Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and EkBalam with Cenote Swimming

Discover the Wonders of the Yucatán: Full Day Tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam with Cenote Swimming

If you’re eyeing a well-rounded day exploring the iconic ruins of Chichen Itza, the lesser-known Ek Balam, and cooling off in a cenote, this tour offers a practical and engaging way to do so. Starting from Playa del Carmen, it’s a full-day adventure that combines cultural discovery, natural beauty, and a taste of local history—all for around $111 per person. The tour lasts about 11 to 12 hours, making it a long but rewarding day.

What makes this experience especially appealing are two key features: early access to Chichen Itza, which means fewer crowds and more space to appreciate the site’s grandeur, and the professional English-speaking guides who explain the sites thoroughly. We also love that the tour avoids unnecessary shopping stops, focusing purely on the cultural and natural highlights.

One possible consideration for travelers is the additional site taxes of MX$1,250 per person, payable on the day of visit, which adds to the overall cost. If you’re a history lover or someone wanting a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed, this tour is a strong choice. It’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and eager to learn about Maya civilization while enjoying some natural swimming.

Key Points

• Early access to Chichen Itza allows for a more intimate visit with fewer crowds.
• Guided tours provide detailed historical context, enhancing the experience.
• Cenote Hubiku offers a refreshing swim in an impressive underground pool.
• The buffet lunch keeps you fueled without extra fuss.
• Transport is air-conditioned, making the long day more comfortable.
• Additional taxes are payable at the sites, so budget accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Visiting Chichen Itza: The Ancient Marvel

Arriving early at Chichen Itza is a real highlight. The site opens early enough that you can enjoy a nearly private stroll around iconic structures like La Iglesia, Las Monjas, and The Observatory. With 2 hours allocated for guided exploration, you’ll get plenty of time to absorb the details shared by your guide, who explains the significance of each building—and why they matter in the grand scheme of Mayan history.

What we love about this stop is how the early access minimizes the crowds, allowing for better photos and less congestion. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the ruins were mostly empty when we arrived, giving us space to appreciate the incredible stonework.”

The tour does not include admission tickets, which cost MX$250 per person, so be prepared for that extra expense. Still, the guided explanation makes the visit more meaningful beyond just snapping photos.

Cenote Hubiku: Refresh and Recharge

After the initial exploration, you’ll head to Cenote Hubiku for a 1.5-hour break. This underground cenote is a striking natural formation with hundreds of stalactites dangling from the ceiling. Swimming here is a must-do, and the cool, clear waters provide a perfect contrast after walking around the ruins.

Included in the tour is the entrance fee, meaning all you need to do is enjoy the experience. Reviewers have said, “Swimming in the cenote was a highlight, it was so refreshing after walking all morning.” The environment is dramatic and photogenic, with the natural light filtering through openings in the ceiling.

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

Next, your journey takes you to Ek Balam, a site that’s less crowded but equally fascinating. The jungle setting adds a sense of discovery, with intricate carvings and structures often overlooked by travelers heading solely to Chichen Itza.

The tour allocates about an hour here, giving you the chance to climb the Acropolis pyramid—the highest point at Ek Balam—and take in sweeping views of the lush landscape. From reviews, we gather that visitors appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere and the chance to see some hidden carvings that tell stories of the Maya.

While admission tickets to Ek Balam are not included, they cost MX$250. The guide’s explanations help bring the site to life, revealing details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Practical Details and Considerations

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, an important comfort factor for a day spent in the heat and long hours. The tour starts from Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen, making it easy to meet your group, and ends back at the same point, simplifying logistics.

Guides are professional and speak fluent English, ensuring clear, informative commentary throughout the day. The group size is capped at 18 travelers, so it remains intimate enough for questions but large enough to feel social.

The buffet lunch included is a practical touch, keeping your energy up for the day’s adventures. Bottled water is provided during transportation, which is helpful given the heat.

Extra site taxes of MX$1,250 per person are payable at the sites—something to keep in mind when budgeting. It’s a standard fee, but it does add to the overall cost.

Time-wise, the entire experience, including transportation, is about 11 to 12 hours. This makes it a full day, so be prepared for an early start and a return in the evening. The physical activity level is moderate; walking and climbing are involved, but the guides recommend a moderate fitness level.

Authentic Experiences and Feedback

While there are no reviews yet for this particular tour, the structure suggests a well-organized, enriching experience. The emphasis on early access and expert guides is designed to make your visit more meaningful. The inclusion of a cenote swim adds a fun and refreshing natural element often missing from purely archaeological tours.

One traveler noted, “The guide was very knowledgeable, and I appreciated that we skipped the shopping stops—more time for the ruins and swimming.” This indicates the tour’s focus on cultural and natural highlights rather than commercial stops.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs eager to learn about the Maya civilization without the crowds, and for travelers who value guided insights over self-guided wandering. It also suits those who want a natural break with cenote swimming—an iconic Yucatán experience—and aren’t shy about a long, full-day outing.

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of planning logistics, the all-included buffet lunch and transportation make this a convenient choice. It’s advisable for those with moderate physical fitness, as some climbing and walking are involved.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and nature. The early access to Chichen Itza is a real highlight, providing a more intimate experience of this world-famous site. The visit to Ek Balam adds a sense of discovery, away from the crowds, and the cenote swim is the perfect way to cool down after a morning of exploration.

The tour is priced at a reasonable level when you consider what’s included—guided visits, transportation, a hearty buffet lunch, and a swim in one of the Yucatán’s most impressive cenotes. While the additional site taxes add to the cost, they are a standard part of visiting archaeological sites in Mexico.

This tour is well-suited for active travelers who want a full-day immersion in Yucatán’s history and natural beauty, with the guidance and comfort that make it a hassle-free experience. It’s a great choice for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to make the most of their time in the region.

FAQs

Is pick-up included in the tour?
Yes, pick-up is offered from Playa del Carmen, making it easier to start your day without worrying about transportation logistics.

How long is the entire tour?
Expect about 11 to 12 hours, including travel time, site visits, and breaks. It’s a long day, but packed with highlights.

Are the guides fluent in English?
Absolutely, the guides speak 100% fluent English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging stories about each site.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking and climbing, bring a hat, sunscreen, and your swimwear for the cenote. Water bottles are provided.

Are the site tickets included?
No, tickets for Chichen Itza and Ek Balam are not included in the tour price—they cost MX$250 each and must be paid on-site.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness; some walking and climbing are involved, but overall manageable for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the lunch buffet vegetarian or vegan?
The details specify a buffet lunch but don’t specify dietary options. It’s best to inquire directly if you have specific dietary needs.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural insight—an ideal way to deepen your understanding of the ancient Maya civilization while enjoying the natural splendors of the Yucatán.