VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour
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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
5.0/5
Based on 74 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour worth booking?
VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour is a 12-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $100 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 74 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (74)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and get the chance to swim in a freshwater cenote with this private tour from Playa del Carmen. You'll head out to Chichen Itza bright and early to help you avoid the crowds
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and get the chance to swim in a freshwater cenote with this private tour from Playa del Carmen. You'll head out to Chichen Itza bright and early to help you avoid the crowds, where you'll have a guided tour followed by free time. You'll also visit the Ek Balam ruins, climb its pyramid and the Oxman cenote, with a stop in Valladolid for an included lunch.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Beverages at lunch
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Chichen Itza
Arrive EARLY, AVOID the crowds and have this MAGIC place to yourself.
120 minutes here
Ek Balam
Discover this rich archeological site and climb its pyramid
120 minutes here · Admission included
Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman
Enjoy the cenote by jumping with a rope or going down the stairs
60 minutes here · Admission included
Valladolid
Lunch in a local a la carte restaurant in the main square of Valladolid. You will taste authentic Mexican food.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- My Quest Concierge Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- 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 74 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
6 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
74 verified traveler reviews for VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ready to book our trip again to Mexico!
Carlos was very knowledgeable about all the tourist sites we visited, especially Ek Balam and Cenote Oxman. He shared many interesting stories about the Mayan culture and history which made the tour even more enjoyable. He was also very friendly and kind especially to my son which we truly appreciated. Carlos escorted us from the Xcaret hotel to our hotel in Cancun with the tourist spots conveniently included along the way. What also made the experience special was how well he planned the timing of our visits. It felt like the places were reserved just for us because he knew exactly when to arrive before other groups came in. Overall, it was a smooth, fun, and memorable experience thanks to Carlos.
via Tripadvisor
Master Guide & Unmatched Expertise: The Ultimate Mayan Excursion
Our day-long excursion was nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the transportation was seamless, but the true highlight was our guide, Eric. As a historian, Eric’s deep expertise in Mayan culture—spanning the language, history, and its relevance to modern life—was incredibly impressive. He didn't just state facts; he brought the landscapes and sites like Chichen Itza and Ek Balam to life with vivid storytelling. Between the awe-inspiring ruins, a refreshing cenote swim, and a delicious local lunch, the day was perfectly paced. Eric’s passion, energy (even dancing!), and knowledge were contagious, leaving us inspired to learn even more about this incredible culture. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Wonderful
This is a great site to see the pyramids. Our guide Eric was great. I would recommend him. He was knowledgeable and on time Be prepared for the heat and wear sensible shoes.
via Viator
Excellent Tour, Fabulous Guide
Eric took us on an unforgettable journey to Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, lunch in Valladolid, and a refreshing swim in a cenote. As a former history teacher, he was an exceptional guide—engaging, insightful, and incredibly knowledgeable. He brought the ancient sites to life with fascinating stories and context that we would have missed on our own. Our family of four loved the private experience, and we came away with memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend!
via Viator
Great day exploring Mayan ruins
Oscar was a great driver and tour guide. He was knowledgeable and tailored well to his audience. I appreciated the ability to customize the private tour and modify the itinerary as desired!
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
- Every day
- Price range
- $100 to $400
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 26
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.
How much does VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $100 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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour 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 Playa del Carmen is not rushed.
Is VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 74 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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?
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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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour 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 VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour?
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Around 26 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour 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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