Ek Balam ruins and Swim in Cenote
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.
- 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 awe-inspiring views and take incredible shots.
- Breathtaking Cenote: The perfect spot to cool off after the ruins!
- Lunch at local restaurant: Mexican flavors await you!
- 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 and more.
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!
- Description
- Price Includes
- General Info
- Itinerary
- What to Bring
- Reviews
Ek Balam Private Tour: Climb the Pyramid, Discover Hidden Ruins, Swim in a Cenote
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.
Explore the Ek Balam Ruins with Your Private Guide
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.
Refresh in the Cenote X’Canché
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.
Enjoy a Mexican Lunch in Temozón
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.
Why Choose Our Ek Balam Private Tour?
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.
Other Private Tours You May Like
- Ek Balam Only Private Tour: Focus exclusively on the ruins with a personalized guided experience (no cenote).
- Chichen Itza Cenote & Valladolid Private Tour: Explore the ruins, swim in a cenote and enjoy Valladolid’s colonial charm.
- Tulum & Cenote Private Tour: Discover the stunning Tulum ruins combined with a refreshing cenote swim.
- Coba & Cenote Private Tour: Visit the impressive Coba ruins and cool off in a secluded cenote.
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
- All entrance fees
- Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
- Bicycle rental to go to the cenote (we can also go to the cenote by car
- Life vests
- Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
- Coffee and snacks in the van
- Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte
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: 10 hours
- Physicality: Easy
- Age: All ages
- Snorkeling: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
- Which cenote will you visit? You will visit cenote X’Canché which is located near the ruins.
- What’s on the menu? Selection of best specialities from Yucatan Cuisime… with vegetarian, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!
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 – 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.
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!
49 reviews for Ek Balam ruins and Swim in Cenote
You must be logged in to post a review.
- Description
- Price Includes
- General Info
- Itinerary
- What to Bring
- Reviews
Ek Balam Private Tour: Climb the Pyramid, Discover Hidden Ruins, Swim in a Cenote
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.
1. Explore the Ek Balam Ruins with Your Private Guide
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.
2. Refresh in the Cenote X’Canché
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.
3. Enjoy a Traditional Lunch in Temozón
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.
Why Choose Our Ek Balam Private Tour?
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.
Other Private Tours You May Like
- Ek Balam Only Private Tour: Focus exclusively on the ruins with a personalized guided experience (no cenote).
- Chichen Itza Cenote & Valladolid Private Tour: Explore the ruins, swim in a cenote and enjoy Valladolid’s colonial charm.
- Tulum & Cenote Private Tour: Discover the stunning Tulum ruins combined with a refreshing cenote swim.
- Coba & Cenote Private Tour: Visit the impressive Coba ruins and cool off in a secluded cenote.
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
- All entrance fees
- Toll road when pick up from Playa del Carmen and Cancun
- Bicycle rental to go to the cenote (we can also go to the cenote by car
- Life vests
- Cool drinks in the van (waters, soda)
- Coffee and snacks in the van
- Lunch in a restaurant with one main course a la carte
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: 10 hours
- Physicality: Easy
- Age: All ages
- Snorkeling: Basic swimming skills required. This excursion suits everyone from novices to experts.
- Which cenote will you visit? You will visit cenote X’Canché which is located near the ruins.
- What’s on the menu? Selection of best specialities from Yucatan Cuisime… with vegetarian, chicken & meat options. With corn or flour tortillas. We can accommodate special diets and allergies, just let us know!
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 – 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.
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!
49 reviews for Ek Balam ruins and Swim in Cenote
-
The booking process was easy, with Claire answering my questions. We were picked up on time at the hotel lobby. Our guide was personable and informative. We were able to spend as much time as we wanted on each location. We liked the fact that we didn’t to take care of anything during the day. Thank you, the tour was totally worth it!
-
Husband and I enjoyed our tour very much had a wonderful guide very knowledgable. Had super nice lunch in a small village.
-
We did the Ek Balam and cenote tour and we couldn’t be happier! We enjoyed the ruins of Ek Balam early in the morning before other tourists. The Cenote was a blast ! Our guide Arturo was an excellent guide and was both knowledgeable and fun. We would highly recommend Absolute Adventure to anyone in the Riviera Maya!
-
Highly recommend this tour. The ruins are quite amazing, breathtaking really. The private guided tour was an absolute must.
-
Absolute Adventure met all our expectations. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable, the whole experience was incredibly simple and fun!
-
First we visited Ek Balam with our own informative guide which was great. After, we went to lunch nearby in Valladolid. It was a small, quiet place with local Mexican food and it was delicious. Then we snorkeled in an amazing cenote. It was one of the greatest experiences ever.
-
Had a great time walking around this fascinating place. We were the first ones onsite! Arturo was an excellent guide.
-
I will start by saying hands down the tour is worth it! I was a little hestitant at first because of the cost. However, after the day I would say I would do it again over and over again. The tour was worth every penny! Claire made the booking super easy and answered my questions though email almost immediately! They picked us up right on time and catered to us all day long. We were able to spend as much time or as little time as we wanted.
-
This tour company is well-run, and we felt comfortable in their nice vehicle driving 2 hours to Ek Balam. The historic site and cenote were incredible, but we also appreciated the respect that the guide showed for the location and the people. After the tour, we went to a tremendous local restaurant for a feast, which was right on time after our morning adventure. Thank you for your time and care Arturo!
You must be logged in to post a review.
FAQ Ek Balam Cenote Private Tour
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.
Shahram –
The booking process was easy, with Claire answering my questions. We were picked up on time at the hotel lobby. Our guide was personable and informative. We were able to spend as much time as we wanted on each location. We liked the fact that we didn’t to take care of anything during the day. Thank you, the tour was totally worth it!
Pat –
Husband and I enjoyed our tour very much had a wonderful guide very knowledgable. Had super nice lunch in a small village.
Alexander –
We did the Ek Balam and cenote tour and we couldn’t be happier! We enjoyed the ruins of Ek Balam early in the morning before other tourists. The Cenote was a blast ! Our guide Arturo was an excellent guide and was both knowledgeable and fun. We would highly recommend Absolute Adventure to anyone in the Riviera Maya!
Cindy –
Highly recommend this tour. The ruins are quite amazing, breathtaking really. The private guided tour was an absolute must.
Brit –
Absolute Adventure met all our expectations. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable, the whole experience was incredibly simple and fun!
Julia –
First we visited Ek Balam with our own informative guide which was great. After, we went to lunch nearby in Valladolid. It was a small, quiet place with local Mexican food and it was delicious. Then we snorkeled in an amazing cenote. It was one of the greatest experiences ever.
Robert –
Had a great time walking around this fascinating place. We were the first ones onsite! Arturo was an excellent guide.
Michelle –
I will start by saying hands down the tour is worth it! I was a little hestitant at first because of the cost. However, after the day I would say I would do it again over and over again. The tour was worth every penny! Claire made the booking super easy and answered my questions though email almost immediately! They picked us up right on time and catered to us all day long. We were able to spend as much time or as little time as we wanted.
Arthur –
This tour company is well-run, and we felt comfortable in their nice vehicle driving 2 hours to Ek Balam. The historic site and cenote were incredible, but we also appreciated the respect that the guide showed for the location and the people. After the tour, we went to a tremendous local restaurant for a feast, which was right on time after our morning adventure. Thank you for your time and care Arturo!