Ek Balam Ruins: The Hidden Mayan Site with Climbing Access

Ek Balam Ruins: The Hidden Mayan Site with Climbing Access!

Welcome to the Yucatan Peninsula, a land of ancient wonders and vibrant culture. Among the numerous Mayan ruins scattered throughout the region, Ek Balam stands out as a hidden gem, offering visitors the unique opportunity to climb its majestic pyramids.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to make the most of your visit to the Ek Balam ruins while vacationing in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Ek Balam is part of the top-4 Mayan sites around Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Chichen Itza and Tulum are the most visited ruins in the Yucatan. Coba and Ek Balam are known as the alternative sites for families with children, adventure seekers and explorers. The ruins at Coba are no longer climbable, leaving Ek Balam as the only of the 4 main sites that is still available for climbing.

Is Ek Balam worth visiting?
When is the best time to visit Ek Balam?
Can you climb Ek Balam ruins in 2023?
How tall is Ek Balam?
Is there a time difference between Cancun and Ek Balam?
How much are the tickets to Ek Balam (2023)?
Can I pay cash or credit card at Ek Balam?
Is Ek Balam wheelchair friendly?
Other Mayan ruins you can climb in the Yucatan Peninsula

Is Ek Balam worth visiting?

Stelae, plazas and sumptuous palaces await the visitor, but the greatest surprise is the richness of the architecture and decoration of its buildings. Highlights of the site include the Acropolis, the main pyramid, whose mausoleum looks like the mouth of a jaguar, you can still climb to the top of the building in order to appreciate the stone carvings and the 360 degree view of the arid peninsula.

Allow two hours of time if you wish to explore the full site and climb the main structures (you can climb several buildings). Ek Balam covers an area of approximately 1 square kilometer (0.4 square miles). You will start your exploration at the entrance, where you’ll find a basic information center, tickets (see prices below) and restrooms. Follow the paths that lead to various structures and ceremonial areas.

What’s the history and significance of Ek Balam?

The Ek Balam name translates to “Black Jaguar” or “Bright Star Jaguar”. The site is noted for the preservation of the plaster on the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tokʼ, a Mayan king buried inside of one of the chambers of the Acropolis. Ek Balam was one of the most influential Mayan cities, flourishing between 700 and 1,200 AD.

When is the best time to visit Ek Balam?

The best time to visit the Ek Balam ruins is during the week. Entrance for Mexican residents is free on Sundays so it can get a few extra visitors. Ek Balam opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM (CST). It’s best to get there as early as possible if you want to avoid the heat, you will be able to get the best pictures and climb the main pyramid without crowds. There is little shade on the main site so be prepared for the heat! Temperatures in Ek Balam can get very hot all year round, especially from June to September. Last access is at 4:00 PM so make sure to get there on time.

Can you climb Ek Balam ruins in 2023?

One of the most exciting features of Ek Balam is the opportunity to climb most of the structures around the site. The Acropolis is the largest building and offers breathtaking views from its summit. As of June 2023, climbing is still permitted, but regulations may change soon.

How tall is Ek Balam?

The Acropolis at Ek Balam is 32 meters high and it has 106 steps (105 ft). Climbing those stone steps can get very steep and slippery. The views at the top are worth the climb. Also that’s the only way to appreciate the main tomb located almost half way there.

Essential tips for Ek Balam:

Wear comfortable clothing and sportive shoes, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking and climbing around uneven surfaces. You can protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes may appear especially during the rainy season. Take a refillable water bottle to stay well hydrated throughout your visit. Remember it can get really hot. It’s recommended to bring cash, in Mexican Pesos, for admission fees, souvenirs, or any additional expenses.

Is there a time difference between Cancun and Ek Balam? 

It is important to consider the time zone difference between Quintana Roo and Yucatan. Quintana Roo will stay on Eastern Standard Time (EST) all year, as Daylight Saving Time (DST) is no longer in use in Mexico. Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are located in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo. This means Cancun and the Riviera Maya are one hour ahead of sites like Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.

For example, if you start driving from Playa del Carmen at 7:00 AM (EST), you will be arriving,  after two hours of driving, at 8:00 AM (CST) at Ek Balam (9:00 AM EST).

Yucatan currently observes Central Standard Time (CST) year round. Important cities like Merida and Valladolid are also located in the Mexican State of Yucatan.

Nearby attractions:

Combine your visit to Ek Balam with other nearby attractions, such as the colonial town of Valladolid or one of the many Cenotes (natural freshwater sinkholes) that surround the region. If you are staying between Cancun and Playa del Carmen you can visit Chichen Itza Ruins, Cenote Saamal and Ek Balam Ruins in one day. You can do this with a specialized tour company like The Custom Tour Riviera Maya.

