Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour

The Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour offers an enticing package for those seeking to explore the captivating history and natural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula. Priced at $85.00, the tour provides early access to the enigmatic Ek Balam site, a guided exploration of the iconic Chichen Itza, a refreshing swim in the serene Cenote Saamal, and a delectable buffet lunch. With personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, this cultural and historical adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But what makes this tour truly stand out? The answer lies in the carefully curated itinerary and the opportunity to take in the region’s rich tapestry of ancient civilizations and natural beauty.

Key Points

• This tour offers early access to the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, followed by a guided exploration of the UNESCO site Chichen Itza.
• Participants can swim in the Cenote Saamal and enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch as part of the experience.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, entry tickets, and all necessary equipment for the cenote swim.
• With a maximum group size of 15, the tour give you a personalized experience for travelers.
• The tour has received generally positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, but some reports of communication and logistical issues.

Tour Overview

This tour, titled "Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour," is based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

It’s operated by Amigo Tours and boasts 549 reviews with a 4.5/5 rating. Priced from $85.00, the tour includes round transportation, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, tickets to Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, admission to a cenote, and archeological site taxes.

The key highlights are early access to explore Ek Balam, a guided tour of the Chichen Itza UNESCO site, and a refreshing swim in the Cenote Saamal, followed by a Mexican buffet lunch.

The tour lasts a full day and offers pickup and drop-off at hotels or specified meeting points.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour offers an in-depth exploration of Mayan heritage, beginning with early access to Ek Balam, one of the significant sites of the Tlalol Kingdom. Visitors can climb the pyramids for panoramic views of the ancient city.

The tour then proceeds to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza, where a guided tour sheds light on its role in Mayan society, including the iconic Kulkulcan Pyramid (El Castillo).

The experience culminates with a refreshing swim in the Cenote Saamal, followed by a delicious Mexican buffet lunch, providing a well-rounded immersion in Mayan culture and natural wonders.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup options for this tour include directly at the hotel or specified meeting points in Playa del Carmen. Guests will return to the original meeting point at the end of the tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Confirmations are provided at the time of booking, and free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the tour.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers. Discounts are available for Mexican nationals upon presentation of their identification.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, admission tickets to Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, access to the Cenote, life vests (mandatory), drinks, and all archeological site taxes.

Travelers can expect a comprehensive experience, with the tour covering the highlights of the region, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Ek Balam and the famous Chichen Itza.

The Cenote swim and Mexican buffet lunch provide a refreshing break and a chance to immerse in the local culture.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for those comfortable with moderate walking.

Advance booking is recommended to secure a spot on this popular excursion.

Pricing and Discounts

According to the information provided, the Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour is priced from $85.00 per person.

The tour includes round transportation, a bilingual guide, a buffet lunch, admission tickets to Ek Balam and Chichen Itza, access to the Cenote, life vests, drinks, and archeological site taxes.

The provider, Amigo Tours, also offers discounts for Mexican nationals upon presentation of a valid ID.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Cancellation Policy

Amigo Tours offers a flexible cancellation policy for the Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour.

Travelers can cancel their tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. This policy provides customers with the flexibility to make changes to their plans without incurring any penalties.

The tour has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Plus, Mexican nationals can take advantage of discounted rates upon presentation of their identification.

This cancellation policy and group size information help ensure a smooth and enjoyable tour experience for all participants.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour offers a more personalized experience.

The small group size allows for easier navigation and better interaction with the knowledgeable bilingual guides.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Travelers should keep in mind that the tour involves various stops, including climbing pyramids, which may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Customer Feedback

Many travelers praised the knowledgeable guides, informative tours, and overall enjoyment of the sites on the Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour.

Specific guides like Manuel, Beto, and Isaac received commendations for their expertise.

However, some travelers reported last-minute cancellations and changes to the itinerary, leading to disappointment, particularly regarding the omission of Ek Balam for alternative stops like Valladolid.

Communication issues were also noted.

Despite these logistical challenges, the tour’s educational value and the quality of the guides highlighted in the positive feedback underscore the overall appeal of this immersive Mayan cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lunch Buffet Vegetarian-Friendly or Cater to Dietary Restrictions?

The tour’s buffet lunch is likely vegetarian-friendly and caters to various dietary restrictions, as is common for large-scale catered meals. However, the specifics of the menu and accommodations are not explicitly stated in the provided information.

What Language(S) Do the Guides Speak During the Tour?

The tour guides on this excursion are bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish to accommodate the diverse language backgrounds of participants. They provide informative commentary throughout the various sites visited during the day.

Are There Any Opportunities for Additional Activities or Stops Along the Way?

The tour offers opportunities for additional activities or stops, such as visiting the town of Valladolid or exploring other nearby cenotes, though the specific itinerary may vary depending on the tour provider and customer preferences.

How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Sites on One’s Own?

The tour provides limited free time for exploring the sites independently. According to the itinerary highlights, the focus is on guided tours, with specific durations allocated for each attraction. Travelers may have some flexibility to wander on their own within the scheduled time frames.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour to Operate?

The tour operator doesn’t specify a minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate. The tour will likely run as scheduled regardless of group size, though larger groups may provide a more social experience.

The Sum Up

The Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan sites and natural wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula. With early access to Ek Balam, a guided tour of Chichen Itza, a refreshing swim in a cenote, and a delicious buffet lunch, this tour provides a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience for travelers. The small group size ensures personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, making it an unforgettable adventure.