Explore the rich cultural heritage of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with a full-day tour to the renowned Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and EkBalam. This comprehensive excursion offers a chance to uncover the mysteries of these ancient sites, while also indulging in the refreshing waters of a cenote. With guided visits, transportation, and bilingual commentary, the tour ensures an informative and seamless experience. However, the true allure of this journey lies in the opportunity to take in the captivating history and natural wonders that have captivated travelers for centuries.
Key Points
- The tour explores the renowned Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ekbalam, providing insights into their architecture and cultural heritage.
- Participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote, a natural swimming hole.
- The tour includes a live tour guide, providing commentary in English and Spanish, as well as bottled water and air-conditioned transportation.
- A buffet lunch is provided as part of the tour package.
- Pickup and meeting points are available in the Vidanta Area, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and Tulum.
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Tour Details
This full-day tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the renowned Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and EkBalam, along with a refreshing dip in a cenote. Guests can check availability and reserve their spot, paying later.
The tour is valid for one day and includes a live tour guide who provides commentary in English and Spanish. Inclusions cover all guided visits, cenote entry, bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a buffet lunch.
Highlights include discovering Mayan culture and history, swimming in a cenote, and immersing oneself in the captivating ruins.
Pickup and meeting point details are provided, with recommended attire and a note about needing cash for state taxes.
Inclusions
The tour package includes all guided visits to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and EkBalam, as well as entry to a refreshing cenote.
Plus, it provides bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation. A buffet lunch is also included, allowing visitors to refuel during their cultural exploration.
With a live tour guide providing insights in English and Spanish, guests can explore the rich history and heritage of these remarkable Mayan sites.
Whether exploring the iconic El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza or discovering the lesser-known EkBalam, this comprehensive tour ensures a truly immersive experience, seamlessly combining sightseeing, swimming, and sustenance for an unforgettable day.
Highlights
Exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and EkBalam sits at the heart of this captivating tour, allowing visitors to uncover the rich cultural heritage of these remarkable archaeological sites.
Guests can enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture and learn about the intricate history through the guidance of a live tour leader.
The highlight of the day is a refreshing swim in a stunning cenote, a natural swimming hole formed by a collapsed limestone cave. This unique experience offers a chance to cool off and connect with the Mayan world in an intimate way.
Throughout the tour, travelers will gain deeper insights into the fascinating Mayan culture and its enduring legacy.
Pickup and Meeting Point
The tour offers pickup from hotel lobbies or a designated meeting point in the Vidanta Area, with no pickup service available from Puerto Morelos to Cancun.
Pickup times are scheduled between 6:00-7:00 AM for Playa del Carmen and 6:30-7:30 AM for Akumal and Tulum, with a meeting point in Tulum Downtown/Hotel Zone at the Super Market Super Aki at 7:30 AM.
This convenient transportation service ensures that guests are promptly transported to the tour’s starting point, allowing them to fully focus on the exciting activities and discoveries that await at Chichen Itza and Ekbalam.
The clear pickup and meeting details provided enable participants to plan their day seamlessly.
Important Information
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, swimwear, and a change of clothes are recommended for the tour.
Participants should also be prepared to pay the state taxes for entering Chichen Itza and Ekbalam, which amount to 1145 MXN per person in cash.
This full-day excursion includes guided visits to the Mayan ruins, a refreshing swim in a cenote, a buffet lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Visitors can expect to learn about the rich Mayan culture and history throughout the tour.
It’s important to note that no pickups are provided from Puerto Morelos to Cancun, and the meeting point in Tulum is at Super Market Super Aki at 7:30 AM.
Visiting Chichen Itza
When visiting Chichen Itza, one of the most impressive and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico, travelers can expect to be captivated by the grandeur and historical significance of the ancient structures.
Towering over the lush jungle landscape, the iconic El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, is the centerpiece of the site. Visitors can:
- Admire the intricate carvings and detailed architecture that showcase the Mayan’s advanced engineering and mathematical skills.
- Explore the Great Ball Court, the largest of its kind in Mesoamerica, where the ancient Mayan ball game was played.
Visitors can also:
- Discover the Temple of Warriors, with its impressive columns and carved warriors.
- Witness the remarkable acoustic properties of the site, where a clap at the base of the pyramid can be heard at the top.
Exploring EkBalam
Along With the grandeur of Chichen Itza, the tour also takes visitors to the lesser-known but equally captivating Mayan ruins of EkBalam.
Situated in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, EkBalam boasts a unique blend of architectural styles and intricate carvings that offer a glimpse into the advanced civilization that once thrived in the region.
Guests can explore the impressive Acropolis, which features a towering pyramid and elaborate stucco friezes depicting Mayan deities and warriors.
The site also houses several ball courts, temples, and ceremonial platforms, all meticulously preserved and waiting to be discovered.
With its rich history and well-preserved structures, EkBalam provides a fascinating counterpoint to the more famous Chichen Itza, offering visitors a chance to delve deeper into the Mayan past.
Swimming in Cenote
One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to swim in a cenote, a natural swimming hole formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that reveals a subterranean river or lake.
This refreshing dip allows visitors to escape the heat and explore the unique geological formations and crystal-clear waters.
The tour includes entry to the cenote, where travelers can:
- Admire the stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cave walls.
- Cool off in the refreshing waters, which maintain a constant temperature of around 25°C (77°F).
- Spot native wildlife, such as fish and birds, that inhabit the cenote.
- Relax and rejuvenate before continuing the exploration of the Mayan ruins.
This cenote swim is a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, though a buffet lunch is included in the tour price. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is permitted, providing guests with more flexibility during the day’s activities.
Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age limit or restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the activities may not be suitable for very young children, and parental supervision is advised.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 20 people. The exact number can vary depending on demand and bookings. The tour operator give you an intimate experience while ensuring efficient logistics and transportation.
Can I Extend My Stay at the Sites or Cenote?
No, the tour does not allow for extended stays at the sites or cenote. It is a full-day tour with set schedules and itinerary. Guests must follow the tour group’s timeline to visit all the included attractions.
Is There a Cancellation or Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to receive a full refund if they cancel 24 hours before the scheduled departure. There are no refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
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Recap
This full-day tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the renowned Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and EkBalam, offering insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Participants can enjoy a refreshing swim in a cenote and savor a delicious buffet lunch.
The tour includes guided visits, transportation, and commentary in both English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for visitors.