius) was also perfect !
Don’t hesitate to book a tour with Absolute Adventure !
Licia –
Wonderful private tour of Ek Balam ruins with a driver and very informative guide. We were able to climb on parts of the ruins and our guide Arturo was very informative about the site and very helpful. The swim in the nearby Cenote was amazing. Our driver Rodrigo stayed with the van the entire time with our belonging and Arturo helped us traverse the Cenote, where we stayed a while because it was beautiful and refreshing. We stopped for a really good lunch at a restaurant in town on the way back. All in all this was probably the best tour we’ve ever have had in Mexico, the others were to Tulum and Chichen Itza with other companies.
Pioneer64027497285 –
Excellent Ek Balam private tour with Cenote swim
The tour was wonderful from the first minute. Our guide Arturo and driver Rodrigo were right on time to pick us up at an out of the way hotel. Arturo was very informative during the tour with answers to all our questions. We were able to climb on parts of the Ek Balam ruins. The swim in the nearby Cenote was also amazing. We spent a while as it was beautiful & refreshing. Arturo took photos for us & helped us traverse the Cenote. On the way back we stopped for a great lunch at a small restaurant in town. Rodrigo never left the van with all our belongings and Arturo was very kind. This was probably the single best tour we’ve ever had in Mexico compared to past tours with other companies to Tulum & Chichen Itza
Janice –
Absolute Adventures was fantastic! We did not want to do the cenote that was with the Ek Balam tour so they allowed us to change it to another cenote more appropriate for the young children with us. Arturo was our guide and he was very knowledgeable and wonderful to us, especially the children. I highly recommend this company, and I would ask for Arturo every time!
Robert –
An experience to remember! What a wonderful adventure. Climbing the ruins and swimming in the Cenote were both
unforgettable experiences, and our tour guides (Juan and Arturo) were both
knowledgeable and friendly. Overall, a terrific day we’ll never forget.
Amanda –
We were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of Ek Balam. We climbed the main pyramid and had the view to ourselves. Biking to the cenote was such a fun touch, and the swim unforgettable! Our guide made everything run perfectly—never rushed.