
Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun worth booking?
Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun is a 12-hour experience in Cancun, Mexico, from $83 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (5)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $83 per person
Tick off more Mexico attractions, including one of the New7Wonders of the World, in less time on an activity-packed day trip from Playa del Carmen—the ideal choice for first-time visitors and history buffs. Visit the world-famous Chichen Itza, explore the lesser-known Ek Balam. Plus, all entrance fees and two meals are included for a seamless experience.
What you get
About this experience
Tick off more Mexico attractions, including one of the New7Wonders of the World, in less time on an activity-packed day trip from Playa del Carmen—the ideal choice for first-time visitors and history buffs. Visit the world-famous Chichen Itza, explore the lesser-known Ek Balam. Plus, all entrance fees and two meals are included for a seamless experience.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide
Not included
- Life jacket rental in the cenote, Chichen Itza USD 4.00 per person
- Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Yucatan State Taxes, Chichen Itza USD 66.00 per person
- Drinks are not included if you choose the basic option.
What you'll see and do
The second stop of the day will be in Cenote Saamal, after getting to know the history of Chichén Itzá. Here, you will be able to cool off in its water and have a relaxing time that you will surely remember forever. The cenote is subterranean, and we will enter it through its stone stairway. Thanks to its opening at the top, with the entrance of the sunlight, the water achieves a beautiful blue color.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Step into Naayil Kú Maya Village for an immersive cultural encounter guided by the Maya themselves. You’ll be welcomed by a Maya warrior and a shaman before walking a sacred jungle path filled with stories and symbolism. Receive a traditional blessing and cleansing, then browse a small handicrafts shop showcasing locally made pieces. The highlight is a live Mayan Ball Game demonstration performed by authentic warriors, followed by a tequila tasting.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Ek Balam, a lesser-known collection of Maya ruins. Climb to the top of ancient temples and admire frescoes that depict the Maya underworld as your guide tells you about the history of the area. Your tour concludes with drop-off back in Playa del Carmen.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Chichen Itza
Your expert guide will lead you throughout the day, sharing fascinating facts and folklore of the Mayan civilization. Get ready to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world!
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cancun
7:00 AM Pick up time
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
7:00 AM Pick up time
Options you can book
Plus option
Hotel pick up included Duration: 13 hours Included: Box Lunch, Buffet lunch, water, soft driks, beer Pickup included
Classic Option
Hotel pick up included Duration: 13 hours Buffet lunch included Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed
- Group size
- Up to 18 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cancun Tours
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Avoid this company at all costs
I confirmed three seperate times this week that this tour would be going ahead on 12 October, and the meeting place and meeting time. On the evening of 11 October, at 9pm (meeting next morning at 7.20am was planned) the company contacted me saying someone had cancelled and therefore they had to cancel the tour. I asked why if one person cancelled the tour was being cancelled, since they would keep the money according to their cancellation policy. The contact then stated I was actually the only person on the tour. I asked whether the company had been lying all week to me when I was confirming the details, or whether they were lying now and he refused to answer – only offering me a refund or an alternative and completely unsuitable tour. Cancun Tours has absolutely ruined my vacation, I recommend to avoid this company at all costs. Since it is now 9pm and I only have tomorrow in Cancun, I have no way of booking another tour tomorrow to Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. Terrible, shady, and dishonest company.
via Tripadvisor
Great tour! Amazing experience!!
This tour is really an incredible experience. Things to know that may be helpful…. 1. It’s a very long day but it’s definitely worth it! 2. We went at the beginning of June and it was very hot (100° F) so be prepared to protect your skin and head… hats, sunglasses and umbrellas will serve you well. 3. Our guides (Blalio and Marco our driver) were phenomenal. So genuine and informative and just so lovely! 4. Ek Balám is smaller and just as amazing… climbing the acropolis takes good physical abilities especially in the heat. So just be prepared. Getting to the top provided incredible views. Highly recommend. 5. The cenote was an out of this world experience. We were AMAZED! Just the most beautiful natural creation we’ve ever seen. LOVED IT. 6. Mayan culture is fascinating. Thanks to our guide he educated us and we came out better people for becoming familiar with this culture. Take the time to learn. 7. Chichen Itza is properly named a “wonder of the world”. The temples architecture and engineering are mind blowing. Also don’t overlook the football field! We wish we had more time to wonder around a little bit more. But with the heat we don’t know how much more time we could’ve actually used. All this to say you can’t go wrong with this tour. We are so grateful to have been able to experience this! Be prepared for a long day… take a siesta on the ride… relax and enjoy!
Response from the operator: Hi Pam_C! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment, we’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour, our service and our team. Hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Great whole day excursion
Patricio was super Knowledgeable, made sure we had enough time doing everything and that all our needs were taken care of. It’s a long day and a lot of driving but extremely memorable!
Response from the operator: Hi Katherine_B! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment, we’re delighted that you enjoyed the tour, our service and our team. Hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Good tour but...
Handfrafts shop visiting was not needed. The time should be spent at Chichen Itza. Tour delayed so return to Hotel became late.
Response from the operator: Hi Road30709314565! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comment. We have made note of your comments to make improvements in our service. Hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing!!
My guide was with Aldo. I went with my family and I can’t believe how amazing the tour was. Also was very informative on the entire tour. He helped us learn not only about the culture, but made the experience feel very authentic and personal. I had a great time, and it’s an experience I don’t think we’ll ever forget. I don’t think the experience would have been this beautiful if Aldo was not our guide. He’s amazing. He needs recognition because he really was amazing! Definitely bring a change of clothes and hat! There’s a lot of sun exposure. Bringing water would also be helpful.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed
- Price range
- $83 to $120
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Cancun Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.8.
See everything Cancun Tours runsWhy this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cancun.
How much does Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun cost?
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Prices start at $83 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cancun usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cancun is not rushed.
Is Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cancun, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cancun can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cancun and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cancun within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cancun?
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On Outty we rank every Cancun experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Chichen Itza from Cancun : Cenote, Valladolid and Mayan Cuisine, Early Access to Chichen Itza with optional pick-up, Small-Group 3 Hidden Cenotes Adventure with Tequila Tasting. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cancun?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cancun?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Guide. Not included: Life jacket rental in the cenote, Chichen Itza USD 4.00 per person; Chichen Itza and Ek Balam Yucatan State Taxes, Chichen Itza USD 66.00 per person; and Drinks are not included if you choose the basic option. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 275 listed pickup locations in and around Cancun. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Chichen Itza & EkBalam Ruins with Cenote Swimming from Cancun?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Plus option, Classic Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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