Explore EK BALAM
Ek Balam is an ancient Maya archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico, meaning “Black Jaguar” or “Star Jaguar”. It features the massive Acropolis pyramid, well-preserved stucco carvings, and a royal tomb, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Private Tour Today
Discover a different side of the Yucatan — one that is quieter, richer in detail, and deeply connected to Mayan heritage. Our Ek Balam Explore Mayan Tour from Tulum is more than a trip — it’s a personalized journey into history, culture, and nature.
Discover a Hidden Mayan Treasure with a Private Tour from Tulum
Escape the crowds and explore one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula with our Ek Balam Private Tour from Tulum. Designed for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and flexibility, this exclusive experience combines ancient history, jungle adventure, and a refreshing cenote swim — all in one unforgettable day.
With private transportation directly from your hotel in Tulum, you’ll enjoy a seamless journey into the heart of Mayan culture.
Explore Ek Balam – The Black Jaguar City
Step into the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam, one of the best-preserved and less crowded archaeological sites in Mexico. Known as the “City of the Black Jaguar,” Ek Balam offers a rare opportunity to climb its impressive structures and admire breathtaking jungle views from the top.
Suggested Itinerary
Day Trip
- Pickup from your hotel in Tulum
- Scenic drive to Ek Balam (approx. 2–2.5 hours)
- Guided or self-guided exploration of the ruins
- Visit to a nearby cenote for swimming
- Optional stop for local lunch (authentic Yucatecan cuisine)
- Return to Tulum
Who Is This Tour For?
Discover a different side of the Yucatan — one that is quieter, richer in detail, and deeply connected to Mayan heritage
Our Ek Balam Explore Mayan Tour from Tulum is more than a trip — it’s a personalized journey into history, culture, and nature..
This experience is ideal for:
- Travelers looking for less crowded ruins
- Couples seeking a romantic private tour
- Families wanting a safe and flexible itinerary
- Adventure lovers who enjoy history + nature
Info
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Good To Know
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What bring
- Tour Language: English / Spanish
- Tour Location(s): Riviera Maya
- Season: All year long
- Duration: 5 hours (approx.) (May vary depend of the selected tour)
- Minimum Age Requirement: 4 years old
- Hotel Pick-up Available: Yes (This price is for Hotels in Tulum Centro, Aldea Zama, Veleta, Beach Road)
if your hotel is outside of this area ask for more info price may vary - Good Physical Condition Required: Yes
- Suitable For Children : Yes
- Suitable For Elderly: Yes
- Pregnant Woman Allowed: Yes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Change of clothes
Biodegradable sunscreen
Beachwear
Cash (if you want buy)
Reusable water bottle
What You’ll See at the Ek Balam Ruins
Walking through Ek Balam feels like stepping back in time
Walking through Ek Balam feels like stepping back in time. Highlights of the archaeological site include:
Elaborate stucco carvings
Ek Balam is famous for its extraordinarily well-preserved facade decorations, including intricate jaguar motifs and stucco figures unlike anything found at other Mayan sites.
The Acropolis
One of the tallest Mayan structures in the entire region. Visitors are able to climb to the top for sweeping panoramic views over the surrounding jungle canopy.
The Tomb of King Ukit Kan Le’k Tok’
Discovered inside the Acropolis, this royal tomb was found with more than 7,000 ceremonial artifacts, including ceramics, coral, conch shells, and gold alloy pieces.
Temples and ball courts
Ek Balam is one of the few Mayan sites surrounded by a rare double defensive wall, a detail archaeologists still study today.
The twin city walls
Ek Balam is one of the few Mayan sites surrounded by a rare double defensive wall, a detail archaeologists still study today.
What You Can Do at Ek Balam
Is Ek Balam good for people who don’t like crowds? Yes — Ek Balam receives significantly fewer visitors than Chichén Itzá, making it ideal for travelers who want a more peaceful, personal experience.
1.Climb the Acropolis for one of the best jungle views in the Yucatán
2.Walk the site at your own pace during free time to take photos and explore lesser-visited corners.
3.Learn from a certified, bilingual guide who brings the history, legends, and royal lineage of Ek Balam to life.
