The ancient Mayan ruins of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza hold a captivating allure, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of a civilization that once thrived in the Yucatan peninsula. Complemented by a refreshing swim in the serene Cenote Chichikan and a delectable Mexican buffet lunch, this tour promises an immersive experience that delves deeper into the Mayan traditions and history. Priced competitively with flexible booking options, the tour presents an opportunity to uncover the mysteries of these iconic archaeological sites and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Maya. What secrets might these ruins hold, waiting to be uncovered?
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Buffet Experiences In Cancun.
Key Points
- This tour offers an exploration of the iconic Mayan sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, including a refreshing swim in a cenote and a delicious Mexican buffet lunch.
- The tour is priced at €70.67 per person, offering up to 10% savings compared to booking the activities separately.
- The tour includes a professional bilingual guide, admission fees, and transportation, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to pay later.
- Highlights of the tour include immersion in Mayan culture, learning about the history and traditions, and marveling at the impressive Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza.
- The tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or unable to handle the level of physical activity required, such as walking and standing.
Overview
This tour offers travelers the opportunity to explore some of Mexico’s most iconic Mayan sites, including Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, while also providing a refreshing swim in a cenote and a delicious Mexican buffet lunch.
Priced at just €70.67 per person, this 12-hour tour is a great value, with savings of up to 10% compared to booking separately. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later, making it a convenient option.
With a professional bilingual guide, admission fees, and transportation included, this tour provides a comprehensive experience that delves into Mayan culture and showcases some of the region’s natural wonders.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cancun.
Highlights
Embarking on this captivating tour, visitors can enjoy the rich Mayan culture as they explore the archaeological wonders of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, two of Mexico’s most iconic ancient sites.
Highlights include taking a refreshing swim in the serene Cenote Chichi Kan, savoring a delectable Mexican buffet lunch, and learning about Mayan history and traditions from the knowledgeable guide.
At Chichen Itza, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, visitors can marvel at the impressive Kukulkan Pyramid.
The tour also includes a visit to the intriguing archaeological site of Ek Balam, where guests can uncover the secrets of this ancient Mayan city.
Itinerary
The tour begins at the selected pickup location, where participants venture to the archaeological site of Ek Balam. There, they enjoy a guided tour and sightseeing for approximately 1.5 hours, seeing the rich Mayan history and culture.
Next, the group travels to the renowned Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, where they’ll have a photo stop, guided tour, and free time to explore the iconic structures.
After, they head to the refreshing Cenote Chichikan in Valladolid, where they can take a break, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch, and have free time to swim and shop.
The tour concludes with drop-offs at 7 different locations in the area.
Pickup Locations
According to the information provided, the tour offers a range of pickup locations across Cancún, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen, allowing participants to conveniently access the day’s activities.
The available pickup points include:
- InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort
- Crazy Hot Coyote
- Villas Del Rey
- Plaza las Perlas
This diverse selection of locations ensures that guests can easily join the tour, regardless of their starting point within the region. The tour’s flexibility in pickup arrangements contributes to a seamless and personalized experience for all participants.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions
This tour includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities to enhance the overall experience. Participants receive hotel pickup (if selected), a professional bilingual guide, admission to the cenote, a buffet lunch, and entrance tickets to both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam archaeological sites. Plus, the tour provides drinks, as well as mandatory lockers and life vests for the cenote activities. Notably, the archaeological site tax of $60 USD is also covered in the tour’s inclusions.
What’s Included | Details |
---|---|
Transportation | Hotel pickup (if selected) |
Guide | Professional, bilingual |
Admission | Cenote, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam |
Meal | Buffet lunch |
Extras | Drinks, lockers, life vests, archaeological tax |
Exclusions
What’s not included in this tour? The tour doesn’t cover personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional activities not mentioned in the inclusions.
Guests are responsible for their own:
- Transportation to/from the starting/pickup location
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
- Any other expenses not explicitly listed as included
While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, it’s important to be aware of these exclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip. Knowing what’s not covered allows travelers to plan accordingly and budget effectively for their visit to Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, and the cenote.
Tour Duration
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, providing ample time for visitors to explore the archaeological sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, as well as enjoy a refreshing swim in the Cenote Chichikan.
The itinerary is carefully designed to allow guests to fully enjoy the Mayan culture and history.
After a guided tour of Ek Balam, the group will head to the iconic Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for a photo stop and more in-depth exploration.
The final stop is the Cenote Chichikan, where visitors can take a break, savor a Mexican buffet lunch, and cool off with a swim in the natural wonder.
Suitability
Wheelchair users may find this tour challenging, as the itinerary includes navigating through archaeological sites and accessing the Cenote Chichikan, which may have limited accessibility.
However, the tour may be suitable for other travelers, depending on their physical abilities and mobility needs. Some key considerations for potential participants include:
- The uneven terrain and stairs at Ek Balam and Chichen Itza may pose difficulties for those with limited mobility.
- The Cenote Chichikan requires descending stairs and swimming, which may not be feasible for all participants.
The tour involves a significant amount of walking and standing, which could be tiring for some individuals.
Participants should be comfortable with the level of physical activity involved throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary is generally fixed, but some flexibility may be possible. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about customization options and any additional fees that may apply.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors on this tour. Children aged 5-11 receive a 15% discount, while seniors 65+ get a 10% discount. The operator offers these reduced rates to accommodate all traveler types.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?
The tour spends approximately 1.5 hours at Ek Balam, 2 hours at Chichen Itza, and 3 hours at the Cenote Chichikan, which includes a buffet lunch. The exact time spent at each site may vary slightly.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Participants can’t bring their own food or drinks on this tour. A Mexican buffet lunch is provided as part of the package. Outside food and beverages are not allowed to be brought into the tour sites.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?
The tour is available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. Customers can request their preferred language when booking the tour, and a bilingual guide will lead the group in the selected language.
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers an immersive exploration of Mayan heritage.
Visitors will marvel at the iconic sites of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, cool off with a refreshing swim in Cenote Chichikan, and savor a delectable Mexican buffet lunch.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides valuable insights into Mayan history and culture, culminating in a visit to the impressive Kukulkan Pyramid.
With cost-effective pricing and flexible booking options, this tour provides an exceptional value for a truly memorable experience.
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