Discover the magic of the Yucatan on this day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and a visit to cenote Saamal. Benefit from a hotel pickup by air-conditioned van, lunchbox, and a guide. Journey to the ancient city of Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Be accompanied by an expert guide throughout the day and learn fascinating facts and folklore of the Mayan civilization.  Next, visit Ek Balam, an off-the-beaten-track Yucatec-Maya archaeological site with incredible carvings hidden in a jungle landscape. Climb the soaring Acropolis pyramid, the highest point of the ruins. To recover from the Yucatan heat, dive in the crystalline waters of the underground, semi-open Cenote Saamal. Soak up the natural light illuminating the waters and the sight of tree roots cascading towards the sinkhole water.

Explore the archeological site with one of the largest buildings in Mesoamerica: Ek Balam. Explore, climb and take pictures at the top of the acropolis to admire its unique architecture and view to the mayan jungle. A guide will escort you to unveil the enigma of the Mayas that one inhabited the place. Feel free to ask as many questions since our guides are fully certified. Afterwards, swim in the refreshing waters of Chichikan cenote, a natural water formation. As pure as it can get; relax yourself surrounded by nature. After swimming, let us pamper you with the best of the local cuisine: Typical dishes with more than 20 options to choose from. To finish your trip, you will have free time to explore the magical town of Valladolid. We will stop at the main plaza where you will be able to take pictures and enjoy this pintoresque colonial town.

See some of the most important sights while visiting the Cancun area with this day trip to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. See an ancient wonder and take a refreshing swim in a cenote. Be among the first visitors to explore Ek Balam archaeological site and its Mayan ruins early in the morning. Climb the pyramids for a panoramic view of the Mayan jungle at your feet. Have some free time to explore on your own afterward. After admiring the views, head to Chichen Itza. Let your guide broaden your knowledge of archeology and Mayan culture. Imagine how the Mayans once lived in this city. Stroll through the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you about Mayan mythology, philosophy, and cosmology. Gain a deeper understanding of the meanings behind the stone sculptures and platforms. To finish off your tour, savor a Mexican buffet lunch. Take a break in the Cenote Chichi Kan. Get a break from the heat with a refreshing swim right next to its waterfall.

Explore the archeological site with one of the largest buildings in Mesoamerica: Ek Balam. Explore, climb and take pictures at the top of the acropolis to admire its unique architecture and view to the mayan jungle. A guide will escort you to unveil the enigma of the Mayas that one inhabited the place. Feel free to ask as many questions since our guides are fully certified. Afterwards, swim in the refreshing waters of Chichikan cenote, a natural water formation. As pure as it can get; relax yourself surrounded by nature. After swimming, let us pamper you with the best of the local cuisine: Typical dishes with more than 20 options to choose from. To finish your trip, you will have free time to explore the magical town of Valladolid. We will stop at the main plaza where you will be able to take pictures and enjoy this pintoresque colonial town.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Note: This 4.5+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Mayan Ruins in 7-8 hours. Once downloaded, each tour will begin at the entrance to the respective ruins. At Chichen Itza, you’ll see famous landmarks like the towering El Castillo and the Temple of Warriors. As you explore and learn more about the Mayan people, you’ll also encounter ancient white stone roads, intricate carvings, and even the infamous Wall of Skulls. This ruin is also home to the Great Ball Court, where Mayans once played an intense game sort of like a cross between soccer and basketball, but with a 20-pound ball! Tulum, the walled fortress, stands atop a bluff overlooking the sea. As you tour this incredible site, you’ll be treated to breathtaking ocean views at every turn. Here, you’ll visit landmarks such as the Palace of the Great Lord, once home to the rulers of the city. You’ll also see unusual structures like the Temple of the Wind and discover what it tells archaeologists about surprisingly advanced Mayan technology. Add to that the intricately decorated Temple of Frescoes, and you’ve got a truly unforgettable destination! At Ek Balam, you’ll hear the story of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’, the ancient Mayan king responsible for the most impressive structures you’ll see at this site. Among them: The one-of-a-kind Acropolis, the single largest ancient Mayan structure on the peninsula. Here, you’ll also find King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’s tomb, honoring the long-dead ruler. This tour will also dive into the Mayan conflict with the Spanish, and how it spelled the end for this once-powerful civilization. Your tour of Coba will introduce you to some truly remarkable artifacts, such as the famous Stelae. These huge rectangular slabs of stone still bear the engravings made in them long, long ago, the meanings of which are argued about by archaeologists to this day. Also in Coba, on structures like the picturesque Pyramid of the Painted Lintel, are remnants of the paints once used by Mayans to create beautifully colorful cities. But the main attraction of Coba has to be the Nohoch Mul Pyramid. It’s the second largest Mayan pyramid in the world, and you can actually climb the steps to the top! The views from up there are truly once-in-a-lifetime.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. NOTE: This 1-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Ek Balam in 1 hour. Once downloaded, your tour of Ek Balam begins near the Visitor Center. As you head into the site, you’ll turn back the clock thousands of years and revisit the history of Maya before the Europeans arrived. Then, learn about the arrival of the Spanish, their conquest, and how it changed the course of history on the continent. After crossing through the remnants of an ancient defensive wall, you’ll arrive at a ball court and learn the fundamentals of an intense, dangerous Mayan game that was a little bit like a cross between soccer and basketball, but with unbelievably high stakes. Then, making your way to the Circular Steam Bath (which was used to heal the sick and wounded), you’ll get a crash course in Mayan architecture. You’ll also get more familiar with the complex tenets of ancient Mayan religion on your way to your next stop. Next comes the Acropolis, the largest standing structure on the peninsula. This immense building is King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’s most enduring legacy. Fortunately, you can actually climb the stairs to the top! As you climb, you’ll notice a pair of hieroglyphic serpents and discover their meaning. After that comes the tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok’ himself. It’s quite possibly the best-preserved tomb of any Mayan king, and is a must-see stop during your visit. Finally, you’ll reach the top of the pyramid. From here, you’ll have panoramic views in every direction. You’ll even be able to see the outline of Chichen Itza on a clear day! The tour concludes here, after detailing the plaza visible below.

