Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 22 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya worth booking?
Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya is a 10-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $500 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 22 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (22)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $500 per person
We will move at 02:30 hrs to our first stop: Visit the archaeological zone with one of the largest constructions in Mesoamerica; Ek Balam, where you can climb to the top of the acropolis and admire its unique decoration
What you get
About this experience
We will move at 02:30 hrs to our first stop: Visit the archaeological zone with one of the largest constructions in Mesoamerica; Ek Balam, where you can climb to the top of the acropolis and admire its unique decoration and view of the Mayan jungle. We will also visit the Chichikan cenote, a body of water surrounded by jungle where you can delve even deeper into the culture. We will conclude with a visit to Uayma, a hidden colonial treasure in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, offering an immersion into the rich history and architectural beauty of the region. In the heart of this charming town lies the majestic Santo Domingo Temple, a jewel of colonial religious art. Remember to pay your taxes to the Archaeological Zone when boarding!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Lifevest
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Drinks
- Admissions, fees and taxes. Adults 40 USD and children 20 USD (Mexicans with INE preferential rate)
What you'll see and do
We will enter the archaeological zone as a group. Your guide will recount the history and important points of each site of interest, providing free time for photographs. We will visit the ancient Mayan city, where several majestic buildings surrounded by jungle are preserved. Here is included the time it will take to move from one place to another
180 minutes here
Chichikan
Our guide will guide you to the Chichikan cenote, it is an eco-tourism park that connects you with the Mayan civilization and surrounds you in unique experiences: Dance, Gastronomy, Culture and Nature Natural water source where you can swim. We include life jackets. You will be able to enjoy the handmade tortilla, organic cacao, Mayan rituals and many more. You will taste typical dishes in the restaurant. Drinks are not included. Here is included the time it will take to move from one place to another
120 minutes here · Admission included
Templo y Ex Convento de Santo Domingo
We will visit Uayma, a hidden colonial treasure in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, offering an immersion into the rich history and architectural beauty of the region. In the heart of this charming town lies the majestic Santo Domingo Temple, a jewel of colonial religious art. The time it will take to move from one place to another is included here.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
Meeting point
Playa del Carmen
Outside the main access to the plaza.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Outside the main access to the plaza.
Options you can book
Ek Balam Cenote One Day Tour with Lunch from Riviera Maya
Pickup included
Private tour
Private tour Pickup included
Ek Balam Plus
Box Lunch & amenities 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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ekinox Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 22 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
22 verified traveler reviews for Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
I would repeat without hesitation.
Jorge is a great guide; he knew a lot about everything he taught us, highly recommended. The food where he took us was delicious; the restaurant was Tio Manolo. Then the cenote was Nolha, incredible, also very clean, and we had a great time with the zip line. We also went on the same excursion to Chichen; I liked it very much.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por tu excelente reseña! Nos llena de alegría saber que Jorge hizo de tu experiencia algo tan especial con sus conocimientos y pasión por compartir la historia y la cultura. También nos alegra que disfrutaras de la deliciosa comida en el restaurante, del cenote Chikin Ha y de la tirolesa. Nos encanta saber que también disfrutaste la excursión a Chichén Itzá. Compartiremos con gusto tus amables palabras con Jorge. ¡Esperamos recibirte nuevamente muy pronto para otra aventura inolvidable!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Beautiful experience, more if you have little time
Beautiful day, super complete, delicious food, we made ruins, two cenotes, and walk in Playa del Carmen. Excellent guides and driver: Luis and Blanca, patient, friendly and helpful. They answered all our doubts. It was worth it if you have little time to visit Tulum and Playa del Carmen, we leave from Cancun.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Travel to Chichen itza with the best guide we had on this trip.
The guide Angel who played us in Spanish and Portuguese explains very well and transmits everything he knows everywhere. Excellent willingness, time and patience with joy. We learned a lot. It's for recommendation.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! 😊 Nos alegra muchísimo saber que Ángel, tanto en español como en portugués, pudo transmitir todo su conocimiento con alegría, paciencia y excelente predisposición. 🌟 Qué bueno que aprendieron muchísimo y que la experiencia fue tan positiva. ¡Sin duda, un guía altamente recomendable!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Disappointing experience due to unclear fees
We booked the Ek Balam tour with cenote and lunch included. During booking, it was stated that approximately 40 USD in entrance taxes had to be paid separately. The payment link was sent shortly before the tour and did not work. Despite several messages requesting a working link and asking for the exact amount in Mexican pesos, no clear or consistent information was provided. It was important for us to pay in MXN rather than USD, as we are from Europe. However, the price in pesos was never clearly confirmed in advance. On the day of the tour, the guide initially announced 1,600 MXN for the entrance fees, using an exchange rate that did not reflect the official rate. After we questioned this, the amount was changed to 1,440 MXN. As the operator runs this tour regularly, the entrance fees are well known, yet no transparent or fixed price was communicated. During the trip, we were asked to pay an additional 280 MXN for cenote access. At Ek Balam, the official entrance fees differed from the amounts previously mentioned. In total, we paid approximately 1,700–1,800 MXN. The buffet lunch offered limited choice and basic quality food. Drinks, including water, were not included and had to be paid separately. This tour could have been an excellent experience given the beauty of Ek Balam and the cenotes. Unfortunately, the lack of transparency and the way pricing was handled significantly affected our experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback. We sincerely apologize for the confusion regarding the entrance fees, currency, and pricing information. We understand how important clear communication is, especially for international guests, and we regret that this affected your experience. We also appreciate your comments about the lunch and overall transparency, and we will review these points carefully to improve the clarity of our pricing and communication for future tours. We’re grateful that you shared your experience and hope to have the opportunity to provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Chichan Itza
Good explanation of the CI by the tour guide Mauricio, very well explained and also the chichikan Cenote was very good. Overall good experience 👍
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience! 😊 We’re glad you enjoyed Mauricio’s clear explanations at Chichén Itzá and had a great time at Chichikan Cenote. It’s wonderful to hear that overall the tour was a positive experience!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $500 to $999
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya cost?
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Prices start at $500 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa del Carmen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Playa del Carmen is not rushed.
Is Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 22 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya?
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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 Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya?
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Around 8 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ek Balam, Mayan traditions and cenote Chichikan from Riviera Maya 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 Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen?
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On Outty we rank every Playa del Carmen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour, VIP Tulum Private Tour, Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP. 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 Playa del Carmen?
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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 Playa del Carmen?
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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.
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