4.Photograph the carvings and structures up close — Ek Balam is far less crowded than Chichén Itzá, so you get more space and better shots.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made via email or WhatsApp. Please make sure to fill out all the necessary information in order for us to provide you with an accurate quote for your upcoming transfer. Once confirmed, it is guaranteed with us. We will be in contact one day before the service with your phone number and email that you provide us
Write us by whatsapp or email to request your quote.
Reservations can be made by WhatsApp and email. We schedule the transportation on our calendar.
Once your service is confirmed with us, It is completely guaranteed.
To make a service order we need some data
With this information you will allow us access to your hotel
- NAME
- LOCATION (Aibnb, Hotel) Better if you have gps location send us by whatsapp
- DATE
- PAY OF THE SERVICE (Deposit to book your date)
In case of cancellation by the customer No refund is applicable
*Request your payment link for your advance payment and validate.
Is the transportation private?
Is the transportation private?
The service is completely private; we only transport the clients who book it.
We do not share services with strangers.
Safe and reliable rides.
Is safe transport?
Yes we are legal, certified and trustworthy hire tourism and transportation services through qualified providers. vehicles only through certified agencies and protect yourself with insurance. Obey all warnings and signs on beaches, cenotes and public places. Follow the rules and accesses designed for the preservation and conservation of cultural and natural heritage.
for your safety, you need to know who is taking care of your transport service in case of an unforeseen problem. If you hire a public transport service, you will never know the real name of the driver and if the contracted service is provided by a legal company or one of those commonly called pirates.
Once your service is confirmed with us, It is completely guaranteed.
To make a service order we need some data
you have working hours?
We have an established schedule Mexico time to receive reservations. But if your service is already scheduled or you request a dinner, wedding or other service that is at very late hours, for example, the Rountrips have no problem doing so, we work and do those services day and night.
Working ours for booking transport or tours
Monday – Sunday: 7:00am – 10:00pm
365 days a year
Phone +52 984 318 4654
night services such as dinners, weddings, events, until very late, advance reservation
Recomentations for tours services
This:
Comfortable shoes
light clothes and sunglasses
Wearing a hat, cap and a swimsuit is a great idea.
Use biodegradable sunscreen since regular sunscreens
Bring a towel.
If you have any health condition that we should be aware of, please mention it during the booking process so we can advise you with related info on the tour and the existing physical condition
What can I bring?
Water
camera photography (in some places you must pay extra to allow you access)
Food
Swimsuit
Personal items as few as possible recommendable
Bring cash if you want to buy something or buy tickets many places 90% are paid in cash only some places accept card payments with an additional charge for the use of the service
What is not included?
Food is not included in the tours.
Tip of the driver are not included in the price
if it is not an all-inclusive tour that you have booked. The customer will pay for the tickets directly at each place visited.
Do you have cancellation policies?
What kind of car?
Transportation is assigned on the day of service, you are informed beforehand of the driver’s description and information. It will depend on the logistics of the day. Don’t worry, your transportation will be on time. We will be in contact before the pickup time.
Useful numbers tulum
- Costamed Hospital: 984 124 0830
- Tulum Hospital: 984 876 2132
- Red Cross: 984 802 5521
- Fireman: 984 871 3732
- Migration’s national: 998 881 3560
- American consulate: 998 883 0272
Access to places
Highly bring cash to pay for tickets because not all places accept card payments. Some have it but the Wi-Fi can fail so it is not very reliable just having that payment method.
You can request an ATM if you think necessary. before going to the cenotes, archaeological zones, or steed food places
Airport Arrivals Cancun or Tulum
highly recommended early reservation Airport Transportation: If your group arrives at different terminals, everyone must meet at the terminal where the last flight arrives.If your group arrives at different times, the service will be based on the last flight and at the terminal of the last flight. If, for any reason, someone in the group requires separate transportation at different times, it will be considered as a separate service and charged additionally.
we need the number of fly to monitor arrival
Airport transport is only book in advance?
Yes beacuse we need arrage the transport preferably one day or many days in advance to ensure the service and have availability
