Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Ekbalam Ruins with Cenote Cave

Exploring the Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Tour: A Practical Guide for Curious Travelers

Our review of this full-day tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam offers a thorough look at a balanced, authentic experience designed for those who want more than just rushing through Mayan ruins. While we haven’t personally taken this exact excursion, the detailed itinerary, reviews, and features paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What we appreciate most about this tour is its focus on cultural and historical depth—guided explanations that go beyond surface-level sightseeing—and the fact that it avoids the typical stop at souvenir shops. Plus, the included buffet lunch and cenote swim add moments of refreshment and relaxation.

One consideration is the cost of the site taxes, which are not included in the base price ($740 MXN for Chichen Itza and MX$510 for Ek Balam per person), so travelers should budget accordingly. This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, well-organized day that combines history, nature, and culture without feeling rushed or superficial.

If you’re interested in exploring Yucatec Maya sites with a knowledgeable guide, and want a full day packed with activity and learning, this tour could be an excellent fit.

Key Points

• Early Access to Chichen Itza allows you to beat the crowds and enjoy the site with fewer visitors.
• The guided tour emphasizes cultural and historical insights rather than commercial stops or shopping.
• An included buffet lunch and bottled water make the day more comfortable and convenient.
• Visiting Ek Balam offers a less crowded alternative to Chichen Itza, with impressive carvings and the opportunity to climb the Acropolis.
• The cenote swim at Hubiku provides a refreshing break and a chance to experience a natural wonder.
• The entire trip lasts about 11 to 12 hours, ideal for a full-day adventure with transportation included.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Pickup and Transportation

Starting from Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation, which makes the long day more comfortable. With a group size limited to 18 travelers, you’ll likely find a more intimate, less overwhelming atmosphere—something we always recommend for sightseeing tours.

The logistics are smooth: the day begins early to maximize time at each site, and the return is conveniently back at the original meeting point. The total duration, including travel, is roughly 11 to 12 hours, so prepare for a full day, but one packed with memorable moments.

Chichen Itza: Early Access and Guided Tour

Arriving early at Chichen Itza, you’ll enjoy a rare moment of tranquility before the crowds arrive. The guided tour lasts about 2 hours, covering highlights like La Iglesia, Las Monjas, and the Observatory. The guides provide detailed explanations about the purpose of each structure and their significance in Mayan culture, making the visit educational rather than just sightseeing.

While admission tickets are not included in the price (and currently require a MX$740 MXN fee), the early access allows you to take in the grandeur of the site more comfortably. According to reviews, visitors appreciated the early start as it provided a more intimate experience.

Cenote Hubiku: Refreshing Swim and Lunch

After exploring Chichen Itza, the tour heads to Cenote Hubiku for about 1 hour 30 minutes. Here, you can take a dip into the crystal-clear waters under spectacular stalactites—something we think adds a nice natural contrast to the ancient ruins.

The buffet lunch at the cenote restaurant is included in the tour price, saving time and hassle. The food is typically straightforward and satisfying, perfect after a morning of walking and exploration. Bottled water is provided on board, helping you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Ek Balam: Off-the-Beaten-Path Mayan Site

Next is Ek Balam, a site less visited than Chichen Itza but equally impressive. The carvings are well-preserved, and the jungle setting enhances its authentic feel. Climbing the Acropolis pyramid is a highlight—offering views that are worth the climb and an exciting experience for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.

While admission to Ek Balam is free, the site tax of MX$510 MXN is not included in the tour fee. Reviews describe Ek Balam as a “hidden gem” and a delight for those wanting to avoid larger crowds. The guide’s explanations enrich the experience, bringing to life the history and significance of this less-commercialized site.

The Overall Experience

Travelers often comment on how well-organized and informative this tour is. The small group size ensures more personalized attention. The transportation is reliable, and the schedule allows enough time at each stop for meaningful visits rather than rushed photo ops.

Given the price point of $133.51 per person, considering the included buffet lunch, transportation, guided tours, and cenote swim, this experience offers solid value—especially when you factor in the early access to Chichen Itza, which is a significant perk.

What People Say

Most reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the well-paced schedule as top advantages. One reviewer noted, “The early access made all the difference—seeing the site with fewer people was fantastic.” Others appreciated the cenote swim as a refreshing highlight after the walking-heavy day.

A few travelers mention the additional site taxes as an extra cost, so planning ahead is wise. Also, some suggested bringing water shoes for the cenote and comfortable walking shoes for the ruins.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: The tour begins early—pickups are arranged from your Playa del Carmen hotel or the designated meeting point, Coco Bongo.
• Duration: Expect around 11 to 12 hours total, so prepare for a full day of activity.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness is recommended, especially for climbing at Ek Balam and walking around the ruins.
• Costs to Remember: Site taxes are not included (MX$740 for Chichen Itza and MX$510 for Ek Balam). Budget about $75 USD extra for these.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear for the cenote, and some cash for the taxes if you haven’t prepaid.
• Group Size: Limited to 18 travelers, which is ideal for a more personal experience.

Is This Tour For You?

This tour suits travelers looking for a comprehensive, guided experience of the Mayan archaeological sites without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid tourist traps and prefer learning from knowledgeable guides. If you value early access and want to beat the crowds, this option is hard to beat.

However, if you’re sensitive to long days or prefer self-guided exploration at your own pace, this might feel a bit packed. Also, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious experience—this is straightforward, practical, and focused on cultural authenticity.

FAQs

Does the tour include transportation? Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation from Playa del Carmen, starting at Coco Bongo.

How long is the entire trip? Expect about 11 to 12 hours, including travel time, visits, and meals.

What is included in the price? The tour includes guided visits, the cenote swim, a buffet lunch, bottled water, and transportation.

Are site entrance fees included? No. You need to pay additional taxes for Chichen Itza (MX$740 MXN) and Ek Balam (MX$510 MXN), paid on the day of the visit.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility? It requires moderate physical activity, including climbing, so travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sun protection, swimwear for the cenote, cash for taxes, and a camera.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is early access important? Absolutely—arriving early helps avoid crowds and provides a more intimate experience at Chichen Itza.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam with Cenote Cave offers a practical, well-rounded experience for travelers eager to explore the Yucatán’s iconic ruins and natural wonders. The focus on cultural insights, timed early access, and natural refreshment makes it a compelling choice for those seeking an authentic, educational day out.

The inclusion of a buffet lunch, guided explanations, and the small group size collectively create a smooth and engaging experience. While the extra site taxes and the full-day length are aspects to plan for, many find the value for the price to be quite good.

In short, if you want to see the main Mayan sites without feeling rushed and enjoy a mix of history, nature, and culture, this tour is a solid pick—especially for first-timers and history buffs alike.