The city of Ek Balam dates back over a thousand years and was one of the main capitals of the Maya world. Founded by a figure named Ek Balam, hence its name around 300 B.C. Its primary ruler, Ukit Kan Lek Tok, was the one who brought forth its splendor, commissioning buildings with murals and facades featuring impressive details that endure to this day, like those in his tomb within the main building. Enjoy the magnificent view from the top of its main structure and have a unique experience. After exploring the archaeological site, we make a cultural stop where you will appreciate crafts at the stone workshop, witnessing artisans creating them. You'll taste handmade corn tortillas prepared by Maya women, savor Xtabentun, a typical regional beverage, and receive a blessing from a Maya shaman. Here, you'll indulge in a delicious menu of diverse Yucatan-style regional Mexican dishes. To conclude this incredible adventure, you'll enjoy a refreshing swim in an ancient cenote. These were and still are sources of water for the communities in the region. Fill yourself with energy in this mystical place. In this stunning cenote, you can take it to the extreme with its breathtaking rappel, descending into the interior if you decide to embark on this adventure. Once inside, you'll have fun and enjoy yourself.

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. NOTE: This comprehensive tour takes you through the heart of Chichen Itza & Ek Balam, covering their rich history and cultural significance in approximately 2 hours. Once downloaded, immerse yourself in a journey through time. Understand the profound effects of the Spanish Conquest on the ancient Mayan civilization. Walk the Sacbe, a white limestone pathway, connecting ceremonial platforms and temples. Discover the significance of the protective Defensive Wall, and marvel at the grandeur of the Entrance Arch, symbolizing gateways to sacred precincts. Witness the gripping history of the Mayan Ballgame as you approach the Ballcourt, where high-stakes games once decided fates. Delve into the wonders of Mayan Architecture, from intricate designs to monumental structures, and feel the spiritual essence at the Ceremonial Circular Steam Bath. Deepen your insights into Mayan Religion as you approach The Acropolis, Ek Balam's primary temple, and wonder at the artistic Hieroglyphic Serpents. Pay your respects at The Tomb, housing the remains of a significant ruler, and then ascend to the Top of the Pyramid for breathtaking panoramic views. The journey continues through the serene South Plaza before bidding a silent Farewell to the site's spiritual remnants. But the exploration doesn't end there; the majestic El Castillo awaits, followed by the haunting Tzompantli or the Wall of Skulls. Refresh your senses at the sacred Cenote Ik Kil and stand in awe of the Temple of the Warriors, a testimony to Mayan valor. Continue to the Ossuary, an ancient burial chamber, and then marvel at the astronomical genius of the Mayans at El Caracol, the observatory. Concluding at Las Monjas, this tour offers an unparalleled dive into the legacy and mysteries of a civilization that once flourished on these lands.