Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote- Small Group

Exploring the ancient Mayan wonders of Mexico, the "Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote – Small Group" tour offers an enriching experience for travelers. From the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza to the well-preserved ruins of Ek Balam, this carefully curated itinerary immerses guests in the captivating history and stunning natural landscapes of the region. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the tour concludes with a refreshing swim in the mesmerizing Hubiku Cenote, where limestone formations and crystal-clear waters await. With a personalized touch and a maximum group size of 14, this adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse into Mexico’s extraordinary Mayan heritage.

Key Points

• This small group tour covers visits to the iconic Chichen Itza, Ek Balam ruins, and the refreshing Hubiku Cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula.
• The tour has a high traveler recommendation rate of 92% and operates with a maximum group size of 14 from Playa del Carmen.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, meals, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide to enhance the cultural experience.
• The early start allows exploring the sites before crowds arrive, though some travelers have noted long travel times and vehicle comfort concerns.
• Families are advised to consider this tour, but to prepare for the heat and bring necessary supplies like water, snacks, and comfortable shoes.

Tour Overview and Details

This tour includes visits to the renowned archaeological sites of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, as well as the Hubiku Cenote.

With a traveler recommendation rate of 92% across 152 reviews, the tour has earned a Badge of Excellence. It operates from Playa del Carmen, accommodating a maximum of 14 travelers per group.

The access fee to Chichen Itza is $40 USD per adult and $5 USD per child, while the Hubiku Cenote entrance fee and taxes are included. Ek Balam’s archaeological zone entrance is also covered.

The tour price is €163.11 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the Riviera Maya area, covering locations from Moon Palace to Tulum. Additional charges apply for transportation from Cancun City ($15 USD per person) and Playa Mujeres ($20 USD per person). The tour provides a professional guide, lunch (buffet), breakfast, juice, one piece of fruit, cookies, and bottled water. Travelers will ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, and infant seats are available upon request.

Inclusions	Amenities
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch (buffet)	Confirmation at booking
Breakfast, juice, fruit, cookies	Infant seats available
Bottled water	Professional guide
Entrance fees

Schedule and Timing

Pickup time is confirmed after booking.

The tour operates on a specific schedule, with departures from Monday to Friday. On Mondays and Thursdays, the tour runs from 5:00 AM to 7:30 AM, while on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the tour runs from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

This early start ensures visitors can explore the sites before the crowds arrive.

The tour itinerary includes visits to Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote, providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s top attractions.

Travelers should arrive at the designated pickup location on time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the tour’s knowledgeable guides, who provide cultural insights and humor throughout the experience. Travelers particularly enjoyed the Hubiku Cenote and the included buffet lunch. However, some expressed concerns about long travel times and vehicle comfort. Feedback indicates mixed experiences regarding tour routing and guide communication, especially for non-native speakers. To provide a more personalized experience, smaller group tours may be preferable. The tour receives strong recommendations, especially for families, though visitors should prepare for the heat at the sites and bring necessary supplies.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback	Recommendations
Knowledgeable guides	Long travel times	Smaller group tours
Cultural insights	Vehicle comfort	Prepare for heat
Enjoyable sites	Routing issues	Bring supplies
Hubiku Cenote	Communication challenges	Consider travel times
Buffet lunch

Recommendations and Considerations

Families are recommended to consider this tour, though visitors should be mindful of the heat at the sites.

Bringing water, snacks, and comfortable shoes for climbing is advisable. While the tour generally runs smoothly, some travelers experienced delays due to routing, so it’s worth inquiring about travel times.

Guides should ensure clear communication, especially for non-native speakers. For a more personalized experience, smaller group tours may be preferable.

Site Highlights: Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, the iconic archaeological site in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of the Maya civilization.

Visitors are awed by the imposing El Castillo pyramid, a stunning example of Mesoamerican architecture. The site also features the impressive Great Ball Court, where ancient Mayan sports were played.

Explorers can wander through the Temple of Warriors, with its intricate carvings, and the atmospheric Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole that held religious significance.

Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the site’s history and cultural significance, enhancing the overall experience for travelers.

Site Highlights: Ek Balam

Ek Balam, another significant Mayan archaeological site included in the tour, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient civilization.

Highlights of the Ek Balam experience include:

• Exploring the well-preserved ruins, including the impressive 100-foot tall Acropolis structure, which features intricate carvings and sculptures.
• Learning about the site’s history and the powerful Ek Balam dynasty that ruled the region.
• Climbing to the top of the Acropolis for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle landscape.
• Witnessing the impressive "Chac Mool" statue, a symbolic representation of the Mayan rain god.

The inclusion of Ek Balam adds cultural depth and variety to the tour, offering travelers a chance to delve deeper into the Mayan heritage.

Site Highlights: Hubiku Cenote

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to the Hubiku Cenote, a stunning natural sinkhole where travelers can cool off and explore the crystal-clear waters.

The entrance fee to the cenote is included in the tour price, providing access to this picturesque swimming hole. Visitors can take a refreshing dip, admire the limestone formations, and appreciate the serene, natural setting.

The cenote offers a welcome respite from the heat and a chance to experience the region’s unique geological features.

With its inclusion in the tour itinerary, the Hubiku Cenote adds an enjoyable and relaxing element to the overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be the best fit for travelers with mobility issues. While the itinerary includes some walking, the sites can be challenging to navigate for those with limited mobility. Travelers should check with the tour operator for accessibility details.

Are There Any Stops for Shopping or Souvenirs Along the Tour Route?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any scheduled stops for shopping or purchasing souvenirs. However, travelers may have opportunities to browse local vendors at some sites, though this isn’t a primary focus of the excursion.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites or Activities?

The tour may not be customized to include additional sites or activities. However, travelers can inquire about adding optional stops for shopping or souvenirs at the time of booking, which may incur extra charges.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any senior or student discounts. However, they may consider providing discounts for larger groups or if customers book well in advance. It’s best to inquire directly about any potential savings.

Can the Tour Be Booked as a Private Experience for a Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked as a private experience for a group. Private tours offer more flexibility and personalized attention, but they may cost more than the standard small group option.

The Sum Up

This small group tour offers an immersive exploration of Mexico’s Mayan heritage. Travelers will marvel at the iconic pyramids of Chichen Itza, uncover the mysteries of Ek Balam, and relax in the serene Hubiku Cenote. With personalized attention and a maximum group size of 14, this adventure provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the rich history and natural wonders of this captivating region.