If your hotel is located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen you can visit Ek Balam, Cenote Saamal and Coba Ruins in one day. Contact The Custom Tour Riviera Maya for more information.

Getting to Ek Balam from Cancun:

Ek Balam is located approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) west of Cancun, making it a preferred day trip destination. The journey to Ek Balam Ruins takes around 2:30 hours from Cancun.

The most convenient way to reach Ek Balam is by taking a private tour (efficient logistics will maximize your time) or joining a bus tour (cheaper but slower). There is no public transportation from Cancun Hotel Zone to Ek Balam.

If you rent a car, take the 180D Highway (Merida), then the 295 highway (Tizimin), head north and follow the “Ek Balam Zona Arqueologica” signs. Bring cash in Mexican Pesos to pay for the tolls: MX$770 approximately. You can not pay for the tolls in US Dollars.

Getting to Ek Balam from Playa del Carmen:

Ek Balam is located approximately 155 kilometers (96 miles) west of Playa del Carmen, making it a great day trip destination. The journey to Ek Balam Ruins takes around 2 hours from Playa del Carmen.

The most convenient way to reach Ek Balam is by taking a private tour (maximize your time) or joining a bus tour (cheaper but slower). There is no public transportation from Playa del Carmen to Ek Balam.

If you rent a car, take the 305D Highway, then 180D going west, then the 295 highway (Tizimin), head north and follow the Ek Balam signs. Bring cash in Mexican Pesos to pay for the tolls: MX$645 approximately. You can not pay for the tolls in US Dollars.

Getting to Ek Balam from Tulum:

Ek Balam is located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) north-west of Tulum, making it a perfect day trip destination. The journey to Ek Balam Ruins takes around 1:45 hours from Tulum.

The most convenient way to reach Ek Balam is by taking a private tour (efficient logistics) or joining a bus tour (cheaper but slower). There is no public transportation from Tulum to Ek Balam. If you rent a car, take the 180 highway (to Coba), then the 295 highway (Tizimin), head north and follow the “Ek Balam Zona Arqueologica” signs. No tolls need to be paid in this route.

Getting to Ek Balam from Merida:

Ek Balam is located approximately 175 kilometers (110 miles) east of Merida, making it a good day trip destination. The journey to Ek Balam Ruins takes around 2:30 hours from Merida. From the city of Merida, take the 180 Highway (tolls), and follow the Ek Balam signs. You can take the 176 and 295 highways if you wish to avoid the tolls.

How much are the tickets to Ek Balam?

The entrance fee to Ek Balam ruins (as of June 2023) is: MX$531 per adult, and MX$90 per children (3 to 11 yo). Action cameras like GoPro pay a small fee of MX$50 directly on site. Parking costs MX$100 per car. You can also hire a local guide on-site for an extra fee (around MX$1200 to MX$1600), price depends on the language and group size.

Can I pay cash or credit card at Ek Balam?

Remember to bring Mexican Pesos. US Dollars or foreign currencies are not accepted. Is not always easy to pay with a credit card, as it depends a lot on random factors such as power (lack of electricity) and spotty Wi-Fi signal for the bank terminal, at the time you wish to pay. Remember cash is king in most parts of Mexico.

Is Ek Balam wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately Ek Balam is not wheelchair-friendly, and navigating through the site is almost impossible for a person in a wheelchair.

Responsible tourism practices:

Help preserve Ek Balam for future generations by respecting the rules and regulations set by the authorities. Avoid touching delicate structures. Climb only the designated areas. Carry out any trash you generate and dispose of it in designated bins. Do not remove any rocks or take any souvenirs from the site.

Smoking or vaping is not allowed at any archaeological site in Mexico.

Drones are not allowed, even smaller ones. A written permission by the authorities is needed to use drones or professional video cameras at INAH sites in Mexico.

Other Mayan ruins you can climb in the Yucatan Peninsula:

If you wish to climb more Mayan temples we strongly recommend planning a trip to Uxmal ruins, conveniently located close to Merida, you can discover Uxmal and a few other beautiful sites around the Ruta Puuc, in the state of Yucatan. The Calakmul ruins are located in Campeche, are also great and impressive.

Let’s wrap this up!

Ek Balam Ruins offer an extraordinary journey into the heart of Maya civilization, allowing you to explore and even climb its ancient pyramids. Immerse yourself in history and enjoy the panoramic views from the summit. Remember to plan your visit, adhere to responsible tourism practices, and embrace the magic of this lesser-known Maya site as you explore Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula.